As late September rolls around, we can all feel the air get a bit more crisp and watch the trees get a bit less full. These signs of the changing weather can bring on fear of seasonal depression being right around the corner.
As somebody who has felt the effects of seasonal depression, I want to share some tiny tricks that have helped me embrace fall instead of hiding from it. Fall, or as some like to say “autumn,” is a very beautiful season if you allow yourself to see it that way.
Start by opening your eyes and lifting your head whenever you are outside. This may sound small or silly to some people, but it makes a huge difference on how you feel. Staring down at your feet or in your cell phone forces you to neglect nature and only focus on the weather hitting your skin.
Look at the blue sky slightly covered in white, puffy clouds, count how many trees have turned from a light green to a bright, vibrant red and choose your favorite leaf on the ground. You can still keep your headphones on playing your favorite music, but at least this way you can appreciate the world around you while doing it.
I know spending money is not a fan-favorite, but buying some small items for your personal space can make you feel like you’re living like a “Gilmore Girl” (unless you have a different favorite show in the fall, then you will feel like that instead).
One thing you need to add to your shopping list is a stack of books. They can be books you have read before and loved, books that inspired your favorite scary movie, books that have exciting cover art or just ones you saw raved about on TikTok. My favorite book series at the moment is “The Hunger Games.” I would highly recommend them if you are a fan of the movies, like myself.
Reading books in the fall is a great way to pass the time when you can not think of anything else to do and you are sick of whatever Netflix series you have been binging. It makes you feel productive, but also is not too difficult of a task on lazy days.
Another item to make sure you have in your room is a candle. It may sound cliche, but finding a candle scent that just speaks to your heart in the fall is unmatched. If you are not into strong scents, you can also buy a plain soy wax candle in the shape of a pumpkin or in a cute mason jar.
This fall, I have been lighting two candles from Trader Joes and I am obsessed. If you love pumpkin like me, you will adore this soy candle called“Pumpkin + Spices” by Caylan Wax Co. It includes warm pumpkin, brown sugar and nutmeg to make your room smell like a pumpkin patch bakery. The next candle is for apple lovers, it is a Meyer’s Clean Day candle called“Apple Cider Scent.” It is perfectly light for daytime and has just enough of an apple pie scent to make you appreciate the fall season.
I am not sure about you, but I am a huge fan of fall movies. I have some recommendations for those, but I will save those for another blog. For now, I want to talk about the item you need to buy that makes watching movies 10 times better…. a new blanket. I know how basic it sounds, but finding a nice blanket that screams fall will make you feel a lot better on those days when you just can’t get out of bed.
I love Target essential blankets if you are looking for something a bit lower budget. They are 10 dollars and come in all different colors. I personally love the dark green color for fall. Also, check out T.J.Maxx for some blankets covered in pumpkins, coffees, leaves and other fall favorites.
Lastly, try watching some football. I know watching sports is not for everybody ( including myself), but sitting down with a few friends or family with your favorite foods in front of you is worth a try. For many people, fall means football and it makes the whole season have a purpose. You do not have to just sit in your house and watch it either, there are so many activities that come with football.
Try going to Ray’s Place in downtown Kent if you love a good sports bar (I highly recommend their barbecue chicken wings). Another great idea is to actually go to a game. It does not have to be an NFL team either. Kent State football games can be a blast in the fall, or try going down to Ohio State University for a bigger crowd.
I know seasonal depression is not cured from these simple things, but you deserve to be happy, even if it’s brought on by something as small as a pumpkin spice latte (I did not mention fall drinks, but those are great too). I hope these tips help you enjoy the chilly months a little more than last year.
