Why am I writing this post?
It’s time to admit, I am not doing well with the season change. It crept up on me and hit me like a ton of bricks. I previously wrote about how to prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and I now need to urgently put these tools into place.
Anyway, I wanted to write this post to let you all know how I’m feeling. It’s good to keep up to date with our emotions and how they can be impacted by external factors. I always vowed to be honest in my blog posts.
As a solution to this problem, I think I need to fully embrace everything the season has to offer. It will rain sideways in the UK, but I can enjoy an autumn walk.
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I’ve heard people joke about us knowing this drastic season change will happen and we should be used to it in the UK. But I am just not ready. Mental health-wise, I am still doing well with my recovery. However, the constant viruses going around and the dark cold mornings do put a dampener on life.
The clock is still wrong in the car and it’s confusing me to the point I panic I’m late for nursery pickups. I still haven’t adjusted. I mean, the hubby and I didn’t even know there was a clock change. Maybe as tried parents, you don’t realise until a big change comes and smacks you in the face.
Is there a solution for me following the season change?
As a solution to this problem, I think I need to fully embrace everything the season has to offer. It will rain sideways in the UK, but I can enjoy an autumn walk. Or a rainy muddy playtime with the little one. A Costa winter drink and of course a festive market. I just have to be wearing the correct clothing and accept it will be cold and windy outside.
It’s strange to think we are not by now accustomed to this season change. It’s drastic going from summer to autumn in the UK, but it happens to us each year. Yet for me, it still came as a shock to the system.
What I did to help myself
Flu jab
The season change means it’s time to start thinking about all the nasty bugs going around. I am the only member of our household who doesn’t receive a free flu jab. Therefore I took the initiative to book a paid-for one at my local Boots pharmacy. I don’t personally like needles, but this would never put me off receiving a vaccine designed to help my immune system fight back. I am glad I got it, even if it did make me feel a little under the weather for a few days.
Bonfire night
This is probably the first time I wrapped up and enjoy the cold dark nights. It did me the world of good. A friend suggested going out both weekend nights. The first one was a girly outing with the little ones to watch some fireworks and I honestly had the best time. Even if we did have to queue for 40 minutes for a drink.
The second night was a village bonfire and fireworks. More family members joined us for this one. Hot dogs, a glass of wine, a big fire, large firework display. Fun all around. I was freezing and muddy when I came home but I did have a great night.
Purchased my SAD light
Because I am struggling with the season change, it was time to make the purchase and try to improve my mental health. I forgot just how gloomy and dark the daytime can be at this time of year. Working from home also means I am stuck indoors for most of the day. Therefore it’s vital I get my daily dose of sunlight.
What else do I have planned to help embrace the season?
Breakfast with Santa
Yes, you heard it right. Check out your local Brewers Fayre to join in on the fun. I can’t wait to see my little one’s face on the day. For the price, you get breakfast, time in the play area, and a gift from Santa.
Nights out
I have a girlie night planned for this week and I am so excited. We all need mummy free time to just be ourselves. I can’t wait to dress up, put some makeup on, have our favourite cocktail. The season change means I will need to wrap up warm for the evening.
Techniques I use to help my mental health
Being organised
I have just purchased a planner and also have a diary and calendar for 2022. I find organising my life takes the pressure off certain areas, such as mean planning, money management, and organising appointments. I can then focus on the more joyful elements of life.
Setting goals
Writing down and assessing whether I have achieved my goals is motivating me. I do this not only for the blog but for my personal life as well. I am enjoying the exercise and I love that it’s keeping me on track.
Final thoughts
I hope you enjoyed my latest ramble.
It’s great to update you all on where I am with my mental health journey right now. If you are going through similar experiences, I would love to hear from you in the comments below.
Until next time.
Sorry to hear you’re struggling at the moment. I remember the change in seasons when I lived in Ireland (we don’t really see a big difference here in Dubai). I think planning is key and you seem to have the plans down! Having things to look forward to and having back up plans for when things might go wrong are so important to keep your mental health on track.
Thank you for sharing and for your honesty x
Thank you for your comment. I definitely forget how drastic the season change is for us.
I am making lots of plans to manage my anxiety throughout the winter months.
I’m sorry to hear this change in the seasons hasn’t been easy for you. It sounds like you have some solid things to keep you going and manage your mental health with!
I do have some techniques I will be using. Hopefully, I will get used to the season change soon.
I used to hate the change in season but now I make sure I’ve got some plans in my diary to look forward to. It sounds like you are making some great preparations too.
That’s a great way to deal with the drastic change.
Thank you for being so honest. Its great that you have found these amazing things that have helped me. For me I have found reading motivational quotes, working out, and watching my favorite movies has helped me so much.
These are all great techniques. I think I need to get back into workout videos on YouTube. I also have a long reading list to tackle, so it might be worth putting the phone away and reading before bed.
Thank you for being honest with us. I’m also struggling to cope with the idea of the seasonal change. I’m waiting for my SAD light to come in.
I am sorry to hear you’re struggling. Hopefully, our SAD lights will improve things.
Thank you for sharing this with us and how you coped with the seasons change.
I hope it can help other people out there.