Workplace Strategies to Overcome Autumn Anxiety and Other SADs
When Fall rolls around (especially for us Northeasterners), you may have some mixed emotions. On the one hand, there’s the gradual changing of leaves from lush greens to a collage of reds, yellows, and oranges. Not to mention apple picking and cozy sweaters. But this time can also signal a “back-to-the-grindstone” mentality that may bring up feelings of personal and professional anxiety.
Psychologists refer to this feeling as autumn anxiety, or a phenomenon characterized by feelings of panic and distress with the approach of cooler weather. At face value, the easiest explanation for these shifts in mood may be marked by the end of a warm, sunny, and relaxed summer season.
However, lifestyle can play just as big of a part. If work is a major stressor for you, the inevitable return to a “busier, more professionally focused time of year” can also be a significant trigger.
Though, autumn anxiety and other forms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) feel somewhat unavoidable with each year that rolls around, there are some strategies we suggest to help circumvent any anxious feelings:
Realistic time management:
Though the fall season may signify your professional life kicking back into full gear, it’s important to be honest with yourself about how you can take command of your calendar in healthy and sustainable ways. The Big Rocks and Little Rocks Priority Setting method by Stephen Covey allows us to reimagine time management through the lens of prioritizing what matters most in life.
This method is one of the most powerful ways I make important things happen in my personal and professional life.Acts of self-compassion:
Whether it’s something you do to begin or end your day, we have found immense value in preserving ample time and compassion for yourself. This can be as simple as a brief meditation, exercise, or anything else that serves you and only you. Need some inspiration?
Consider the reflection question: If there’s ONE thing that’s going to make today great for you, what would that be?Recurring patterns:
Does your anxiety surface on certain days of the week, or while engaging in certain activities, or duties in your workplace? Perhaps days are more challenging when you interact with certain people or plan out specific parts of your day.
When these anxious feelings arise, try journaling more consistently to see if you notice patterns emerging that can help inform a plan for meaningful change.Celebrate the transition:
Can you remember a time when you didn’t suffer from autumn anxiety? Maybe it was when you were still a child, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t combat this distress now by finding ways to enjoy the season to its fullest extent.
What fun, seasonal activities can you plan and look forward to? From apple picking to cooking with fall ingredients, these exciting, personal rituals can completely change the tone of each autumn from here on out.
From a cultural standpoint, fall signifies new beginnings— from the start of school to a deeper dive into work-related projects. At Leadology, we’ve had the opportunity to work with managers of all backgrounds to forge new personal and professional development journeys through formative programs like Activate.
If the latest cohort has gotten away from you, a brand new Activate cohort will be launching in the new year 2024 to offer workplace leaders more intentionality and transformation in their everyday lives. There are currently 81 members inside of Activate doing the same right now. Now that’s something to look forward to!
Ready to embrace this new season of growth? Schedule a call with us to learn more about how you can flourish with the help of Activate.
