Embracing Autumn
How to keep a positive spirit while the days get cooler, our holiday tans start fading and suddenly we realise that summer has left us for good? This year we have been exceptionally lucky to have the most beautiful beginning of the Autumn season, with amazing sunshine and warm, lovely days. But this cannot last forever, and we need to be ready not to let the rainy days bring us down.
To tell you the truth I have always been a fan of Autumn. The months of September and October are full of beautiful colours, leaves in the park, the cool, crisp air. It’s the perfect time to get back to all those cosy sweaters and scarves!
This time of year reminds me of getting back to school or university, which was always so exciting. Getting to see all your friends again, going shopping for lovely new notebooks and colourful pens! Even though I’m long done with school, I still feel amazing energy when Autumn arrives. It reminds me of one of my favourite movies, “You’ve got mail”, when Joe Fox said: “Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address” This is exactly how I feel!
But at some point the lovely golden autumn changes into these cold miserable days filled with darkness and constant rain. Very soon now, we will have to change our clocks, which means that it will be already dark around 5 o’clock in the afternoon… that can be a bit depressing. It’s also a time when it’s really easy to catch a cold with the sudden weather changes, and everyone around you wheezing and sneezing, and you’re just hoping you won’t be next.
So how to deal with the not-so-colorful part of this season? I created a list of 10 positive ideas that keep me smiling and full of energy, maybe some of them will also work for you:
1. HOLIDAY SEASON
If it’s getting close to November, that means that the Holiday season is just around the corner. Think of Christmas! And this also means looking for presents, try doing it much earlier and skipping the crowds. I am a total sucker for all things Christmas, and love all the corny traditions. Also, I spent the last two holiday seasons without my family, in faraway India, so I plan to do everything right this year. And I just love everything about the holidays: the decorations in the city, making Christmas cards, baking gingerbread cookies, watching all my favourite Christmas movies, decorating your home and planning all the yummy cooking…
2. GET FIT!
There are some good reasons to get fit! That skiing trip in February will be much more enjoyable if your body is prepared and your legs are really strong. And if you’re more of a party person, think of an outfit for New Year’s Eve and how great you will look in it if you start working out and eating healthy today! So don’t wait, get that ass to class! Find some form of activity that brings you joy and get moving.
3. EAT HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY
Healthy eating - if not for the reasons above, then just start eating clean to feel better and full of energy this season. Your body needs lots of vitamins from whole foods to keep your body healthy and be able to stay away from all that sneezing! Make sure you are eating your fruits and veggies, drink lots of yummy teas and hot ginger or turmeric infusions and keep yourself warm. Find recipes for these in my blog post: “Stay healthy all year round!”
4. STEP ON YOUR MAT! YOGA FOR EVERYONE
Start your day with yoga, or fit it in somewhere in your busy schedule. Regular yoga practice is great for a healthy and strong body, but even more it works wonders for your mind. It will help you feel balanced and thinking positive. Give it a try! At least once a week, but even better 2-3 times a week!
5. MEDITATE, BE MINDFUL
Take some time to meditate or just sit and breathe, anyone can do it. Find the time during your day to just be in the present moment and listen to your body. Sit down on a mat or carpet in a crossed legged position and close your eyes, focusing on your breath, breathing in and breathing out. Try to find a little time every day just to be with yourself.
6. WEEKEND GETAWAY
Plan something fun, a trip or weekend getaway. It’s always something to look forward to and feel positive about. Maybe a trip to a big city? Or even better to the forest or countryside. It’s great to have something to look forward to when you feel tired and overwhelmed with your busy schedule.
I have a friend who booked a short trip every last weekend of the month all the way up to Christmas! But you don’t need to go all the way, plan even a day away and it will give you something nice to wait for.
7. GET OFFLINE
Limit your time online! Try not to spend all of your free time on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Do something different with your time: read a book, go to the movies, walk your dog. And enjoy it.
8. GO OUTSIDE
Spend more time outside. Even though the weather isn’t perfect, try to spend more time outside, you really need the air and sun. Go to the park, for a walk or run or any reason that gets you in that fresh air.
9. HAVE SOME “ME” TIME
Sometimes it’s good to wrap yourself in a blanket and cuddle with your cats in front of a good show on Netflix! Enjoy these long cosy evenings.
10. ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS
Find your own little things this season that bring a smile to your face. I love enjoying a hot chocolate in the daytime or mulled wine on a Friday evening… What are your happy little moments?
