How to avoid the fall burnout?

Summer is officially over, the weather is chillier, the evenings are getting darker, and the leaves are beginning to change. It is also the start of a new school year with new routines, packed schedules and a burst of productivity. With all this also comes the possibility of burnout and it becomes quite easy to run on empty with all the demands of daily life when the holidays are becoming a distant memory.

A little bit of intentionality can make the difference in your mood, and you can enjoy the beauty of autumn without burning out.

1.       Acknowledge the seasonal shifts - Fall ushers in a change in temperature, light and energy. The days are shorter and there is less sunlight which can impact on motivation and mood. Simply being mindful of the season and the needed adjustments helps in staying kind to yourself.

2.       Reevaluate your commitments – It is so tempting to jump headfirst into various new activities. However, overcommitting is a definite recipe for burnout disaster. Protect your energy by keeping your calendar realistic

3.       Stay connected – It is so easy to isolate from connections especially as the days are shorter and darker. However, one important step to wellbeing is Connect. Therefore, making time for meaningful connections helps create a buffer against burnout.

4.       Prioritize rest and sleep – Aim for a consistent bedtime schedule and consider a calming evening routine. Rest is a priority, and it enables productivity and resilience.

5.       Maintain the right nutrition – Fall is a great time to enjoy nourishing seasonal foods. Stabilize your energy levels and mental clarity by eating nutrient rich foods.

6.       Give yourself some grace – Don’t expect perfection as it doesn’t exist. You don’t have to do it all or have it all figured out. Sometimes a great way to avoid burning out is to remember that it is okay for you to slow down, or not get it all right, or just to be yourself.

Fall is a season of transitions. It is a reminder that change is natural, and cycles of rest are as important as cycles of productivity. Allow yourself to slow down, create healthy boundaries, practice self-care so you can enjoy the beauty of autumn without draining your energy resources.