To be honest, I always find the autumn, especially when clocks change, to be quite a difficult time. No idea why, as I love the colours and the changes to the foliage. It is a wonderful time to reconnect with the landscape. But it does always leave me feeling flat; difficult sometimes to see the best in life at this time of year.
So I was really interested to see the following article in my twitter feed: "Bereaved? Ten ways to help you through Autumn." The article, written by Tania Brocklehurst can be found on the Bereavement UK Media website. Here's the first few to get you started, then can I recommend you click across to the main website...
Changing of any season can bring with it new anniversaries of significant moments. Cold crisp air, damp autumn leaves and wisps of smoke from bonfires can trigger senses and memories, whist darker mornings and evenings can, for some, feel isolating as curtains are shut earlier, and the streets quieter for longer. It can seem as though the rest if the world has some place to go, some other place to be, some one to be with. Here are some ways that may help you through:
1. Practise mindfulness. The beautiful colours, the feel of rain on your skin, the crunch of leaves underfoot – these can all help you to bring all your senses and your physical body into the moment. When being fully present in any moment it is impossible to worry about the future or ruminate on the past. Try going for a walk, and really noticing nature around you and its changes that the new Season is bringing.
2. Eat well. Autumn is the perfect time for root vegetable soups, stews or casseroles. If you don’t know how- take a look at some of our recipes in our media centre by Aida. Her videos take you through simple tasty recipes step by step. Eating healthily will help to ward of infections and viruses that the change in weather can bring. It will also help you to feel better about yourself.
3. Wrap up warm. Cosy knits, fleece blankets, pyjama mornings, hot water bottles. All of these can bring comfort as well as warmth. When you are bereaved it can be usual to feel constantly distracted. Dont forget to look after yourself.
Possibly more difficult than springtime because spring is full of new beginnings. In autumn such things are difficult to find, although they are there if you look hard enough - thinking of the garden here.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there is something in that - spring is such a lovely time of year and the prospect of warmer days and longer evenings can only help. I can appreciate the beauty of autumn, but mentally this time of year does little for me. I think I should have been born somewhere warmer and sunnier - maybe its time to revisit my dream of relocating to France!!
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