Autumn, for many, feels like a transition of sorts. The air feels crisper, the days shorter, and there are new routines to get accustomed to. With so many changes going on, it is the perfect time to re-engage with your senses. This can look like different things to different people, but the principle of it remains the same: being more aware of how you take in the world and doing so at a more meditative pace. This has many benefits, most of all regulating your nervous system as change occurs around you, oftentimes out of your control, which can cause higher levels of anxiety and frustration. Autumn is full of new and different textures, sights, sounds, and smells to rediscover, all the while alleviating discomfort and feeling more grounded.
For starters, try going for a walk and noticing what has changed with the season on a visual level. What do you notice? Have the leaves changed colours where you live? Does the light from the sky look different at all during the day versus the evening? This season is made up of warmer tones that often evoke calm and comfort: reds, golds, browns, and oranges. Start by going for a walk and taking note of the different colours all around you. Then, see what emotions are evoked by those colours. Do they remind you of anything from your past? Feel free to write down how you feel and what colour is associated, creating a visual journal. This is a healthy way to both be more in touch with the world around you as well as with the emotions inside of you.
If you are a coffee or tea drinker, take note, because you could be in the perfect position to engage with several senses at once, all tied to the theme of autumn. Start by brewing a hot cup of tea or coffee. Once its done, wrap both hands around it and take a deep breath through your nose. Feel the warmth in your hand, the smell of your drink as it warms you inside and out. Try taking some deep breaths and take note of how you are feeling when you engage with your senses like this. If you make this a daily habit, you’ll find how much you look forward to this small moment you’ve carved out for yourself.
While it may seem like a small thing to engage with your senses and surroundings, it adds up to more emotional awareness and resilience in the face of uncertainty and change. When you can depend on your emotions and understand why you are reacting to a situation in a certain way, there is one less unknown variable. Remind yourself that this takes practice, and making it a regular habit will ensure that your emotional awareness and regulation only grows over time. As we transition from the dog days of summer into more routines of autumn, keep these small changes in mind, and if you need support for anything going on in your life, reach out to Walmsley EFAP and we can connect you to a counsellor.
Walmsley EFAP