Welcome to Fall!
This season can be so beautiful. The time to reflect on how the year has gone so far, a time to get cozy. If you’re a pumpkin spice lover, pumpkin spice is everywhere. Hopefully, you have time to enjoy some time outdoors. The colors can be so vivid. If you enjoy using Instagram, I post a lot of sunrises and occasional sunsets that I enjoy, and it’s one of my favorite ways to get myself going in the morning. Research shows that getting sunlight first thing in the morning really improves our focus and our sleep, and not to mention how inspiring it is! https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/morning-light-better-sleep
But for some, this season also means the shorter daylight is provoking different emotions that might be considered seasonal affective disorder. For some people, they start to experience it as soon as the days become shorter; others feel it more as winter sets in. I have a blog that I’ve written previously on seasonal affective disorder. I recommend checking out some resources, such as using a light box, getting exercise, and just allowing yourself to have more rest this time of year.
And for some of us, as the darker days come on, we might need to make simple plans to encourage ourselves to stay engaged, but maybe this will look different in the winter. You may find yourself wishing to say no more often. And again, I have a blog with ideas for this, as well as tips for preparing for the upcoming holidays. https://www.compassionatecounselingmidmichigan.com/post/coping-with-the-holidays
And here are some questions to consider weekly during this transitional season:
What was helpful for my mood this past week?
What left me feeling stretched thin?
What is one thing I want to make room for this week?
Additionally, this is a season in which our immune systems recognize the lack of vitamin D, so think about your nutrition, the sunlight that you can get on a daily basis, or at least on most days. Even on darker days, they say that we are absorbing vitamin D. Listening to our immune system is vital, whether we need more, rest, nourishing foods, or maybe anything else that your medical provider has recommended for you.
This winter I am also planning several self-care and mindfulness workshops to offer additional support. The first will be on 11/20 from 4-6 PM.
I will end this newsletter with a note about my own personal circumstances, and maybe this applies to you. I personally have a weaker immune system genetically, so you will see me choosing to utilize a mask during the season. Please let me know if this feels uncomfortable for you, and we can utilize telehealth. Additionally, I ask you to think of others' well-being when you come to your appointment. If you wake up that day and feel that you suspect you could have any kind of illness coming on, please choose the option of telehealth if you can meet. And, knowing my absence policy, hopefully you trust that I do anticipate there will be days when you just cannot meet, so please let me know if that is true for you on the day of your appointment and, I will do the same.
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