Hold on, here comes another seasonal transition. Fall is here for real. Seasonal transitions can bring on intense, tiring, and moody feelings. You may feel a drag in your step and wonder 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 we demand transitional rest periods.
Seasonal transitions can be daunting if you are unaware of what comes with them. Even if you do not meet the criteria for seasonal affective disorder, you can have cranky, tired, and restless behavior due to the seasonal change. The most challenging change is Winter to Spring, then Spring to Summer, and the most effortless seasonal change is Summer to Fall. Getting the kids ready for school, planning a fall vacation, or recuperating from a summer vacation is not the end of the earth, but here are some tips to make it easier.
STAY HEALTHY
The most significant factors in staying healthy and balanced are eating well, sleeping well, having good relationships, exercising, and staying active and social. Also, recognizing and realizing that you are entering 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 the basket depends on the size of your family. You also want to eat cage-free organic eggs, grass-fed meats, organic meat, and fresh-water fish. Ingesting liquid amino acids, taking hot baths, taking care of your teeth, getting regular massages, and practicing general good hygiene will help you feel renewed and rejuvenated.
Taking vitamins and minerals regularly, eliminating harmful sugar substitutes, hydrogenated oils, too much alcohol, and smoking while increasing exercise will also be helpful.
Getting counseling and/or coaching for any emotional challenges will also clean out the pipes, allowing for a fresh new look at old challenges.
SLEEP WELL
Sleep cycles vary with each season. Usually, people require less sleep in summer, although some people run on an opposite clock….we all tick differently. Fall, well, you fall asleep…pretty great sleep. Fall is a pretty easy-going time in the beginning. Then you want to gather energy, momentum, and discipline to prepare for the hustle and bustle Fall brings with school starting, preparation for the holiday season, and shorter days/less sun. Winter brings on some sleep challenges when you’re not careful. Too much sleep in Winter leads to decreased motivation, depression, and weight gain. Insomnia leads to irritability, reduced 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. None of us can stay away from the table around the holidays.
Higher sugar consumption starts with Halloween, then Thanksgiving, and the finale is Christmas and by New Year’s Eve, you could be crashing while forcing yourself to stay up until Midnight.
Ironically, Winter is also when we think about our New Year’s Resolutions yet we can’t think since we are tired from all the parties. You will best think about your life and the New Year in February.
Remember, sugar is terrible for you, even in small amounts. As a medical social worker, years ago, I worked on a skilled nursing floor where people get increased hospital care due to surgeries, serious illnesses, and accidents. 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 had diabetes. Epidemic proportions of people will end up with diabetes from ingesting too many processed, high-sugar foods and drinks.
Also, think smart about drinking plenty of water, decreasing dairy or eliminating it altogether (fresh fruit sorbet instead of ice cream), eating lighter food fare with more fruit, decreasing alcohol, resting a lot, and wearing sun-protective eyewear and clothing. Increase exercise, drink more water and more sunscreen (keep applying; it is not waterproof), and then just kick back and enjoy the changing leaves.
Marla Stone owns I-Deal-Lifestyle, a Lifestyle Consulting and Professional Organizing Service. Find more articles on www.i-deal-lifestyle.com
