Now don’t get me wrong, I am a Seattleite born and raised and I love fall!
Fall is when hoodie season begins. It’s basically spring without the allergies (which I’m totally here for). And overall, it’s the best time to hunker down with a good book and watch nature just show off its beauty.
But this year, I’m feeling a bit conflicted as summer is coming to a close.
It feels like summer just flew by without warning anybody lol. But, as I look back over this summer, though not perfect, there’s been a lot for me to appreciate. I moved and started a new job. I tapped back into my creative writing and felt supported by some of the amazing humans in my life. A lot to feel grateful for. And I’ve even been feeling a bit hopeful lately.
And then here comes fall
To me, fall feels
- Unnecessarily rushed
- Like a time to rise and grind
- A season of structure, and routine in a way that’s lacking joy
It feels like this is where summer comes to die and busyness comes to play (Dramatic I know)
I am this dramatic about the transition of summer to fall because I’ve been a student or have worked with students for the majority of my life. So to me, September has always represented a period of transition and increased stress which are some of my least favorite things. Even now, after a year of working outside of schools, my body still anticipates the change that fall brings.
I wish I could tell my body that things have changed. That we’re not trying to keep up with the hustle and bustle of society anymore. I wish I could reassure my mind that we are no longer trying to put ourselves in stressful environments. And I wish that I would believe myself. But alas, my body remembers the torment of fall and anxiously anticipates its non-stop nature.
However, that’s not stopping me from trying to stay grounded even as the anxiety tries to take over. I’ve been doing this by asking myself a few questions.
Do I have to be extremely busy and fill my schedule with all the things?
No, I don’t. My instinct is to fill my schedule to the brim with work and activities. But, I don’t have to do that. And I honestly feel better when my schedule allows me to have room to breathe.
Do I know how to manage my anxiety and depression?
Yes, for the most part. I’ve been intentionally prioritizing and investing in my mental health for a year now so I have to know something by now right?. Even if it takes a few tries to find the right support at the moment, I am confident that I know how to take care of myself. And am getting better at it each and every day.
Do I know how to live a calm and nicely paced life even when the world is chaotic?
In theory yes, but I definitely need to practice it some more if I’m being honest. I am used to a fast paced lifestyle and even though I know a slower pace is better for me it’s unfamiliar. And I like what’s familiar. But I’m trying to remind myself that eventually a slower pace will feel familiar if I give it enough time.
Asking myself these questions is my attempt to stay grounded amidst the anticipated chaos that is September. But if I know anything for sure it’s that rushing is overrated
So, because I love a tangible task I’m going to share with y’all some tangible ways I’m embracing a slower paced lifestyle and prioritizing my mental health this fall.
- Getting the right amount of sleep
I have learned over time that 7 to 8 hours of sleep is perfect for my body. Currently that’s not happening. Right now, I sleep 7 to 8 hours a night and then press snooze 5 or more times until I only have 20 minutes to get out of the house and I’m struggling. Definitely not my preferred way to start my morning. So, I’m aiming to sleep less and give myself more time in the morning to ease into the day.
- Making time for the things I enjoy
As you all may know by now, I am naturally a workaholic. Which means I have to be intentional about making space for things I enjoy. Being a single young lady, without many responsibilities it’s easy and readily accessible for me to just pour myself into work. Not out of financial necessity (though that is sometimes the case) but because it’s comfortable, I know what to expect, and it keeps me from being in my thoughts too much.
So, to push back against my workaholic tendencies, I want to prioritize more things that I enjoy.
Right now I find joy in
- Reading
- Writing
- All things desserts!
- Participating in the arts
- Being in community
I’m hopeful that as I press into these moments of joy, my list will increase and I will be a better person for it.
- Doing the things that are important…even if I don’t like it
I can easily create a list of things I don’t like. On the other hand, I don’t often write lists of things I don’t like to do but need to do for the health and wellness of my body.
Such as
- Exercising
- Meal Prepping
- Cleaning my apartment
Again, not my favorite things to do but I feel better when they’ve been completed. So, why not prioritize the things that make me feel good.
As September gets closer and closer (It’s literally the 23rd of August), the more I feel like this is what I’ve been training for. I know what my new values are. I know how significant taking care of my mental health is. Now it’s just time to execute. So, bring it on fall. I’m getting ready for ya!
What are you prioritizing this fall?
