5 Mental Health Hacks to Get Through the Fall Season

Fall is often seen as a season of change and new beginnings. Leaves turn fiery reds and yellows, scarves come out of storage, and pumpkin spice lattes fill coffee shops across the country. However, for people living with mental health issues, fall can also be a foreboding time. It symbolizes the imminent arrival of winter – the coldest, darkest, and often most depressing season. As such, it’s important to have mental health hacks in place to help get you through this challenging period. In this article, we’ll share five tips that have had a profoundly positive impact on people’s mental health and wellbeing.

1. Put medication in an obvious place
Taking medication at the right time can have a radical impact on how you feel for the rest of the day. One of the biggest challenges is remembering to take it. To avoid missing doses, consider putting your medication somewhere you’re sure to see it. This could mean placing it on your sink next to your glasses, in the cupboard next to your breakfast cereal, in your car, or at your office desk. It’s amazing how much a few small pills can change how you feel and help avoid a horrid day.

2. Ask yourself if there’s anything you can do to be happier
We often hear about the abstract concept of “success” as the ultimate goal in society. In reality, happiness is a much more tangible and attainable goal. If you’re feeling unhappy, take some time to think about why that is and see if there’s anything you can do to remove what’s causing you distress. For example, if OCD is getting in the way of your wellbeing, step back, and prioritize your mental health by allowing yourself to be less concerned with the organization of your bookshelf. Identifying and alleviating your stressors can help improve your happiness and wellbeing.

3. Surround yourself with things that make you happy
Another essential mental health hack is to surround yourself with things that bring you joy. Decorate your workspace or living space with memorable mementos, happy pictures of friends and family, or action figures of your favorite childhood hero. Having these happy reminders around will uplift your mood, motivation, and energy.

4. Make a list of ways you can feel better
Creating a list of things that you can do to feel better can be a useful tool in your mental health journey. The list should be divided into two categories: the practical actions you can take, such as taking your medication on time, eating healthy, and exercising, and the things that make you happy, such as watching your favorite movie or TV show, or listening to uplifting music. Invest some time into creating this list so that it’s always available to you when you need it.

5. Keep a wellbeing journal
A wellbeing journal can provide valuable insights into your emotional state throughout the day by identifying what’s causing your emotional dips. It’s an excellent way to document and track your mental state’s progress and identify potential stressors that may be affecting your wellbeing. You can use a digital diary app like Evernote or a good old-fashioned pen-and-paper journal to document your emotional triggers and the things that make you happy.

Conclusion
It’s no secret that fall can be a difficult time for people with mental health issues. However, with the help of these five mental health hacks, you can feel more in control of your mental state, more centered, and more able to cope with anything that comes your way, any time of the year. As always, it’s essential to seek professional help if you feel your mental health is negatively impacting your life. Remember that you are not alone and that there is hope and support available.