Is it just me, or is the transition into fall somewhat bittersweet? While the idea of bidding warm nights and beach weekends adieu is hard, there is a certain comfort in resuming September’s routines. Yet, almost everywhere we look we’re reminded of how busy the months ahead will be — with store aisles full of backpacks and binders,followed closely by Halloween costumes, Thanksgiving decorations, and Christmas trees lurking right around the corner.
Feeling overwhelmed, behind schedule and anxious is all too common this time of year, but it’s not inevitable if we can manage to stay in the moment and cut ourselves some slack. Great advice, but easier said than done, right? It is especially hard to prioritize regular exercise, healthy eating, meditation and deep breathing when we are feeling lost in our obligations. Not surprisingly, these are the times we need to support ourselves most!
One tool that I use and recommend to fend off these types of feelings when they creep in is to utilize positive affirmations, or phrases that are repeated to redirect negative thought patterns and create a peaceful, empowered mindset. I like affirmations because they can be tailored to address any emotion, can be used anywhere and are completely free.
Here are a few of my favorite fall affirmations for you to try:
Say: I am excited, energized and enthusiastic about life.I have abundant energy to accomplish all I need to.
Because it helps to: Combat feelings of fatigue; manage many demands.Say: Stress passes over me like a river over stone. I remain peaceful and calm in all situations.
Because it helps to: Keep the mind and body at ease.Say: I am pleasantly surprised by the beauty in people and things around me.
Because it helps to: Focus on the present moment; look at the positive.
Repeat your affirmations a few times when you start your day, and come back to these as often as you need to. If you have some extra time, make this a meditation by simply sitting tall, closing your eyes, breathing deeply and repeating the words aloud or in your head. Affirmations should be easy to remember, and feel natural as you repeat them, so personalize the wording or look up some others that suit your own needs.
Finally, give yourself credit for taking the steps toward decreased stress, improved mental clarity and better overall health and happiness.
* Information presented here is not intended to cure, diagnose, prevent or treat any health concerns or condition, nor is it to serve as a substitute professional medical care.
