Embracing the Change - Transitioning from Summer to Autumn

In the first week of September, visiting my favourite spot in nature, I noticed a drastic change. The place was deserted. Such a drastic change as just weeks ago the sun was out, the place was swarming full of picnic goers and sunbathers, people swimming in the river, children playing in the park, a long winding queue for the ice cream stand, not a spare seat in the cafe, motorists fighting for a parking spot under the shade of a tree - the hustle and bustle of summer. However now, there was complete stillness, the place had come to what felt like a standstill. The car park was empty, the ice cream stand closed, the playpark deserted and, the cafe had only two OAP’s as its customers for the afternoon and, I passed by two dog walkers the whole afternoon. With the inner knowing that the vibrant hues of summer will start to fade into the warm and comforting tones of autumn, and the days will begin to grow shorter, I find myself reflecting on the passing of time and the changes that the end of summer and the beginning of autumn brings. 

For those seeking counselling, this seasonal transition can have a profound impact on emotional well-being. In this blog post, I want to explore the significance of the end of summer and the beginning of autumn and share some valuable insights on self-care during the colder months.

The end of summer often evokes mixed emotions. It's a time when holidays come to an end, children return to school, and the pace of life tends to pick up. This transition can trigger feelings of nostalgia and a sense of loss as we bid farewell to carefree days spent under the sun and life generally feels more serious. It's perfectly normal to experience a range of emotions during this time, and it's essential to acknowledge and process these feelings.

Counsellors often find the summer months some of the quietest for client work with a sudden increase in inquiries in September which is one of the busiest times for counsellors. I recognise this from personal experience as my daughter struggles with back-to-school anxiety and at the start of her secondary school career we found ourselves desperately sourcing a counsellor for her in the first week of September after a bumpy start to the academic school year.

Below is my take on why this may be :

• The end of the summer period dredges up the nostalgic ‘‘back to school’’ feeling

• Vacations are over

• Life generally feels more serious

• Weather change and/or SAD (seasonal affective disorder)

• Adjusting to new routines can provoke feelings of anxiety

• More time spent indoors

• Back-To-School/ work stress
  
  Why do you think September sees a sudden increase in the demand for counselling?
  
  For clients in counselling, the end of summer can be an opportunity to explore how seasonal changes impact their mental health. It's a chance to delve into any patterns or triggers that emerge during this time of year. By recognizing these patterns, clients can gain valuable insights into their emotions and behaviours.

  
  Autumn, with its crisp air and colourful golden foliage, offers a unique opportunity for self-care. This season provides a profound lesson from nature itself in letting go, as trees gracefully surrender their leaves in preparation for the impending winter. I remember, as a child of nursery school age, feeling a deep sadness in autumn observing as the trees started to shed their leaves. During moments of solitude at playtime, I would gather fallen leaves, each one crunchy and crisp stuffing them into my book bag. My mother, much to her surprise, would discover this hidden trove in the evenings when emptying my bookbag. I would cry tears of grief watching as she, with gentle confusion, discarded the crunchy pile into the bin. I can vividly recall the adults around me with a mixture of amusement and curiosity, as they questioned my quirky behaviour.
  Still, to this very day, each year when autumn comes around, I watch in wonder at the golden-coloured leaves as they gracefully fall to the floor during the month of September.

  
  Now, as an adult and dedicated counsellor, I cannot help but wonder if the grief I felt at such a young age was a reflection of the profound transition from the warmth of summer to the chill of autumn. A transition my younger self struggled to navigate and adjust to the seasonal change.
  Now, in my role as a counsellor, I invite clients to draw inspiration from this natural process. Perhaps considering what they may need to release or ‘‘leaf’’ behind in their lives this time of year just as the trees do.
  
  Here are my top 10 self-care tips for the autumn months :
  
  1.  Connect with Nature. Layer up and take leisurely walks in the park, go hiking, go apple-picking or visit a pumpkin patch. Simply spend time outdoors. The beauty of autumn can be incredibly soothing. Schedule time on your lunch break to leave the office and get outside even if just for 10 minutes. Soak up as much vitamin D from the sunlight before the winter months set in
  
  2.  Nurture Your Creative Side. Engage in indoor creative activities like painting, colouring, puzzle making, writing, knitting or crafting. These can be powerful outlets for self-expression and processing emotions. Autumn is a great time to start a new hobby as it is a season of change
  
  3. Practice Mindfulness. Embrace mindfulness and meditation to stay grounded and present. This can help manage stress and anxiety that sometimes accompany seasonal transitions and changes to routine
  
  4. Start Journalling. This can help with adjusting to new routines. Your journal can include daily ‘‘to-do’’ lists helping to stay on top of a busy schedule after weeks of leisure. Include a daily gratitude section to focus on the positives in your life. Recognizing and appreciating what you have can boost your overall well-being

  
  5. Stay Socially Connected. As we get back to school/work, it can be easy to neglect socialising. Keep connected to your support network. Host a dinner party or movie night. Create a book swap club, host a pumpkin carving or arts and crafts evening, host a games night

  
  6.  Light Therapy. Consider investing in a light therapy box to combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) if you're prone to it. Exposure to bright light can elevate mood
  
  7. Create an ‘‘At Home’’ Spa Evening. No need to splash the cash on a fancy spa weekend. Create your very own spa evening at home. Light scented candles/incense, run a warm bubble bath with epsom salts and a bath bomb, put on some relaxation music from YouTube, make yourself a cucumber lemon water and a special snack, put on a face and foot mask, oil your hair
  
  8.  Homemade Hot Drinks. No need to buy from a coffee shop. Get creative at home. Make your own pumpkin spice latte, hot chocolate or golden milk. Look up an online recipe and make one in your very own favourite mug. Even better still, pour it into a thermos and take it with you on an autumn walk
  
  9.  Get Creative In The Kitchen. Try some seasonal recipes. How about apple pie or soup making? There are many recipes for free online
  
  10.  Pick Up A New Book. Visit your local charity bookstore and see what you can find

  
  Which self-care activities are you going to embrace this Autumn?
  Do you have an activity not on the list that you can share with others?

  
  Most importantly, remember that self-care looks different for everyone. So, choose activities that will recharge you, keeping you most balanced during the autumn months.

  
  In conclusion, the changing of seasons, from the end of summer to the beginning of autumn and winter, offers an opportunity for clients in counselling to deepen their self-awareness and practice self-care. By embracing the beauty of each season and adopting strategies to navigate the unique challenges they bring, individuals can support their mental and emotional well-being throughout the year. As a counsellor, I aim to provide guidance and support to clients as they embark on this seasonal journey of self-discovery and self-care.