Autumn is my absolute favorite season. Many folks lament the shorter daylight hours and colder temperatures, but I’m one of those who adores both.
The gorgeous foliage, the pumpkin-and-apple-everything, the spooky decorations, the bonfires with friends, and the hay rides with my daughter—all of it brings such nostalgic joy to my heart. I also appreciate the season for its natural place-keeping for melancholy and reflection. I need both sides of that coin in my life.
In many ways, autumn is a season of winding-down. Leaves turn colors, then fall as the trees go to sleep for the winter. Squirrels and other critters busy themselves with storage of nutrients before hunkering down in their furry coats for longer sleeps. Schools and businesses wrap-up the final quarters of their semesters and budget years.
Then, there’s stillness: stillness in the gray October skies, stillness in the fallen leaves frosted over on a cool morning, stillness at the bus stops and in the break rooms. We need to lean into this seasonal stillness this year.
Being intentional about rest is one of the most important things we can do for our brains and our bodies. True rest that incorporates stillness and mindful awareness can help balance our brain chemistry, reducing levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. It also balances out our serotonin levels and resets our dopamine levels – both important neurotransmitters responsible for our moods and feelings.
What does a healthy slowing-down look like? For me, it looks like routine. Routine helps me stay disciplined about taking my rest as seriously as I do my work and play. For example, I do my best to go for a walk each evening as the sun sets, just 20 minutes or so, practicing a mindfulness meditation while I walk. I then do my best to get to bed at a reasonable time so that my body gets the sleep it needs.
On the weekends, it means turning my phone to do-not-disturb and being as present as I possibly can be for family fun-time, lazier mornings, and popcorn-fueled movie nights. It means setting aside an hour or two to paint or make music without interruption. The routine helps me keep the rest a priority.
What does your rest and slowing down look like? Be intentional with it. This autumnal season is the perfect one to set a healthier routine. If you or someone you know needs help slowing down and managing stress, The Willow Center is here for you. Give us a call today.
Written by Chase Cotten, Community Director
