As we enter into what may feel like the busiest time of the year, it’s important to recognize our individual needs in an effort to prioritize our mental health.

Engaging in self-care activities, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), “means taking the time to do things that help you live well.” “Living well” might look a little different for each of us based on our lifestyles and interests.

Keep reading to explore new self-care activities. You might find an option that’s right for you!

Seasonal and Sensory Self-Care

Structuring your self-care practices around the seasons can be a fun way to expand your options or explore new or different activities. Sensory self-care, or self-care utilizing your five senses, can greatly benefit the ways in which you experience and manage emotions.

If you’re feeling stressed, sad, or stuck this fall, consider engaging in one (or more) of the following forms of seasonal and sensory self-care:

SEE

• Go on a hike and pay attention to the fall-colored leaves.
• Go to a pumpkin patch and look for the perfect size, shape, and color.
• Take a nice, scenic drive through the mountains.

HEAR

• Jump in a pile of leaves and listen to them crunch.
• Walk through a corn maze and hear the rustle of the stalks.
• Put on your favorite Halloween movie from your childhood.

SMELL

• Light your favorite fall-scented candle.
• Have a bonfire with your friends and smell the burning wood.
• Put a cinnamon apple simmer pot on your stove.

TASTE

• Drink some hot apple cider.
• Bake and eat a delicious pumpkin pastry.
• Taste your favorite Halloween candy.

TOUCH

• Carve a jack-o-lantern.
• Wrap up in a cozy blanket.
• Pick your own apples from an apple orchard.

Self care can be simple, but it’s not always easy to do.

It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the seasons, setting aside our own needs.

Remember to schedule time to slow down and engage in something that will serve you, rather than increase your stress!

ABT Counseling Wants to Support You and Your Mental Health Needs

Do you have a good self-care routine and want to take the next step?

ABT Counseling offers various mental health services with providers offering a different specialties!

We currently offer individual, couples, and family counseling, group counseling, ADHD testing, autism screening, and medication management across the Roanoke and New River Valleys.

Interested in learning more about our providers?

Click here to discover the 30+ mental health providers available at ABT Counseling. including psychiatric providers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, testing administrators, and residents. We offer multiple locations with a variety of services and providers in an effort to meet your mental health needs!

Ready to make your first appointment?

Click here to request an appointment. Our administrative staff will contact you soon to connect you with one of our mental health providers who will work to meet your mental health needs.