Preparing for Autumn mentally, physically, & emotionally

By Cielo McClendon

   Autumn is arriving. Your mind, body, and spirit may still be stuck in summer. Fall is a comfort season filled with lots of coziness, peace, and happiness. With the color-changing leaves, drastic weather changes, and eventful holidays, this time of year could get crazy. Although, there are some bright sides to this season and it is important to make the most of it. Are you prepared for autumn?
   To prepare for autumn mentally, here are some ideas:

• Change your sleeping schedule.
• Have a cozy mindset
• Create a new meal plan; eat healthier 
• Be more organized
• Control your stress with a warm blanket and fresh tea

   Changing your sleeping habits can make you less tired in the morning and give your body more energy for your day. Dressing warmly will protect you from catching colds and keep your body warm when you step outside. Eating healthier will not only keep your body healthy but increase your immunity which keeps you from getting sick. Keeping everything organized will reduce stress and make it a lot easier to access your belongings/needs. Along with reducing your stress, fresh tea is a great way to calm your mind. 
   There are plenty of ways to prepare for autumn physically. Warming up in a cozy or comfortable sweater or hoodie is very beneficial. You can wear one at home, to school, when you're cold, it is the perfect necessity that is much needed for fall. Decorating your home for the upcoming holiday season is not only a great activity to do with friends and family, it can help your mind get in the festive mood. Carving pumpkins and making pumpkin pie, putting up the scarecrows on the lawn, making pumpkin spiced lattes, dressing up for Halloween, and preparing Thanksgiving dinner are also fun activities to get into the fall spirit. Have nothing to do after school? Join a club to stay occupied or a sport to keep yourself active. You get 15 hours of community service as well! Here is a list of clubs that you can join at any time: 

• Pen & Ink, a creative writing club where you can express yourself through the art of writing. 
• Black Excellence & Joy, a club where all people are accepted to celebrate, support, and encourage African-American history. 
• Freedom Forum, a newspaper and broadcasting club that writes and speaks about events happening at Freedom High School. 
• Garden Club, a fun, productive club that takes on the difficulties of gardening while creating great things from the natural resources of Earth. 

   Preparing for autumn emotionally is very important. Here are some ideas of ways you can prepare: 
   Emotionally, you can clean your room or a messy area in your household. This contributes to your mental health and makes you feel better about yourself. Sleeping in a warm, clean bed can prevent you from losing any sleep. Maintaining a consistent after school or after work routine could make you happier and be more organized. Meditating can help with depression and calm your emotions when you're upset or mad. Meditating could also keep your mind and body on the same page in an emotionally productive way. 
   Preparing for autumn in any way is easy. It is a chaotic and mentally challenging season with many bright sides. If anything becomes hard or overwhelming, take a step back and remember why you are here. It’s not always going to be easy but there are people here for you. Autumn is enjoyable; don’t waste a second of this beautiful season. 

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