According to the psychologist
3 ways to beat the fall blues now
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From October it can get uncomfortable outside, especially with the dwindling sunlight. Fortunately, we can do something about the lethargy and resentment that grips us.
The US psychologist Susan M. Pollack recommends three simple changes that can make a difference in your own mood if you are in a bad mood in autumn and the coming winter. Best of all, not all steps have to be at the same time, explains the psychologist on “Psychology Today”. It is also possible to start with just one of the exercises and add the others later. But that is not absolutely necessary. Here are three tips the expert recommends for people with fall blues:
Go through the fall with more awareness
There are many beautiful things we ignore when the fall blues get the better of us. Suddenly we only see the worst of the time of the year, which is also very beautiful in many moments, and it is now time to change this attitude. Take a walk, preferably in the forest, and take your time observing your surroundings: colorful leaves, fallen chestnuts, a pleasantly warm but already slightly fresh breeze. When we focus on these things, we find it easier to see the beautiful.
What can also help are walks and moments that focus entirely on the seasonality of things. Only now are the colorful leaves available, which we can collect and dry like we used to as children. Only now can we pick up the fallen chestnuts and hazelnuts and place them decoratively in the living room. Or we celebrate autumn with delicious pumpkin recipes or a fresh apple pie – because they taste particularly good in autumn. If you find it difficult to come up with these ideas yourself, there is another idea: together with friends, a nice neighbor or family it is of course twice as much fun.
Small physical activities
According to Susan M. Pollack, even small “sports snacks” are enough to put you in a better mood. Start with a short circuit around the block. Walking just two to five minutes a day is already good. And then, if you get the urge, build up a little over time after you’ve been in this habit for a while. Other sports snacks are of course always good. Because even if those of us who don’t like sports don’t like to hear it: Physical activity does help to release happy hormones such as dopamine or serotonin. By the way: Some games like boules or Viking chess are ideal for a nice autumn day at the weekend. Or how about just letting out your inner child and flying a kite?
Realign the thoughts
When things are not going well for us, as humans we tend to play negative thoughts over and over again in our heads and only look at the situation from one angle. In order to prevent this, it is important to challenge your own brain and reprogram these trains of thought. According to the psychologist, it is about recognizing what is bothering you at the moment and learning to react less to this problem. Is it the darkness that bothers you the most? Then grab a friend during your lunch break and head outside for a while to catch up on your daily reserve of sunshine whim.
Is it concern about new regulations or restrictions in the Corona autumn and winter? Then consider whether your fears are really justified. Are there any limitations that you have to adjust to – or is life possibly going on as normal? Maybe just go have a coffee with friends again or meet for a movie night. Try to focus on one of the best options instead of the negative end result. Recognize your worries and evaluate them logically or talk to your loved ones about the fears when you are too stuck yourself. Any situation can end in an incredible number of different ways. And our own mindset also plays a role.
Sources used: Psychology Today