3 Ways to Take Care of Yourself this Fall
By: Genevieve Glynn-Reeves
The end of summer is a bittersweet time. It’s easy to miss the long, sunny days and the gorgeous weather, but equally, fall has its own unique beauty. The air is crisp and the world around us shifts into vibrant shades of orange and red. However, this shift can be difficult and it’s important to take good care of yourself both physically and emotionally. This is especially important if you are one of the millions of individuals, like myself, who suffers from seasonal affective disorder (or SAD). This is a specific form of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. I’ve struggled with SAD for a large portion of my life and consider myself an expert in chasing away the end of summer blues. Obviously if you feel you are seriously struggling with mental health issues it’s important to contact a professional, but individual self-care is also a big part of taking care of yourself. Here are a few of my fall habits for those with (and without) SAD.
Invest in Warm Clothes!
This may seem like a glaringly obvious point but it’s vital to keep warm as the weather gets colder. How many times have you left the house without a jacket because you couldn’t find one that suited your outfit? Perhaps you’ve put off investing in a good, quality coat because you feel like it’s too expensive. Let me assure you that spending a little extra on winter clothes that will really keep you warm is not only worth the extra money initially, but it will actually save you money in the long run! Cheap garments wear out quickly and end up as a much less cost-effective option over time.
Get a Great Moisturizer!
The fall weather will be sure to dry your skin out, especially if you spend long amounts of time outside. Making sure you combat this with regular moisturizing will stop your skin feeling worn out and weathered. It’s also an easy way to look your best without much effort which is especially important if you’re not feeling 100%. When I’m in a rush or am unmotivated to put effort into my appearance, I find just quickly applying moisturizer, doing my eyebrows, and applying mascara gives me a healthy, natural look in under five minutes.
Get Cozy with Friends!
It’s easy to become a bit of a shut-in over the colder months, especially if you’re feeling blue. Why not organize a cozy weekly activity with friends like a board game night with mulled wine? With so many great holidays coming up it’s also a great time for seasonal gatherings like a scary movie night for Halloween! Spending time with people we care about is a sure fire way to make us feel better.
What are some of your favorite ways to keep yourself in good spirits this fall and winter season? Share them in the comments below!