Simple Ways to Relieve Seasonal Stress
Fall is a season of change. However, the colder temperatures can easily dampen your mood. Fortunately, there are simple yet effective ways to embrace the season with joy. Explore actionable tips to help you find relief from fall stress.
Why People Feel Stressed During Fall Season
Do you feel more anxious or stressed than you did last season? You’re not alone. Autumn means less sunlight and colder days, which may affect your biological clock and disrupt your melatonin levels, which significantly affect mood and sleep patterns.
Fall is traditionally a back-to-school season for many kids, making children and their parents more busy. Additionally, many businesses grapple with project launches and year-end deadlines, leading to increased workload. With so much going on these months, it’s important to carve out time to avoid burnout.
Don’t let fall blues get you down. Let’s explore simple, effective ways to enjoy the season to the fullest.
Get Organized
The last few months of the year can be busy. From school starting back up to the holidays, there are endless responsibilities to remember. Sit down and map out your schedule to regain some control. Writing to-do lists can help relieve stress and ensure you don’t forget anything important. You should also keep a planner or calendar so you can add important dates as they arise.
Once you have all of the appointments, holiday parties, meetings, and other obligations written down, you can make time for fun. Adding things like “family game night” or “coffee date with a friend” to your schedule can give you something to look forward to.
Get a Flu Shot
Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, affecting your anti-inflammatory response and making you more susceptible to illnesses such as the flu. If you haven't gotten your flu vaccine this year, consider getting one this month to stay protected until winter.
Connect With Friends
The chilly season is the ideal time to meet friends. Spend brunch or an intimate dinner with your close friends or drive for hours to visit a long-distance friend. Catching up with your loved ones can help reduce stress and boost your self-worth.
Try a New Activity
Remember that hobby or sport you’ve been wanting to try for a long time? Now’s the time to take action. If you feel stuck, try something new. Stepping out of your comfort zone can help you feel empowered and fulfilled.
Spend Time in Nature
Go out, walk around and admire the colorful foliage. You’ll be surprised by how much better you’ll feel after spending time in nature. Exposure to green space can help promote better sleep and mental wellness. Instead of binge-watching movies for hours, step out and be one with nature.
Declutter Your Space
A cluttered environment can overwhelm you, especially when it interferes with your daily tasks. Spend a day or two eliminating clutter and organizing the remaining stuff. Once you’re done, don’t forget to unwind with a warm drink and your favorite treat. You deserve it.
Make Time for You
As leaves continue to fall, remember that feeling anxious or stressed is normal. These tips can help you manage seasonal stress effectively and cultivate a sense of well-being. May you find joy and peace this fall.
Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She has a passion for writing about ways to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life, especially for new moms.