If you're reading this, chances are you're not excited about the shorter days as summer comes to a close. Also, chances are you don't like autumn, winter, or just the cold weather in general. As someone who does enjoy this time of the year, hopefully reading this will make the transition a little bit easier for you. It might not even be that big of a deal for you, more of an 'Ugh, winter's coming', but for some, it can be more than that. Seasonal mood changes are real and can make you feel like they're getting in the way of your routine or overall well-being. But of course, like almost everything in life, we come back to the idea of looking at the bright side. Internally, you might be thinking, "What bright side!? It gets dark so quickly!"
As it so happens, there are things you can do only in the colder months and not at any other time of the year. I mean, you could do some of these things during summer, but it doesn't have the same magic to it. So, try and think of the things you can only do in fall/winter, or the things that make you feel especially good during this time.
1. Food and drinks
Food's a big one. What do you love having when it's cold outside? In terms of food, think of sugar cookies, apple turnovers, cinnamon rolls, and pumpkin pie. And for drinks, don't underestimate a good, warm tea, hot chocolate, and warm apple cider. Let's not forget specialty coffee (in your favorite Starbucks flavor, of course).
2. Clothes
Remember how it feels to cozy up in a blanket or warm clothing? You honestly can't deny the secure feeling of wearing your favorite sweater or hoodie and sweats. Let's also not forget the amazing amount of styles that are available in footwear for the fall and winter - riding boots, normal boots, booties, clogs, mocassins, you name it. Also... FUZZY SOCKS!!
3. Seasonal activities...
...like pumpkin picking and apple picking! You might also be shopping for new decorations for your space to make it more homely. Don't forget the candles and miniature LED lights to give you that warm, fuzzy feeling. And if you're not, there's no way to downplay the charm of going into the city for a play, window shopping, cafe-and-bookstore-hopping, or sitting in a park when there's snow on the ground or colorful leaves in the air.
4. Holidays!
Finally, what keeps a lot of people looking forward to the coming months is the holidays. There's something to look forward to every month! October is for Halloween and Diwali (if you celebrate), November for Thanksgiving (and Black Friday), December for Cyber Monday, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, ÅŒmisoka, New Year's Eve (and many others!), January is for New Year's Day and general starting-the-year-off-right activities, and February has Valentine's Day.
It honestly does seem like a lot when written out, and it is, but in the best way possible. When you start to feel low about the coming months, refer back to this and a list of your own that you may have to keep the good vibes going. And if you find yourself slipping up, don't sweat it! The cold doesn't last forever, and you can always work towards keeping a perpetual spring inside of you.
Lots of love. <3