5 tips for coping with autumn blues

So the summer madness is well and truly over (though the weather seemingly got that memo a bit too early). Autumn can be tough, as the dark nights creep in and the colder weather descends.

Many of you will start to feel the blues, wishing for brighter days and finding the gloomy weather is reflected in your mood. As we shift into a new season, here’s how to cope with the autumn blues…

GET OUTDOORS
A good brisk walk in the outdoors will help boost your mood, regulate your body clock and assist with adjusting to the change of seasons. So don’t stay in and hide under the duvet, as that will actually exacerbate your issues.

ADJUST YOUR SLEEP PATTERNS
As the nights get darker, we naturally want more sleep. The increased hours of darkness increase our levels of sleep hormone melatonin, so make sure you’re getting at least seven or eight hours per night, and nap during the day if possible or needed.

EXERCISE REGULARLY
A proven antidote to the blues in any season, exercise has so many mood-boosting benefits. The stimulation of endorphins, as well as the boost in oxygen levels, can be a key aid for physical and mental health.

DON’T STOP SOCIALISING
Retreating and wallowing in the autumn blues will keep you locked into that low mood. Get out and about, see friends, or invite them over to your place. Connecting with other people and sharing your difficulties can be a great way to ease the pain of seasonal transition.

EAT WELL
Our bodies crave vitamins in the autumn, so nourish yourself with fruit, veg, high quality meats and other nutrient-dense food to keep yourself in optimum health. Supporting your physical health will provide a solid foundation for your mental wellbeing.

GET CREATIVE
If you haven’t got a hobby, try to establish one. Getting creative gives you a channel to express ourselves, and it can be a crucial source of self-therapy. However you do it, painting, crafts, music, dance… There are so many creative avenues to work with.