Autumn Reflection = Winter Resilience

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Lots of people love fall: the colors of the trees, apple picking, pumpkin spice everything, sweater season...

But many of us view this time of year with trepidation. If fall signals to you the beginning of a cold, dark, and difficult season, you're not alone!

For those of us who struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder, now is the time to prepare. Getting your routines really stable before things get difficult can help you survive and THRIVE this winter! Over the next few weeks, we'll share some strategies to winterize your self-care practices to help combat the winter blues! 


Week 1: Build Resilience with Reflection

Try out the following practices to build a mindset of resilience to carry you through this winter. 

Embrace Your Feelings

You might be starting to experience feelings of grief right now for sunlight, sprawling green mountains, warm days at the swimming hole, and creemee stands. It's okay to grieve the end of summer! In fact, sitting with our feelings is a way to allow them to move through us and let us move on. 

  • Write a love letter to summer or make a photo collage of this past summer
  • Hold an end-of-summer ritual with friends
    • share stories and photos
    • get out in nature
    • enjoy flowers and fresh fruit & veggies
    • set intentions for the months to come & make a plan to check in 
  • Try a guided meditation to find some structure in processing feelings
  • Name your feelings, and allow yourself to experience them fully
    • Set a timer to sit with your feelings, and plan something to help you switch gears when the timer dings!

Welcome Uncertainty & Anxiety 

During times of change, it's human nature to feel a bit of anxiety in the unknown. And no time signals change like autumn! Practice putting yourself in uncertain situations within safety to train your brain that you can make it through!

  • Go for a drive, walk, or bike ride with no destination in mind
  • Cook a meal without a recipe, making it up as you go along
  • Strike up a short conversation with a stranger
  • Go for a walk on a day it may rain

Practice Mindfulness and Staying in the Moment

Staying present is the #1 tool against anxiety. Set aside time each day to tune into your body, emotions, and surroundings.

  • Body scan - what do you feel physically in each body part, toe to head?
  • Check in with what your 5 senses are experiencing in a given moment
  • List 3 things you're grateful for
  • Short meditations, guided or silent

Continue to follow this blog series for ideas to stay active, connected, nourished, cozy, and joyful this winter!

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