Things to Look Forward to About Autumn

I know, I know. It’s still summer! So why am I transporting us to fall when we technically have (I counted!) seven weeks and two days left of summer?

While staying in the present moment is a good thing, it’s also beneficial for people with seasonal affective disorder to take certain precautionary measures before the daylight really starts slipping away in September. Things like remembering to take a significant dose of Vitamin D (this is something I do, please talk to your doctor if you want actual medical advice!), using a dawn simulator or light therapy lamp, and maintaining a regular exercise routine.

I also like to make plans. For much of the summer, I didn’t really need to make a list of things to look forward to because summer is in itself a more positive time for me: lots of activities, better moods, more energy, and plenty of stuff going on locally. July in particular was full of events and nonstop busy; I can’t believe how fast it went  by!

Autumn, however, symbolizes one major thing for me: my fourth semester of college and my first semester in the nursing program (apart from less daylight hours and worsening depressive symptoms, of course). So to put aside the nerves and anxiety over that huge weight on my shoulders, I’m compiling a list of things to look forward to about the fall.

Things like…

Apple picking! We’re surrounded by apple orchards in Ulster County, so the only problem is which one to choose.

And after apple picking comes, of course, pie baking 🙂

Our second wedding anniversary is in October, which makes me so excited <3

There’s also crisp, cool Hudson Valley area hikes to look forward to (the Catskills, Shawangunks, Berkshires, and Adirondacks are all within a day’s drive!). I love the brilliant oranges and reds everywhere you look once October comes.

Local festivals! The O+ Festival is an inspiring  art, music, and wellness event that started here in Kingston and also takes place in San Francisco this year. Yay!

Others I’m curious about are the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, the Woodstock Film Festival, and maybe checking out the annual Garlic Festival in Saugerties again.

What else? Pumpkins. Warm apple cider. A Fall Equinox party, perhaps? My nursing clinicals: classroom learning is one thing, but I’m excited to wear my scrubs and work in the hospital. Scarves and sweaters for those chilly-but-not-yet-freezing days and nights. Thinking of all these things makes me happy.

 

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What are you looking forward to about the fall? Am I completely silly for making this list when August has only just begun? What do you still have to check off your summer to-do list? What’s making you happy lately?

 

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