Hold on, here comes another seasonal transition. Fall is here for real. Seasonal transitions can bring on an intense, tiring and moody feelings. You may feeling a drag in your step and wondering why you’re so tired. Well you just went through a busy and active summer and now you are headed for the busy season of the holidays and it just makes sense that you want to rest and take a breather. We are not energizer bunnies are we? We are human and humans demand transitional rest periods.
Seasonal transitions can be daunting if you are not aware of what comes along with them. Even if you do not meet criteria for a Seasonal Affective Disorder (link) you may have cranky, tired and restless behavior with Seasonal change. The most difficult change is Winter to Spring, then Spring to Summer, and the easiest seasonal change is Summer to Fall. Getting the kids ready for school, planning a fall vacation and or just recuperating from a summer vacation is not the end of the earth, but here are some tips to make it easier.
STAY HEALTHY
The biggest factors in staying healthful and balanced are to eat well, sleep well, have good relationships, exercise and stay active and social. Also just recognizing and realizing, that you are going to a new season will remind you to increase your coping strategies.
One of the great gifts you can give to yourself every season is an organic fruit and vegetable basket from your local Farms. Getting on an organic delivery service will help you eat vegetables and fruit that are in season and save you lots of time grocery shopping. The size of your basket depends on the size of your family. Also eating cage free organic eggs, grass fed meats, organic meat and fresh water fish. Taking in liquid amino acids, hot baths, teeth care, regular massages, and general good hygiene will make you feel renewed and rejuvenated.
Taking vitamins and minerals regularly, eliminating harmful sugar substitutes, hydrogenated oils, too much alcohol, smoking while increasing exercise will also be helpful.
Getting counseling and or coaching for any emotional challenges will also clean out the pipes for a fresh new look at old challenges.
SLEEP WELL
Sleep cycles vary with each season. Usually in summer people require less sleep, although some people run on an opposite clock….we all tick differently. Fall, well, you just fall asleep…pretty great sleep. Fall is a pretty easy going time in the beginning and then you want to gather energy, momentum and discipline to get ready for the hussle and bussel Fall brings with school starting, holiday season preparation and shorter days/less sun. Winter brings on some sleep challenges if you’re not careful. Too much sleeping in Winter leads to decreased motivation, depression and weight gain. Insomnia leads to irritability, decreased concentration, and apathy. Prescription sleep medications and over the counter remedies increase mood instability and cause only more disturbance to your sleep cycle in the long run. Winter also brings stomach issues from too much sugar, alcohol and heavier food consumption…seems none of can stay away from the table around the Holidays. Higher sugar consumption starts with Halloween, then Thanksgiving and the finale is Christmas….by New Years Eve you could be crashing while forcing yourself to stay up for Midnight. Ironically it is also when we think about our New Years Resolutions…yet we can’t think since we are bleary from all the parties. You will best think about your life and the New Year in February. Remember sugar is really bad for you, yes, even in small amounts.
When I was a medical social worker, years ago, I worked on a skilled nursing floor where people get increased hospital care due to surgeries, serious illness, accidents etc… I performed discharge planning. I would look at the patient’s chart to link them to resources, while discharging them, and crazily enough, 85% of the elderly patients suffered from diabetes. Epidemic proportions of people will end up with diabetes from ingesting too many processed, high sugary foods and drinks.
Also think smart about drinking plenty of water, decrease dairy or eliminate it altogether (fresh fruit sorbet instead of ice cream), eat lighter food fare with more fruit, decrease alcohol, rest a lot, and wear sun protective eyewear and clothing, increase exercise, more & more water, more sunscreen (keep applying…it is not waterproof), and then just kick back and enjoy the changing leaves.
Marla Stone is the owner of I-Deal-Lifestyle a Lifestyle Consulting and Professional Organizing Service. Find more articles on www.i-deal-lifestyle.com and www.southocwellness.com
Contact Marla at
ideallifestyle1@gmail.com
