Fall is usually a tough time for a lot of us. We realize all too late that summer is over; that we haven’t accomplished everything we wanted to do; and we’re being forced to adapt to change we don’t necessarily embrace. It is the time of year when the thought of change hits us hard. Days are getting shorter, we know summer is drawing to an end, and kids, young and old, are heading back to school. It’s this time of year when many people may question what they are doing. Here are some thoughts to help you wade through the changes.

1. Stay grounded. The easiest answer is you don’t really need to make changes. Keep doing what you’ve been doing.

2. Stay in touch with your inner self during times of change. You may not think you do, but you understand yourself best. Even when things around you are in flux, look inside yourself. What do you do on a daily basis that makes you comfortable?

3. Don’t make drastic changes just for the sake of making change. You may feel like you need to move in a different direction. But without a real plan or defined goals, you would really be wasting your time. Any change you initiate might actually move you in the wrong direction.

4. Focus on what you do best. There are many things that you are good at. Now is the time to focus on those. Make a list if you need to. Reaffirm what you do well.

5. Stick to your regimen. Why change what you’ve been doing all summer. You enjoyed it. Stay with your current routine. The coming of fall doesn’t mean the enjoyment is over.

6. Make sure you are exercising. You don’t need to ramp up your exercise schedule, but make sure to fit some exercise in your weekly schedule. Exercise can help you overcome some of the sluggishness that comes with the end of summer.

7. Shorter days actually can bring on depression or other mood effective disorders. Make sure you are aware of the signs. Go to – http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/basics/symptoms/con-20021047 for more information.

8. Get enough rest. You may have been able to go with less rest during the summer. Add an extra hour of sleep to you schedule. It will make you feel more rested and may help ward off any fall colds or flu.

9. Be aware of your concerns. Don’t be afraid to write them down. Sometimes the list may seem overwhelming or you just don’t want to acknowledge them. Actually putting them in writing can be the first step to addressing them. Once you have made the list, prioritize them and focus on the most important ones.

10. What changes do you want to make. Maybe there are some changes you need to make. Be selective. Don’t try to make them all at once. Maybe pick one to start with.

Seasonal change doesn’t have to be unsettling. Stay grounded, be aware of the changes, and focus on what you do best. If you keep yourself stable as the changes around you take place, you will be much more likely to enjoy the fall colors and cool evenings.