Judging by the weather, summer has finished – if we ever had a proper summer this year. Autumn can be challenging – as the days get shorter, and the temperature drops, it’s easy to feel a bit down. From those glorious lazy days on the beach, and the long, light evenings spent outside on the deck – you know the next few months will be spent battling the elements. You will be shivering, you’ll be wrangling with obstinate umbrellas, and when day-light saving finishes the evenings seem long and dark.

It can be hard to stay positive with the thought of winter looming – but autumn can be refreshing, with crisp mornings and sun-filled days. Here are a few tips for making the best of the season –

• Ask – what is the worst thing about my life now?  Is there something dragging you down – a negative person, a task at work you have been postponing, or you feel un-motivated. Then ask – what can I do about this? And then deal with it!
• What is the worst thing that could happen? Never let fear decide your fate. We all know how easy it is to become worried over the little details – and blow things all out of proportion. Just ask yourself – what is the worst thing that could happen?
• Exercise – We all know that exercise is good for the body – but it also has a positive impact on depression and anxiety. It helps beat stress, will improve your sleeping pattern and give you more energy. And the best news – you don’t have to be a gym junkie to reap the rewards, as a moderate amount of exercise each day is beneficial. You will be more relaxed, with a positive attitude and more energy.
• Socialise –you might think autumn and winter are a time to curl up on the couch with a good book, or the TV remote – but even if you don’t want to go out, think about inviting friends over.
• Eat healthy. Take advantage of all the seasonal goodness available at your local farmer’s market, or even from your own garden if you are lucky enough to have planted one. All the winter greens like spinach and kale work perfectly in smoothies, and help balance the heavier comfort food we gravitate to as the weather cools down.
• Indulge. If everything else fails to lift your spirits and motivate you – then just give into your cravings. Treat yourself to that bowl of ice cream, or the chocolate bar. Remember the 80/20 rule, and start again tomorrow.

Hopefully these mood-busting tips help you sail through the season!

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference (Winston Churchill.)