Avoiding Autumn Overwhelm

As we tip into the darker half of year we can feel conflicted by wanting to rest, at one of the busiest times of the year. And while heavy rain and turbulent winds can have us wanting to hide away and hibernate early, there's some important magic to be found in the time of harvest that recognises the need to find balance to avoid overwhelm.

Here's our invitation to explore nine ways to reclaim balance at this time of balancing the dark and light, in us and around us. Some simple, and some may feel 'too big' but see which of these ideas catches your attention in the quest for balance.

1. Have you written a harvest gratitude list?  Associated with the Autumn Equinox and harvest season - the Celtic celebration of Mabon - is a wonderful time to pause and acknowledge all this year's harvests, successes and moments of joy. Share it to encourage others to create their own and 'high five' your successes, and give yourself a little accountability before the end of the year.
2. Review your acts of service this year. Look at where you act in service of others and address the balance.  Perhaps your life is all about helping others and you are too low on your to do list? Perhaps you've been so focused on work or relationships that some kindness to others needs to be added to your list?
3. Create from nature. Gather apples and blackberries and make a crumble. Pick elderberries and cook up a syrup (great to ward off colds/infections). Harvest sage and lavender and make a herb bundle to burn on the fire or to smudge your home.
4. Chase the sunshine. Spot the gaps in the rain and get outside, as the days shorten it's all too easy to realise you've been shut away in doors without a breath of air or moment of day light. Can you allow some flexibility into your working day to seize these moments of brightness.
5. Go sunrise and sunset spotting. Sunrise 1st October in Reading is 7.05, sunset 18.41 - it's one of the easiest times of year to spot a sunrise and sunset within your busy schedule. Even getting out to notice the light changing without a picture perfect sunrise/set is a wonderful way to ground yourself at the start and end of your day. Maybe you can spot 7 days of sunrises and be aware what you notice throughout your week?  We'd love to hear about your experience #7daysofsunrises
6. Search for those Autumn colours. The heavy rain has actually delayed and changed the usual explosion of Autumn oranges - but there are still many gorgeous colours to be spotted in nature, and out and about to connect you to the magic of the season. Be mindful when walking, popping to the shops or on your commute, and seek out those Autumn colours.
7. Watch the night sky. Did you know there are different stars you can find at different times of the year?  Have you watched a whole moon cycle to be aware of how the moon changes from the night of the full moon to the new moon and paid attention to what this is bringing up for you?  Full moons are associated with heightened emotions and 'lunatic' behaviour - so much so that certain professions need extra staff and awareness of the dates of the full moon.  A new moon usually offers a gentler, contemplative mood, good for planning and wishing on the stars to manifest your dreams.  This October there is a solar eclipse in line with the new moon in Libra on 2nd October - creating a potent time for fresh new beginnings and transformation.
8. Prioritise time to 'be'.  It's easy to slip into 'Netflix and Chill' in the Autumn and Winter and stop all our good practices of meditation, reflection, self-care and exercise - but your future self will find overwhelm and anxiety rear their ugly heads all too quickly if you forget to make time for those positive habits that fuel your mind and body. If you need help, join one of our events, check out our online offerings or book some one-to-one time to reset your healthy habit patterns.
9. Get the balance of rest and connection. At the turn of the season to the darker nights, our bodies feel drawn to more rest, and it's important to recognise these needs and rhythms. But don't shut yourself away from the world, just yet. It's not time to hibernate alone. Connection is more important than ever, at this change of season time. Realise the support your have from friends and through circles of support and the BalanceTime community. Connect with likeminded souls at our private Facebook page, at an event with us or even just booking a night out (or in) with some friends.