There’s something about this time of year. As temperatures drop and the sun sets earlier and earlier, the season beckons us to slow down and cozy up. And at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center, we’re heeding the call. In the busyness of life, we’re using this fall season as an opportunity to get comfortable. Want to join us?
Why comfort matters
Comfort might not seem that big of a deal, really. Isn’t getting outside of your comfort zone supposed to be a good thing? Definitely, it is. But there has to be a balance. Spending too much time away from things that make you feel supported and cared for exhausts you. In fact, comfort is directly related to your wellbeing and quality of life.
If you’ve felt burnt out and low energy, you’re not alone. The digital age means that we’re all connected all the time. That offers some benefits, but it also means we all have fewer opportunities to unplug — literally and metaphorically. Even when so many of us lost power during the preventive shutdowns during the Santa Anas last month, our phones kept buzzing and pinging. It can be a lot to always be available.
That’s why we’re using the changing seasons as an excuse to slow down and revisit what helps us get comfortable. We don’t get true seasons here in Southern California, but we do get the ending of Daylight Saving Time to signal a seasonal shift. Now that the sun is creeping behind the horizon as many of us leave the office, it’s a time to hunker down and cozy up.
How to get comfortable
Want to join us in giving yourself some extra support this autumn? Here are the top tips we’re using.
Set up a routine
How do you start your day? How do you end it? Creating routines for the morning and before bed can shape your day, helping you stay mindful and giving you opportunities to practice gratitude. We’re loving cozying up with a cup of tea and taking a few minutes to journal at least once a day. This pause-and-reflect time helps us identify what’s stressing us out so we can moderate it, helping us feel extra supported this season.
Get physically comfortable
It’s sweater weather, friends! Sure, temperatures in Ventura don’t drop too far. But that doesn’t mean you can’t bust out your coziest garb. Put your slippers by the door so you can pillow your feet the second you get home. Layer on a scarf for extra, adjustable warmth throughout the day. Throw an extra blanket on your bed. These cozy comforts are an opportunity to practice the Danish concept of hygge, which supports mental wellbeing.
Make a wish list — and act on it
What would make you feel your best this season? We challenge you to spend 15 minutes writing down your dream list. It could include jetting off to somewhere tropical for Thanksgiving, finishing your homework before 10 pm every day, getting together with a friend you’ve been missing, or anything else that will make you feel good. It could even be as simple as making your favorite fall comfort foods (mac and cheese, please!).
Now look over your list. What’s doable? What steps can you take to bring the things you want into your life in the coming weeks and months? Be proactive about creating the life you want and you’ll feel extra supported and inspired as we head into 2020.
This fall season, our goal is to help ourselves and the people around us enjoy greater wellbeing. In addition to finding ways to make yourself comfortable on your own, don’t hesitate to seek out support for your mental health when you need it. Our team at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center is here to help. We’d love to hear how we can help you, so please get in touch if you’re interested in counseling, group therapy, yoga, or any of the other services we offer.
