It’s that time again; the weather gets cooler, the leaves change colors, and the scent of cinnamon lingers in the air. October welcomes the familiarity of autumn, yet I don’t find myself as welcoming to the change. I’ve always struggled with colder weather. The idea of layering up and using all of my might just to walk outside in the crisp, windy air makes me shudder. It’s not just physical discomfort that makes me wary of autumn. I also find myself troubled more mentally as the cold months arrive. The temperature telling me to slow down doesn’t agree with my busybody brain, so I often just end up feeling stuck in the safety of my warm room. However, over the years, I’ve realized I shouldn’t have to wait for summer to start again to begin living my life. I began finding small changes that made my life more enjoyable each fall. Here are some of my favorites:
FEEL THE FESTIVITIES
Autumn offers an abundance of festive things to do. Pumpkin spice is everywhere, and the scent of apples is at every corner. Every year, I have a few rituals that get me into the fall mood. First, I pick out a candle. Normally, I go for something pumpkin or vanilla scented, but this year I went with an apple orchard scent. I also make sure to pick up fun decorations to make my room feel cozy and enjoyable. I went with some lights in Halloween colors and a few felt cutouts of cats and ghosts. It may seem frivolous, but having my space feel comfortable makes all the difference during the fall. Next, I plan out the perfect fall day. This, for me, includes going to a pumpkin patch and checking out Spirit Halloween. Engulfing myself in autumnal activities that I enjoy makes me more excited for the season every year.
FIND COMFORT
The next, and arguably the most important for me, is to find comfort wherever I can. If the cold makes you feel sluggish and stuck, maybe buy a small portable heater for your room! I turn mine on every time I get home to make my room feel less isolated. I also make sure I’m stocked up on warm clothing that makes me feel cozy and confident. If you don’t have any, check out a few local thrift stores to see what you can find. I also always opt for warm drinks and foods during this time. I have an electric kettle that makes drinking tea an easier event for me. Being comfortable can be all the difference between a productive autumn and a fruitless one.
LIVE WITH THE SEASONS
Finally, my last change, and the hardest for me to make, is to live with the seasons. That does mean slowing down your daily routines. I’m a girl who is always go go go, so stopping even momentarily throws off my schedule. However, I’ve learned to adjust them so that during the winter and fall months, they’re more relaxed and less stressful. This takes a lot of pressure off of me to perform the same way I do during the warmer months and allows me to focus on taking care of my body in a way that is productive and comfortable.
The colder seasons can be hard to enjoy, but small adjustments in your life can make a big difference. As a girl who hates the cold, I find myself looking forward to fall more and more each year, and hopefully, with some of these tips, you will too.