It’s that time of year when the days begin to get shorter, and the loss of sunlight causes some people to get the blues. This has become known as Season Affective Disorder (SAD) when the blues turn into a notable depression. Despite many people suffering from this, SAD was not recognized as a psychiatric issue for many years. Now, not only is it recognized, but there have been many techniques developed to address it. Yet, SAD isn’t the only issue that comes with the end of summer and the arrival of autumn. What better topic for World Mental Health Day (which is observed this week on 10/11)?
- Create a fall bucket list. For many, summer is considered the fun season. People go on vacation and hang out with friends by the pool. When summer ends, so do many fun activities (e.g., pools and waterparks closing) and lazy days. It’s back to school and work. This can be a downer for some. However, the end of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of fun. Creating a fall bucket list keeps the fun activities going. Maybe one can’t hang out at the pool, but he/she can go on a hayride or attend a bonfire.
- Buy fun clothes. No, you don’t have to break the bank. Just add one or two pieces of fun attire to your wardrobe to spruce up the day. Spring and summer are associated with bright colors while fall and winter are associated with muted tones and hues. The fashion industry follows suit and fills the racks with dark and neutral colors. According to research, babies and young children show a preference for bright colors, and these colors stimulate the brain. Thus, why not toss in a bright yellow scarf or ruby red shoes to kick up one’s mood?
- Don’t become a couch potato. When the weather turns chilly and the sun goes down at five, it’s easy to get into the habit of going home and plopping on the couch to watch the boob tube. (Does anyone say boob tube anymore? For that matter, does anyone watch cable anymore, or is everyone streaming these days?) Maybe, for us older folks (*cough, cough*), we do this because we were taught to come inside once the streetlights come on. However, we’re adults now and are allowed to stay up late. We can go outside after dark. Really. The boogie man won’t snatch us. Well, I suppose in some areas he would, but we know stranger danger. On a less cheeky note, staying home isn’t a bad thing. However, getting out is good, too. One should keep a balance between the two.
- Stock the cabinets. If one chooses to or must stay in, have comfort foods on hand. I know on dreary days; I don’t want to get out. I also don’t want to be stuck eating Vienna sausages on mustard. I always make certain I have stashed away ingredients to make a hearty chili or good gumbo.
- Create a list of must–sees and must-reads. This just cuts down on brainwork and hours of flipping the remote from channel to channel. How many times have I gone on social media and seen posts asking for recommendations for a movie to watch or a book to read? There’s nothing wrong with doing this, however, one may not receive a prompt response. Or one may receive a few responses but they aren’t anything you’re interested in or have already viewed or read. Now is the time to prepare that list and have it on standby.
- Fall décor. I’m only adding this one because it popped up so many times while researching this topic. Some people find this very cheery. The only reason I hesitate to add this is because it seems odd to have a throw pillow that says sweater weather when it is still over 80 degrees outside. Yeah, welcome to the Deep South.
- Create an Emergency Road Kit. Actually, this is a good practice year-round. So, if you already have an emergency kit in your car, now would be a good time to check to ensure everything is still there and in working condition. For example, check the batteries in the flashlight and/or the expiration date on medical supplies (e.g., aspirin, ointments, etc.) and snacks. In the South, autumn also welcomes tornado season. I keep a small overnight bag packed with essentials in case I become stranded at work. In this kit, don’t forget the needs of pets and infants (e.g., pet food, leashes, diapers, powdered baby formula, and bottled water, etc.). Also, don’t forget the blankets.
- Firewood. Now, is the time to begin a small stockpile of firewood for wood-burning fireplaces. These days there seems to be a shortage of everything. Start preparing early, and one won’t be in a crunch once the demand increases for these items. Just try finding a generator days before an ice storm. Weather is fickle—one day hot and the next day not. This doesn’t mean one needs to have a national forest chopped in his/her backyard. However, having enough wood on hand to get you started for the first couple of days that you want to warm up (physically or romantically), being able to grab a couple of logs from the backyard is handy.
- Begin holiday planning. The holidays can be stressful, especially for persons planning gift exchanging or traveling. To reduce some of the burden, begin budgeting for expenses now. The farther in advance tickets are purchased, the cheaper they are. Again, these days there seem to be shortages and shipping delays. Early planning will give you ample time to have any presents delivered and backorders to be restocked.
- Keep it bright. Seasonal depression stems from reduced Vitamin D, and one way the body gains Vitamin D is absorption through the skin via sunlight. Thus, spending as much time outside can help reduce seasonal depression. Additionally, artificial light sources can be purchased to help mimic sunlight. Many of these light sources can be purchased for a reasonable rate.
If you or someone you know are suffering from depression or any other mental illness, seek professional help. Many options are available, including online mental health services. Just be sure to do your due diligence to ensure you are receiving services from a trained and qualified professional. Do not be afraid or intimidated to inquire about a therapist’s education, years of practice, and references. Most have their vita available, either on their website or in an office pamphlet.
That brings this post to a close. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. What did you think? What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.
Get ready. It’s time to hit the ice again. Future Goals has arrived and is available.
When a college hockey player needs the help of an attractive older attorney, he gets more than he bargained for when trying to sort out the troubles in his career. Falling in love was never part of either man’s plan, especially as Corrigan’s and Sacha’s lives should never have collided. Now they’re left questioning if they’re standing in the way of the other’s future goals, or if there’s room for redirection.
Order your copy at:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RjPYb9
Other booksellers: https://bit.ly/3CI8d5W
Did you miss the first four books in my hockey romance series? No frets.
Out of the Penalty Box (book #1), where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links on where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.
Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.
Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.
Penalty Kill (book #4) retakes the ice. Get a copy at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p or https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p and let the pucker begin.
For more of my stories, shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays, and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou.
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Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.
Author Bio
Genevive Chamblee resides in the Bayou country where sweet tea and SEC football reign supreme. She is known for being witty (or so she thinks), getting lost anywhere beyond her front yard (the back is pushing it as she’s very geographically challenged), falling in love with shelter animals (and she adopts them), asking off-the-beaten-path questions that make one go “hmm,” and preparing home-cooked Creole meals that are as spicy as her writing. Genevive specializes in spinning steamy, romantic tales with humorous flair, diverse characters, and quirky views of love and human behavior. She also is not afraid to delve into darker romances as well.
Creole Bayou 