Fighting the Fall and Winter Blues: The Habits I’m Building in October

Every year around this time, I start to feel it…the days get shorter, the evenings darker, and my energy dips a little lower. If you’ve ever struggled with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or just felt the slump of long winter months, you know exactly what I mean. I WISH that our world was designed to slow down professionally in the winter, but obviously it is not.

Now, let me be clear: I am not a mental health expert. I can only share my own experience, what I’m trying, and what’s helping me. If you need professional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor, therapist, or counselor. That being said, I wanted to share a little peek into the habits I’m building this October to help me fight back against the winter blues before they even set in.

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Why October Matters

Think of October as the warm-up round. The days are still relatively bright, the weather is shifting, and it’s the perfect moment to get your systems in place before the deepest part of the season hits. If you wait until December or January, it’s so much harder to get momentum going.

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The Habits I’m Focusing On

1. Movement First

It doesn’t have to be extreme. Some mornings it’s a workout at the gym, sometimes it’s just a walk around the block. Movement helps me connect back to my body and shake off the heaviness that tries to creep in this time of year.

2. Visibility

For me, visibility is about more than business. It’s showing up online, in my community, and even in my friendships, a reminder to stay connected and seen. When it’s cold and dark, the temptation to isolate is real. A quick post, a message to a friend, or joining a group call keeps me tethered.

3. Connection Habits

I’m leaning into rituals that keep me close to my people: dinners with my kids, coffee dates, and member events that light me up. Connection makes the dark feel less heavy.

4. Light + Environment

I really try to get as much sunlight in my eyes in the morning, and I’ve been leaning hard into cozy vibes — candles, warm blankets, tidy spaces. It might sound small, but creating a space I want to be in helps shift my mood. Closing down my kitchen every night and having my favorite coffee creamers ready to go in the morning are IT.

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The Bottom Line

Seasonal dips are hard, but October is my chance to set myself up before they hit full force. My habits aren’t perfect, and neither am I. But every small, intentional action adds up.

If you struggle with SAD or winter blues, please know you’re not alone. It is HARD to stay motivated when it is cold, dark and there is no green anywhere in sight. But it is not impossible.