The autumn weather has arrived in Limerick, bringing shorter days, plenty of rain and
grey skies. For some of us, that means looking forward to cosy evenings indoors, warm
drinks and soft blankets. For others, the darker days can come with lower energy, a dip
in mood or make existing mental health difficulties feel a little harder to manage.
There is no single magic solution that will make difficult feelings disappear, but there are
small things we can do to make the darker months a little more enjoyable and
manageable.
Find comfort in indoor hobbies
Autumn is the perfect time to rediscover an old hobby or try something completely new.
Make yourself comfortable with a soft blanket, warm lighting, fairy lights or a candle, and
give yourself time to do something simply because you enjoy it.
You might pick up a book and disappear into a story, play some music, crochet, paint,
make jewellery, or try crystal art. You could even start a small DIY project to make your
room feel more cosy for autumn.
If you are not sure where to start, there are plenty of tutorials online, or you could attend
a local workshop and learn something new alongside other people.
Keep your body moving
When it is raining outside, and you are comfortable in your room, getting up and moving
can feel like the last thing you want to do. Still, regular movement can be an important
part of looking after both our physical and mental wellbeing.
It does not have to mean going to the gym or doing an intense workout. You could try
yoga at home, climbing, dancing, padel or another racket sport. When the weather
allows, head out for a walk, explore the Limerick Greenway or go hiking – try to
challenge yourself a little.
Movement can also be a way of connecting with other people. Joining a class, sports
club or walking group gives you the chance to spend time with others without the
pressure of constantly talking. Sometimes simply being around people and sharing an
activity can help us feel more connected.
Stay connected
It can become very easy during autumn to go home after work, college or school and
stay there for the rest of the evening. Having some quiet time is important, but staying
connected with other people matters enormously.
Look out for events happening around Limerick, including Limerick Mental Health Week
events, concerts, exhibitions, cultural events, cinema screenings, comedy shows or
table quizzes. You could even organise a board game night, invite somebody for coffee
or host a simple dinner at home.
Connection does not always need to mean a big social event either. Sometimes calling
or texting someone you love is exactly what you need after a long day.
Bring autumn into the kitchen
Autumn also brings plenty of seasonal foods that can make cooking feel a little more
comforting. Pumpkin or squash soup, root vegetables, apples, cinnamon and
homemade apple pie can all bring some warmth into a grey evening.
Foods such as eggs, oily fish and mushrooms can also be useful additions to your diet
during the colder months, as they can help support your vitamin D intake when we are
getting less sunlight.
Cooking does not have to feel like another chore on your list. Put on your favourite
music or podcast while you cook, or invite your partner, friends or family over and turn it
into a cooking night. Preparing and sharing food together can become another simple
way to connect.
Be gentle with yourself
Autumn does not have to become a season of constantly trying to improve yourself.
Some days you might go for a hike, meet friends and cook a full dinner. Other days,
reading under a blanket and getting through the day may be enough.
Try to notice what helps you feel more like yourself and build small moments of it into
your week. Move your body when you can, stay connected with people who make you
feel good, make time for things you enjoy and remember that it is okay to slow down as
the seasons change.
And if the darker months become too much, make sure to tell someone – whether it’s a
friend, parent, teacher, GP or mental health support service.