Fall Funk: Embrace Change and Boost Your Well-Being With These 3 Simple Tips

Discover small but impactful steps to beat the blues and help improve your mood.

Mady Dewey.Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Welcome to Dews & Don’ts, where Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Mady Dewey shares stories and lessons she’s learned navigating her relationships, career and well-being in her twenties. New stories release twice a month on Wednesdays.

Like many people, fall is my favorite season. I’m a sucker for crisp weather, cozy outfits and all things pumpkin. However, there is one major downfall of this time of year: less sunlight.

Every year, I have to brace myself for the first few weeks of fall when the sun sets earlier and the evenings feel shorter. As someone who spends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. working inside, logging off for the day with only an hour or so to enjoy the sun can be a difficult adjustment. And I’ve found myself in a bit of a fall funk.

When I started this series, I promised myself I’d always be honest with myself and with you about what I am sharing. To be transparent, despite my best efforts, I haven’t felt my best over the past few weeks. And that’s O.K.! I want to normalize talking about our mental health candidly online because only showing the highlights or good moments just isn’t representative of the human experience.

Today’s Dews & Don’ts are a few small steps that have made a big difference in changing how I am feeling for the better. I hope that whatever season you’re in, you always remember that you are not alone.

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DO (DEW) Say it out loud! 

It can be difficult to put into words what’s going on in your head. I’ve found admitting to being in a funk very similar to the power of admitting to shame, an idea that Brené Brown speaks on. Once you put a name to it, you take power over it and can begin taking the steps to move through it.

DO (DEW) Lean into the season! 

Whether it’s fall or summer, add new traditions that allow you to embrace and get excited about the change in your routine. For example, this year my friends and I are doing a weekly fall-themed potluck. We dress cozy, catch up and enjoy the lack of sunlight together. Having small rituals to look forward to has made all the difference for me.

DON’T Expect things to change if you don’t. 

This one is a bit of tough love, but it’s what I had to tell myself this week: nothing changes if nothing changes. Once you recognize you aren’t feeling the way you want to, it’s time to address items in your life that are negatively contributing to your mood.

For me, I wasn’t prioritizing my health in the way that makes me feel best. By prioritizing movement, even in small amounts, I am making a positive impact. Actively seek the change you need!

Even in our favorite seasons of life, it’s O.K. to have moments where you don’t feel like your best. By taking small steps and opening up about how we are really dew-ing, we can make each season a little brighter together.

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