How To: Staying Positive as the Days Get Shorter

October is here! The warm, sunny days of late summer are behind us and autumn has well and truly arrived. While October is one of my favourite months - cozy nights in, pretty trees and Halloween! - the reality is often rainy days and the sun going down early. So, here are my top tips on how to bring the happiness of summer with you into autumn.

One of the main shifts from summer into autumn is a difference in the kind of activities available. Gone are the days of barbecues, beach days and tanning, instead we often spend more time inside due to the weather. So here's a few ideas of things you can do to stay occupied:

1) Organise

Forget spring cleaning - now is the time for an autumn clean! If you're going to be spending the best part of the next 6 months cozied up at home, it's worth putting some time into making your space feel nice. Whether this is your bedroom, or your whole apartment/house, take the time to clean, tidy and organise your environment to prepare for the coming season.

2) Relax

Autumn is the time of year where everything is allowed to slow down. Despite perhaps feeling hectic going into the academic year in September, by October, everything calms down before the whirlwind of Christmas. So take the time to go inward. Curl up with a nice book or a movie, light a candle and chill out. The beauty of rainy days and dark evenings is that the pressure of 'enjoying the weather' in the summer is gone! Try to think of it less as there's nothing to do, and more like there's nothing you have to do.

3) Create

Autumn is a great time to find a new, calming hobby. While in summer, maybe you tried out a sport for the first time, or took up hiking, autumn is perfect to try something a little more creative. Trying out new recipes, or getting into something like drawing, or knitting, can help you to stay upbeat and engaged in what can feel like a very lethargic season.

4) Reflect

Similarly to spring, autumn is often thought of as a time of change, of endings and new beginnings. With the turning of the seasons, it's a good time to pause and reflect and take a good look around you. As things slow down, take time to reflect on what makes you happy and what doesn't, on what you no longer need in your life and on any changes you'd like to make, and then use the unwinding and introversion of autumn to make these adaptions.

I hope you find these tips useful for staying happy and healthy as the days get shorter. Enjoy spooky season!

It's important to note that feeling down or depressed because of the rain and dark evenings could be more than just missing the summer sun. Mood disorders such as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) often tend to rear their heads in the autumn/winter more than the summer - although not exclusively! - so if you feel you may be suffering go check in with your GP or talk to a trusted friend/family member.

NHS Choices SAD Overview: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/overview/