So, last week I had a very unsatisfactory after work run. I class an unsatisfactory run one in which I feel as bad at the end as I did at the start! When there is no impressive time within which I ran to make it feel worth it. When I don’t notice the beautiful colours around me, the fun challenge of an undulating terrain.
Now, all of this is down to me and how I didn’t open my mind to how lovely the run could have been but instead focussed on how much I really didn’t want to do it. It wasn’t even that cold, and I love Autumn… but the change of the season, the change of the clocks… it all can combine for some of us into briefly (or not so briefly) a season of ‘meh’. And when we get to the season of ‘meh’ people, we need to give our bodies and mind a helping hand to get that wonderful dopamine boost!
Yes… you may need to force yourself, I’m not going to lie. But the only person who can help get you out of a funk is yourself! You need to take responsibility for doing it yourself! And… here’s another truth… there is never the right time to do anything. To say you will do it when it stops raining, to say it is too dark, you just want to wait until you are a little fitter… these are all just excuses. Get out and do it now. Set yourself a reminder so you don’t ‘forget’ to do it. :-D
If it is raining… wellie boots, waterproofs and a brollie! If you haven’t a headtorch, head out at lunchtime, use the torch on your phone, or better still buy a torch! If your waterproofs aren’t brilliant, just make it a short walk or borrow something. And what is going to help you get fitter better than a short walk! All you are doing is getting outside into the fresh air and ENJOYing the elements.
And yes, you can even enjoy the rain… how? Because of the feeling of the rain on your face that makes your skin tingles, the childhood memories splashing in puddles, the smells it conjures up around you. And there are smells also of the wood fires burning, the musty scent as nature begins regeneration. Sounds of crunchy leaves, rain falling on your hood, mud squelching under your boots and the wind rustling in the trees. Tastes of rain, of mist, of that hot chocolate when you get inside.
So here is what I am going to do… because I am very much in the season of ‘meh’… I’m going to get out my layers and embrace the woolly hat and gloves. I’m going to wash the mud off my trail runners and I may even buy some brightly coloured running gear on Vinted to really get me in the mood! I’m going to pin some yummy looking soups and stews on Pinterest, and search out the best places to go for Autumnal colours. And let’s not forget all the delicious accompaniments to a great mug of hot chocolate.
Support your moods into more positive thoughts, don’t let the seasons control you. Once you get yourself outside and into some fresh air, you will feel better. Keep doing it and you will maintain your dopamine levels and this will impact your mental health over the darker months. Turn ‘meh’ into ‘yeh!’.
For further advice or a free half hour consultation on ways to improve your mental wellbeing, please contact me at fiona@kanyini.co.uk
©Fiona Doney 2024
kanyini.co.uk 