Transitioning seasons can be a difficult time in many people’s lives. It’s even more strenuous when going from warm, sunny temperatures to much darker, colder weather.
In fact, the temperature isn’t the only thing changing during this time. The amount of change people go through can affect both their physical and mental health. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a common issue that arises from mid-fall to early winter and continues through the colder season. This disorder can cause many problematic symptoms such as:
- Having low energy
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Hypersomnia
- Experiencing changes in your appetite or weight
- Social withdrawal
There are also many risk factors to consider when referencing SAD. Being female, your geographic location, family history, experiencing depression or bipolar disorder, and being of a younger age are all characteristics that may increase your chances of being influenced by Seasonal Affective Disorder.
With the recent emphasis on the importance of mental health over the past 10 years, it’s vital to take a proactive approach to having a sound body and mind. Take the transitional period from summer to fall in full stride this year with these great tips for staying mindful!
Get More Restful Sleep
Getting better sleep is always a top priority for people when preparing for change. However, many are unsure where to start to actually achieve it. Tossing and turning can lead some to be frustrated with their current situation and this often hinders people from maintaining motivation to live a more mindful life.
There are plenty of ways to get a better night’s sleep. To start, choose a mattress that fits your unique sleep style. Options range from firm to soft and depending on a person’s preferences, can have a large effect on the quality of sleep. Traditional innerspring mattresses provide a little more bounce while memory foam materials supply a much firmer base.
Next, be sure your bed is equipped with helpful accessories like sheets, pillows, and comforters. At the beginning of the fall season, temperatures may still be fairly warm. During this time, choose moisture-wicking sheets and lighter comforters to promote airflow and prevent overheating. Make sure your pillows are supportive of your neck and sleeping position and aid in healthy vertebrae alignment.
Finally, ensure the room you are sleeping in fosters a hospitable environment. If you prefer some noise in the background, try using a white noise machine or fans for adequate acoustics. If sunlight early in the morning is a bother, equip your windows with blackout shades for a darker sleeping space. And don’t forget, as winter approaches solstice patterns cause daylight hours to change, so keep this in mind when addressing your bedroom setup.
Stay Active
One of the best ways to remain mindful during colder seasons is to keep moving! Staying active is a great way to keep emotions light while also keeping health at the forefront of your priorities.
It’s so easy to hole up indoors and hibernate when the weather is less than ideal. Resist the urge by hitting the gym or going for a jog outside to get your endorphins pumping. Just be sure to bundle up if you’re heading outdoors! Exposure to chilly temperatures is known to have an adverse effect on the human body’s immune system, and no one likes getting a cold. Staying warm with cold-weather accessories is key to keeping the body in tip-top shape throughout the season.
Try a New Lifestyle Trend
Trying new things is a great way to stay stimulated through less exciting seasons. Why not experiment with a new trend that’s sure to keep you on your toes? Whether it’s a new dietary lifestyle that may improve your mood or a different form of home living, there are plenty of options that will promote a more positive way of life.
One amazing lifestyle trend to give a try that falls perfectly in line with colder weather is the Danish practice called hygge. Actually pronounced hoo-gah, this popular way of life is often attributed to Scandinavian countries consistent with top rankings on the World Happiness Report.
Hygge is all about living a more mindful, relaxed life. Whether it be appreciating the time you get to catch up with a friend, bundling up with your favorite warm beverage for an epic movie marathon, or simply keeping a gratitude journal, there are plenty of ways to easily introduce this practice into your everyday schedule. Just remember to relish the little things and a hygge lifestyle will always be on top of your mind!
Join a Book Club
Even if you’re not the biggest bookworm when flying solo, joining a book club can help increase the drive to complete a novel for the mere benefit of socialization. Having a group of people with a common goal can help keep a major focus on mindfulness when heading into the fall.
By keeping a schedule and staying on track with your reading goals, your motivation to complete a book will be higher than ever. Reading can be the perfect cold weather activity to help enrich the mind with discovery and thought. No matter the genre, there’s always something new to learn!
Mark a Calendar
While there’s nothing quite like enjoying the present, there’s always something else to look forward to! Whether you’re taking a trip, marking the date for a family gathering, or simply counting down the days to spring, there’s something out there for everyone to work toward.
Special dates of giving in the fall to improve your mindset include Giving Tuesday, World Kindness Day, and International Volunteer Day. By participating in any of these occasions and paying goodness forward, you’re bound to have your mindfulness at an all-time high.
Do you have any tips or information you’d like to share? I’d love to hear them; please share them in the box below.
