6 Ways to Stay Positive and Happy This Fall
Ugh, autumn.
While some people love the start of a new season, others can't help but feel a little glum as we leave summer in the rearview. Pile that sad goodbye on top of gloomy weather, less daylight and the stress of a new school year and you'll realize it's easy to feel a little downcast this fall.
Thankfully, you don't have to sit with your bad feelings. Keep scrolling for six ways to stay positive and happy this fall.
Stick to a Schedule
After lounging in the sun for three whole months, it's really difficult to get back on board with managing your many responsibilities during fall. This can make you feel overwhelmed and out of control—both of which can contribute to your bad fall mood. The best way to beat that stress is to make a schedule for yourself and stick to it. Go to bed at the same time every night, wake up at the same time every morning, plan out homework and social time and give yourself designated moments to relax. By sticking to a routine, you'll counteract some of the stress that comes with a big transition, hopefully allowing yourself to gain some control and ease into the new season with grace.
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Exercise
As much as you might hate hearing it, exercise is actually a fantastic way to beat those gloomy feelings. When you put your body under the stress of exercise, endorphins are released in your brain. Without getting too scientific, endorphins are basically a natural chemical that can make you happy. Not only are you taking care of your physical body, but you're also giving your mind a dose of positive chemicals that can turn your whole mood around. If you can start incorporating exercise into your daily routine, you're sure to see an improvement in your autumn gloominess.
Get Outside
Considering summer is such an outdoor-focused season, it makes sense that some of the sadness associated with fall might have to do with the fact that you're primarily relegated to indoor activities. When it's overcast outside, no one really wants to leave the comfort of their home and subject themself to the cold weather. However, too much time indoors might be the exact reason that you're feeling so glum. Not only are you depriving yourself of fresh air and natural light, you're also probably feeling a bit cooped up if you're inside all day, which could make anyone a little moody after a while. Pile on your warm clothes and try to talk a quick walk outside at least once a day—it might drastically improve your mood.
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Journal
Oftentimes, bad thoughts can't be conquered by simply wishing them away. If you feel like constant negativity has become your new norm, you might benefit from allowing yourself to recognize those thoughts, even if you can't change them. Journaling can be an awesome way to vomit all your feelings out without fear of judgment. Not only can it help you to focus and examine how you're thoughts, it can also be beneficial to simply allow yourself to express your emotions, which might help to lessen their negative effects.
Focus on Self-Care
The best way to stay cheerful during any season is to simply make sure you're taking care of yourself. Check in with yourself daily and listen to what your body or mind might need. Giving yourself moments to relax, recuperate and recharge your batteries are essential to staying happy and healthy. Don't be afraid to put yourself first if you feel like your health is suffering. If you take care of yourself from the get-go, you won't get to a place where you're so distraught and in need of a break that your responsibilities and relationships suffer. Making self-care a priority and you're sure to see a shift in your gloomy fall mood.
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Stay Social
When the weather gets worse, it can be really easy to withdraw from the world. And while some days it's nice to curl up in a blanket and binge-watch Netflix, spending all your time alone will likely only worsen your bad mood. It's important to interact with other people, as positive social time can be a huge stress-reliever. If you need time alone, take it, but remember that time with friends and family can be equally as valuable in improving your mood.
Wondering what this fall might have in store for you? Click HERE for the autumn activity you have to do, based on your zodiac sign.