Falling into Fall: A Guide to Mental Health This Autumn

Ah, autumn! The season of pumpkin spice everything, vibrant leaves, and the existential dread that comes from realizing you still haven’t achieved your New Year’s resolutions. As the days get shorter and the nights get chillier, it's easy to feel like a leaf clinging desperately to the tree. Let’s navigate together this colorful chaos while keeping our mental health in check.

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the impending doom of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It’s like that one friend who shows up uninvited to your party—dark, moody, and absolutely not on the guest list. With the sun playing hide-and-seek and daylight savings time ruining your sleep schedule, it’s crucial to keep our mental health on the front burner. Let’s break it down how we can tackle this, shall we?

Embrace the Cozy Vibes

First things first: it’s time to cozy up! Autumn is basically an invitation to channel your inner hermit. Invest in oversized sweaters, fuzzy socks, and all the candles you can find. Light a candle up, grab a book that’s on your “to-read” list, and just exist. Don’t worry about the fact that you’re not out conquering the world; you’re mastering the art of slowing down and relaxing, and that’s an accomplishment in itself.

Get Your Nature Fix

Autumn is Mother Nature’s way of reminding us that change can be beautiful, so take a moment to step outside. Go for a walk, jump in a pile of leaves, or just stand there and marvel at the colors. Nature is the original mood booster, so prioritize squeezing in that extra time outside and for an added bonus, snap some photos. Going outside even when it’s cold will boost your mood, your energy, and get your blood flowing.

Keep Your Schedule Flexible

In autumn, our schedules can start to feel tighter than our jeans after Thanksgiving dinner. Between holidays, family visits, and the onslaught of social obligations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The secret? Learn to say no like a pro. Practice it in the mirror: “No, thank you.” “Not today.” “I have plans.” or “Maybe next time.” As the temperature drops, so should your social calendar. Embrace your inner bear and allow yourself some downtime. Don’t feel guilty about taking time for yourself and saying no; it’s necessary self-care. 

Stay Active, but Make it Fun

Okay, let’s talk about exercise. As much as we love the thought of breaking a sweat, doing it outdoors in chilly weather can feel like an extreme sport. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be torture! Find fun ways to get your body moving. Dance like nobody’s watching (except for your cat, who is definitely judging you), try a yoga class where the instructor wears an adorable beanie, or even take up raking up those leaves as an oddly specific workout. Just remember, a little movement can help clear your mind and boost those happy endorphins.

Connect with Your Tribe

Nothing screams “mental wellness” like a good chat with your friends. Schedule some hangout time, even if it’s virtual. Video calls can be a lifesaver when the weather outside feels less than inviting. Have a cozy movie night, share your favorite autumn recipes, or just gossip about the latest celebrity drama. Friends are like a warm hug for your brain, and you’ll need that warmth as temperatures drop.

Mental Health Check-Ins

Finally, let’s not forget to check in with ourselves—because, as much as we love pumpkin-flavored everything, we can’t forget about our emotional wellness. Grab a journal and jot down your thoughts. What are you grateful for? What’s bothering you? You can even create a list of things you love about autumn and winter. Reflecting on your feelings can help you process emotions and stay grounded during this transition.

You Got This!

As autumn rolls in and the world turns golden and crunchy, and eventually brown, followed by sparkling white, don’t forget to prioritize your mental health. Cozy vibes, nature walks, and the occasional hermit day can all contribute to a season of wellness. Remember, it’s okay to embrace the change, take breaks, and enjoy every pumpkin spice-infused moment. This autumn, let’s raise a mug of hot cocoa to mental health and to embracing every messy, wonderful moment. Now go forth and enjoy the season!