Summer is officially over, and we are now settling into the fall season. Kids are back to school, leaves are turning, and apples are being picked. Even though the school activities and extracurriculars are in full swing, you might feel some internal resistance to that, and I am hoping to shed some light on why.
I personally disliked autumn most of my life for many reasons. Less sun, shorter days, having to go back to school, and a long winter was always on the horizon. I loved the social aspect of summer! Then after I became a mom, I learned about cyclical living which has changed the way I feel about fall and also helped a bit with my seasonal moods.
If you are not familiar with cyclical living, it is living in attunement with the cycles of your body and nature. Versus living as how we are expected to based on societal standards.
Your Inner Autumn
The fall season is similar to the luteal phase of a menstrual cycle, which is the weeks after ovulation but before menstruation. You will likely start to feel like you need more alone time and have less energy. Criticism and impatience, toward yourself and others, might also come up more often so be on the lookout for that. Lastly, you might have the desire to organize, declutter, and nest – a little different than spring cleaning!
I want to take a quick pause to remind you that you deserve alone time and it is OK to say no to invitations and clear your calendar. Every mom needs to hear that, over and over again! I will never stop reminding you.
Autumn in Nature
After the social hustle and bustle of the summer, it might feel a bit strange to slow down but take a look outside. The trees are letting go of their leaves, animals are stocking up for the winter, it is getting cooler and the darkness of night is upon us earlier. You too are nature, mama. Fall is a time of letting go and preparing for the winter. Snuggle up, rest, and let go of what no longer serves you.
5 Self-Care Tips for Autumn
Nourish: Make a nutrient-rich soup every Sunday with lots of delicious vegetables. Hopefully, the whole family likes it and can feed everyone for a few meals!
Be Alone: Schedule some alone time every week to just journal. Make it a Sunday ritual with the soup making or take 5 minutes before bed. Write about whatever you want or focus on what you want to let go of this season.
Rest: Listen to when you have those lulls of energy and instead of grabbing a coffee, rest! I have found Yoga Nidra to be a rejuvenating rest option mid-afternoon and going to bed earlier is also a great option!
Regulate: With criticism and impatience on the rise take time to meditate, do breath work, or tap. Again, this can just happen organically during the day. The important part is noticing when you need it. It’s ok to do this in front of your kiddos.
Nest: When you do have energy or when those yucky emotions arise, try channeling that into organizing or decluttering your home.
If you can allow yourself to tune into your body over the next few months, it can provide some clarity about what you truly want as a mother. I realize that this is not easy to do with all the noise out there so do the best you can. Your best is good enough, mama.
