Season of Change
It’s hard for me to believe that November is already here. I’ve been wrapped up in my own little world and was definitely not out in nature as much this summer as I typically am. Witnessing the change of the numerous elements outside tends to help keep me more grounded and aware, but this summer/fall found me remiss of those activities.
As we head into this weekend, another change arrives with the ending of Daylight Saving Time. So it’s back to darkness in the evenings…long, cold, solitary darkness. I find that with this time of year it is most important to expand on or create a more nourishing morning and evening routine. It’s so easy to get lost in the darkness and tune out, not be aware, binge watch tv or spend too much screen time on phones, tablets, computers, etc. Boredom may kick in and the snack cravings may become more frequent and intense. This all adds to the negative or depressed feelings we are likely trying to avoid.
What to do? While creating or expanding on a more nourishing routine may be more work and take more effort at the onset, the journey itself and the positive effect on the mind/body/spirit is well worth the slight discomforts at the beginning of the new routine.
Self-care is important at all times, yet as we enter into the end of the year with less light, sun, and warmth, self-care becomes even more important in order to offset the common occurrence of seasonal depression. There are many elements at play this time of year, not only the physical change in our environment, but also the emotional effects the holidays may have on our well-being.
What can you do in the morning to help you have a more healthy and vibrant outlook on your day? This might take some time and adjustments to figure out, and that’s okay because doing something to help create a positive change is better than continuing to get stuck in the doldrums of the season.
Are you able to wake up 15 minutes earlier? Before opening your eyes and getting out of bed, start to take a few rounds of deeper breaths. Pause for a moment just to observe how your body is feeling, how your breath is moving, notice the quality of your thoughts. Starting off the day with gratitude is never a bad thing. What are 3 things you are grateful for? What is a helpful intention you can take with you throughout your day? Once you have those held in your heart, then open your eyes and make your way into your day.
From here, gentle movement or stretching, a few moments of meditation or breathing, journaling, or reading/studying a meaningful text can all be helpful in launching you into your day with a brighter outlook.
What can you do in the evenings, as you aren’t likely spending as much time outside, or it’s already dark by the time you get off work? This can be similar to your morning. Movement of any kind seems to help me. Instead of sitting down on the couch, is there anything you can do that will help your body be more at ease? Of course, you can take part in physical activities by joining a gym or taking group classes, but that isn’t always possible to fit within a weekly schedule. Having something you can do anywhere…at home or while traveling that can be your base or ‘go-to’ will create more ease in establishing and sticking with a daily routine.
I’ll always recommend yoga as a beautiful practice to incorporate into an evening routine. You can try a more gentle/therapeutic yoga, or restorative and yin yoga with longer holds. Meditation and breathwork (pranayama) are both important practices of yoga as well. Anything that can help to restore and nourish your mind and body will work.
Fall and winter require a different type of self-care for our bodies and minds. It’s important to be aware of the changes you are feeling.. You may find you need more sleep or rest, or more nourishing and warmer foods. This is a part of our natural and cyclical cycles. We are a part of nature, not separate. Look to the changing of seasons for inspiration and guidance on adjusting or creating a new routine for yourself.
