I always have mixed feelings when August arrives. Summer’s close feels so bittersweet to me. As a teacher (a newly part-time one, allowing me more time for my blog and writing!), going back to school can be both exciting and exhausting. Long, summer days spent blithely in the sun turn shorter, cooler, and more structured.
Don’t get me wrong, I love fall – the holidays, the pumpkins, the sweaters, the absence of bugs – all of it. But this transitional time gives me lots of feelings, and I’m making sure to take care of myself along the way (remember, self-care isn’t selfish). Here’s how I’m easing into a new season this year:
Prepping my home
I started cleaning and organizing my home this weekend, feeling the urge to have a fresh space for a new school year. Typically, having a deep clean and declutter session at the close of every season makes me feel more ready for the new one.
Looking back and remembering
Some say you shouldn’t dwell on the past, but I’m simply talking about looking through old photographs and videos to remember good times fondly. Sometimes, reliving end of summers and falls past reminds me of the wonderful things ahead.
Focusing on loved ones
It can be easy to get wrapped up in work this time of year, especially for teachers. I have to make an effort to prioritize quality time with friends and family to make sure I’m filling my cup – and theirs. Plus, spending time with the ones you love is often the best medicine when you’re feeling down or in a funk.
Writing poetry
I have been writing poetry since I was little, and poetry is what I always come back to when I’m feeling things I need help processing. Maybe for you that’s drawing or working out or cooking. I find it helps to do something that allows you to connect with who you are.
Allowing feelings
Often, fighting a feeling does more harm than good. I had a counselor once tell me that when my anxiety creeps in, it’s best to recognize it, accept it, and gently let it pass. It helps to have this calm attitude when it comes to most feelings, and realize that feelings are normal and what make us human. Feelings also come and go; they never last forever.
Walking in the park
If you know me, you know that I walk every day – more now especially that I have a dog. There’s something magical about walking in the park during transitional times – summer to fall, and spring to summer. I love watching the sun’s position in the sky change just a little each day and the leaves start to color.
How will you ease into fall this year? Share any and all thoughts in the comments!
P.S. 5 ways to cope with transitions, end of summer thoughts from 2018, and soothing anxiety before starting something new.
