Today, where I am in Missouri, is a rainy day. It is really the first day that feels autumnish to me. I noticed in September, though, that the sunlight had shifted and brought on a different feeling.

Some people feel depressed in fall and winter, when the days are shorter and the darkness is longer. I encourage anyone who is feeling depressed to please seek out therapy, especially if your depression tends toward feeling like hurting yourself. The following ideas are activities that can help boost a mildly low feeling.

–Learn about what is happening in the natural world in your area at this time. What are animals and plants doing? Learning about nature can lift the feeling of “everything is dying.” What is actually happening can shift your perspective.

–Take walks and take photos! Go outside and find small details to photograph. Look at the tops of trees, which you may not normally do. Find natural patterns in your surroundings.

–Pay attention to what your body feels like. Feed yourself nourishing foods before you are hungry. Get more rest. When you are exercising or moving, be mindful of what feels good and practice gratitude for your senses.

–Read a poem each day about autumn or winter. You may even be inspired to write your own! https://www.poetryfoundation.org/collections/101590/fall-poems

–Close your eyes and listen to the natural sounds in a park, forest, or yard. What birds are in your area? Geese? Loons? Do you hear ice cracking? Do you hear crunching leaves or squirrels digging for nuts?

–Decorate your home in fall colors. If you don’t like fall colors, bring in spring colors! You can make art or bring in silk flowers. Whatever you want! Also, pay attention to your indoor lighting. For some, turning down light and lighting candles makes it cozy. For others, brighter feels better.

–Just as nature turns inward, so can you. Maybe now is the time to begin journaling or writing stories. A gratitude journal, a nature journal, a photo of one particular tree each week from now until spring. Track your feelings, create a cookbook, feed what feels good to you.

–Turn to others. Sometimes when feeling down we only want to be alone. Honor that. Other times, we are aware that we are avoiding in a way that is not good for us. Make a standing date with someone you are comfortable with. Aim for weekly dates. Or attend some event weekly. Libraries and universities often have free and frequent events. This is the schedule for the library where I am: https://thelibrary.org/programs/other/adults.cfm

What gets you through autumn and winter? I would love to hear your ideas!