The summer sun brings everyone out. Warm weather, blue skies and the relaxed atmosphere ignite our drive to be out and about, and activities are limitless. The bountiful sunshine and carefree attitude that makes summer many people’s favorite season can also result in seasonal changes being depressing.
When the temperatures drop and the days shorten, bringing you inside earlier and earlier, you may find that you are eating more, getting less physical activity and more time spent in from of TV or computer. This can result in an expanding waistline, boredom and less quality time spent with loved ones. Being creative staying active and having fun can stave off the winter doldrums and help get you excited for the upcoming season.
1. Focus on the positive.
Even though it can be much different than summer, fall can still be a fun time of year. Bonfires, s’mores and hayrides can brighten up your season. Some of your favorite warm-weather activities also translate well to the fall. Biking, hiking, fishing and camping are great activities almost year-round.
2. Try something new.
Enroll yoga, pilates, weight training and dancing to learn something new and stay active and healthy. Keep your brain as healthy as your body by joining a book club, learning a new hobby, volunteering in a new field or finding another new way to be creative or get involved.
3. Switch things up.
Try new candles to add fragrance to your environment, and incorporate new fall-friendly recipes, such as hearty stews and homemade breads, into your regular menu. You can even plan to wake up earlier so that you can take advantage of as much daylight as possible.
Summer’s end does not have to be the end of all your fun and can actually be a start of something new and exciting with the right mindset and a few changes to your routine. However, if you feel consistently depressed or down, you may need to talk to your doctor. Shorter days and decreased sunshine can lead to seasonal affective disorder in susceptible people, but it is highly treatable.