How to Manage Fall Stress
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, many of us feel a sense of excitement about the fall season. Personally, it’s my favorite time of year. However, the beauty of autumn comes with cyclical stressors. Shorter daylight hours, cold and flu season, after-school activities, and prepping for the holidays are just a few examples of stressors that, while normal, can quickly become overwhelming and require mindful management in order to enjoy the season.
The flip side to cozy sweaters and PSLs is isolation and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder.) But if you’d like to get ahead of these autumn induced blues, here are some simple tips for managing fall stress:
Create Structure with Consistent Routines
One of the most common stressors in the fall is the shift in routines, especially for parents adjusting to the back-to-school craziness. By creating structure—like sticking to a consistent morning routine or scheduling dedicated family time—you can reduce the unpredictability that often comes with this time of year.
Prioritize Self-Care
With shorter daylight hours and busier schedules, self-care often takes a backseat. It’s more than OK to carve out time for yourself—step outside for a few minutes of fresh air, practice mindfulness, or read a book. Taking small breaks can recharge you and prevent burnout.
Set Boundaries
Fall is full of social gatherings, holiday preparations, and extracurricular activities. The sheer volume of commitments is daunting to even us extroverts. Remember, it’s OK to say ‘no’ when you need to. Setting boundaries and focusing on what truly matters can protect your energy and mental health.
Stay Connected to Your Needs
When we’re in charge of everyone and everything, we forget to check in with ourselves. Take a moment to reflect on how you’re feeling physically and emotionally. Are you exhausted, overwhelmed, or anxious? Recognizing your own needs is the first step to addressing them and preventing stress from piling up.
Seek Support When Needed
Reach out to friends, family, or a professional. Don’t hesitate to seek support if you're feeling overwhelmed. Talking about your stressors can help ease the burden, and sometimes, all you need is a listening ear.
Get Enough Rest
Sleep patterns often get disrupted as the days grow shorter and schedules change. Ensure you’re maintaining a healthy sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Reducing screen time before bed and creating a calming bedtime ritual can also improve the quality of your rest.
Stay Active
It can be tempting to hibernate as the weather cools, but physical activity is a must. Try to find ways to stay active that feel easy or fun to do: bundle up for a walk, join a gym, or have a dance party in your living room. The movement you find most joyful will become what you do most consistently.
Plan Ahead for the Holidays
Even if you love the holidays, last minute panic is never fun. So start planning early. Budgeting, checking out My Amazon Storefront for gift ideas, and meal planning are all ways that a little preparation now can save you a lot of stress later.
You Deserve a Cozy and Memorable Fall Season Too
Tis the season to put everyone else’s needs first, especially if you’re a parent feeling the pressure to be ALL THE THINGS for your kids. But showing up for others means making sure you’re also showing up for yourself. Prioritize your well-being, set boundaries, and find moments of peace in order to navigate the stress of fall with more ease.
Again, it’s normal to feel stressed, but how you manage it can make a HUGE difference. A few intentional steps can help you enjoy the season and all its beauty without feeling overwhelmed by the pressure.
Embrace new rhythms and focus on what matters most— finding balance.
