I couldn’t believe my eyes when I spotted Christmas cards on sale a whole week before the last summer Bank Holiday.
It seems to happen earlier every year. As if we’re in such a rush to move on that we forget to enjoy where we are. Why aren’t we savouring the final drops of summer instead of fast-forwarding to darker mornings and shorter days? Summer always slips away soon enough on its own.
What follows can feel predictable: Bonfire Night, Halloween, Mariah Carey and the countdown to Christmas. Same old, same old. And if we’re honest the shorter days can leave many of us feeling a little flat.
The long summer days, time off work, and extended moments with family can make the season feel extra special, so it’s no wonder the shift into autumn can seem like a bit of a comedown. But it doesn’t have to feel like a loss. The change of season is really an opportunity to notice what’s different, lean into it, and discover new ways to keep yourself feeling well and connected to the people, places and things you love.
For me, it’s an early morning start. I head to the gym before the sun is up, there are some days when I’m just not feeling it. But I always feel better afterwards. Part of the reward is catching the sunrise. It never fails to make me smile, sometimes I even have a little tear because it’s so beautiful and peaceful! In summer it’s fierce and golden, a day full of promise and in autumn it’s a comforting rich redy orange.
On a practical level, moving our bodies and catching the morning light aren’t just nice ideas. They help our brain release dopamine and serotonin, the chemicals that boost mood, motivation, and balance. As the days get shorter, keeping those levels topped up is even more important. They’re the body’s natural defence against the dip many of us feel at this time of year.
Acceptance of the new season can help too, embrace it for what it is. Autumn brings its own comforts, hearty foods, spiced candles, blankets, old familiar films, or lining up a box set you’ve been meaning to watch. These things create a sense of warmth and safety when the outside world feels colder. But, as tempting as it is, it’s important not to slip into full hibernation mode. There’s still plenty to enjoy outdoors, crisp evenings under the stars, local bonfires, markets brimming with seasonal food, or even just taking a walk and noticing how the colours have changed.
It doesn’t have to be big gestures. Small shifts can change the way the season feels. Try cooking something new with autumn ingredients, start a simple project you can look forward to, or make a plan with a friend that gets you both out of the house. Even something as small as stepping outside for ten minutes of fresh air can change your mood more than you expect.
Seasonal changes are unavoidable, but how we respond to them is up to us. We can treat them as something to endure, or we can look for ways to let them work for us. Movement, light, connection, and a balance between cosy comfort and gentle adventure can all help carry us through the darker months feeling a little brighter.
Same old, same old? Not if you choose to see it differently.
Shannon Humphrey is a First Aid for Mental Health Instructor and Wellbeing advocate, find out more about her work at www.pathwaysforpositivity.com
Photo: Shutterstock
While you’re here, can we ask a favour?
South Leeds Life is published by a not-for-profit social enterprise. We keep our costs as low as possible but we’ve been hit by increases in the print costs for our monthly newspaper which have doubled in the last two years.
Could you help support local community news by making a one off donation, or even better taking out a supporters subscription?
Donate here, or sign up for a subscription at bit.ly/SLLsubscribe
