Managing Mental Health in the Fall
By Brandi Goodman
For some it's the fall, and others not until winter, but the changing of seasons can be a huge detriment to a person's mental health. If you know that the fall season typically leaves you feeling melancholy, then now is the time to start figuring out how to manage your mental health.
Plan a Getaway
Even if you took a vacation in the summer, you can still plan a getaway for the fall. A short weekend trip could be all it takes to help you reset and be better prepared to handle your daily responsibilities. A weekend at home with no phones and a change of decoration can even give you the staycation vibes you need to ease your mind.
Do Something You're Good At
Feeling like you're constantly failing to meet everyone's expectations is not great for your mental health. Forget about the things you aren't doing well, and focus on the things you're good at. Doing something you know you enjoy and do well is a great way to help you build your self-confidence.
Get Outside
Don't stay cooped up inside just because it's a cold or rainy day. Your mind needs the outdoor air and beauty to help fight depression. Get outside when you can -- even if it means bundling up in a hat, gloves, and jacket and taking an umbrella along. Go for a walk and allow your mind to de-stress.
Prep and Plan
The feeling of being out of control and in a rush every morning can set a bad precedent for your day. Give yourself back that control by prepping and planning ahead. Prepping your meals for the week or even just laying out your outfit for the next day can help you save time and prevent the feeling of rushing and failing that stresses you out so much.
Start a Gratitude Journal
Thinking about all the negatives in your life is sure to bring you down. Try to start a gratitude journal and focus on the positives instead. Being able to look back at the good things that happened in your day or week can help you see that life isn't so bad. Jot down how the sun was shining and felt great on your face as you walked out the door. Talk about sipping on your favorite flavor of coffee and how it woke you up well. Note how your co-worker made you smile at a silly joke. The smallest things can make the biggest difference.
Manage your mental health this fall with some tips in mind. Knowing how to prevent yourself from falling into a deep depression can greatly help your chances of remaining as healthy and well as possible throughout this season of change. If you still find yourself struggling, it's important to seek help from a professional who can help you find better solutions for your well-being.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Kingwood, Tex.