How to connect with the changing seasons

The shortening days, cloudy skies and rainier weather are all signs that autumn has arrived. And this year it certainly feels like it has arrived with a bang. Saying goodbye to summer can bring emotional challenges and difficult feelings for many people.

Whether it’s feelings of sadness, perhaps even heading towards a sense of grief at the end of summer, or anxiety as to how you’ll manage the darker months ahead, the impact of the changing of the season can be significant.

Creating a cosy atmosphere in my therapy room in Bath is one way of welcoming the colder weather and creating warmth inside.

However, autumn can also bring with it a welcome invitation to slow down, to choose rest and find intentional moments of reflection.

Here I share some thoughts and ideas about how to embrace the changing of the season and find some moments of reflection and joy:

• Look around you - Gazing at fractals has been found to reduce people’s stress responses. Fractals can be found in nature, with one example being the repeating and layered patterns of the tree canopy. Why not take some time to lie under the trees and look up, or take a walk through a forest? The possible impact of doing so can be reduced levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), cognitive restoration and improved focus.

• Double down on cosiness - When the weather outside isn’t inviting, take the opportunity to create a cosy atmosphere at home. Light a candle, grab a blanket and spend some time reading, journalling or watching a film. If you’ve got things to be doing, Spotify is filled with cosy autumn playlists you can have playing in the background too.

• Practice ‘seasonal living’ - Here, in this practice adopted by many in northern climates, the principle idea is to follow nature’s cues, shifting our energy as the seasons do. As the days shorten, we can gift ourselves the chance to slow down. By listening more closely to the seasons, we might find we our able to adjust our gratitude for the shorter days and wetter weather and perhaps even welcome them as we take a step back.

• Give yourself permission to feel - While I would of course encourage this for all seasons, it’s particularly important not to dismiss how we’re feeling in response to the changing weather and shortening days. Journalling or sitting with our feelings can allow us to accept them rather than try to fight or shame them.

• Connect with others - With reduced sunlight, we might notice the impact on our nervous system. Arranging to meet up with friends, perhaps for a walk or coffee, is an important way of releasing some oxytocin, helping to lift our mood and bring ourselves joy.

• Get creative - No matter how strong your artistic skills are, why not pick up some pencils or paints and create some autumn artwork. Either by taking yourself outside and sketching the sights around you or bringing some leaves, conkers or bark into the house to draw, you could create your own bit of art inspired by the season. Remember, it’s not about the end product, but the process, allowing yourself the opportunity to enjoy the creative opportunity.

• Take your feelings to therapy - Therapy is your space to explore how you’re feeling. Talking over what you’re noticing in yourself as the seasons shift can help you to understand and accept your feelings, without judgement. If you're looking to start therapy in Bath, you can get in contact for face-to-face sessions. Alternatively, I have some availability for online sessions for nationwide enquiries.