Falling Back into Stress: Better Understanding the August Scaries for Young Adults in Toronto, ON
Summer is over and you’re probably wondering, how do I face the mounting stress of fall and winter? You’re not alone. Like the typical “Sunday Scaries”, the “August Scaries” is real for many of us. Especially those who are heading back to university, starting a new job, or returning to work after plenty of summer vacation time. As I mentioned before, we can’t entirely eliminate stress from our lives. Fortunately, we can begin to appreciate its positives, get to know how we experience stress or burnout, recognize when it’s negatively affecting our lives and relationships, and hatch a plan to take better care of ourselves. In this post, I’ll talk about a few ways you can start to approach and plan for stress in the coming months.
Start to reflect on your past experiences with stress & burnout by asking yourself the following questions:
What was the end of last summer like for me?
What were some of my biggest concerns with entering the school year or going back to work?
Were there specific stress triggers for me?
How did I manage my stress levels?
What was my routine like and what kind of self-care did I implement?
What people did I lean on if stress became unbearable?
Did I experience any burnout in the past? If so, what did that look/ feel like?
How is stress showing up for you right now?
Try taking a moment to check in with yourself. Get curious about how your body and mind are experiencing stress. Listening to something like a guided body scan meditation can help you in this process. Some of us might have unhelpful thinking patterns that tell us we can’t handle a task, or we might even notice tension or pain in our bodies. Try writing down what you notice. This check-in can help you get to know your personal experience with stress. This can help cultivate a deeper awareness of how you might be coping in the present moment. As a stress therapist at MK Counselling & Psychotherapy, I am here to help you navigate your stress.
Implement old and new self-care strategies
Go back to your first reflection and see if there are any self care strategies you could reimplement now. Also, revisit your support system and remind yourself who has been a good emotional support for you in the past.
Some other strategies you may want to consider as you enter the fall season in Toronto, CA:
Start preparing for the new season by creating a new routine that can help you manage your new schedule. Summer can have less of a structure, so it’s important that we come back to structure to help us feel more organized. Plus, we are now capable of taking on new responsibilities.
Be mindful of shorter days and less daylight. Going into fall weather means a change in our exposure to daylight which can bring changes in our mood and sleep patterns. For some, this means experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder, which can bring on symptoms of irritability, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and physical exhaustion (to name a few). For this reason, consider waking up a bit earlier to increase your exposure to daylight. Also, prioritize getting outdoors to get direct sunlight on your face.
Consider looking for a stress management therapist. While this post offers some generalized ideas on how to identify and manage seasonal stress, a more unique and comprehensive exploration of your stress management needs is something you can explore in stress management therapy. Meeting with a therapist on a consistent basis can help keep you oriented on how you’re experiencing stress, offer new insights and strategies for self-care, and ultimately keep you accountable for improving your mental health.
Schedule Stress Management Counselling in Toronto, ON!
Ready to reclaim your peace and well-being? Discover effective strategies in stress management counselling to manage stress and conquer burnout. I am here to support your journey toward a happier, healthier life. Here are the steps:
Contact me so I can get to know your story better!
Meet with a caring and experienced stress management therapist.
Flourish through life stress-free!
Other Services Our Stress & Burnout Therapists in Toronto, ON Provide
At Michelle Kent Counselling and Psychotherapy, I offer comprehensive counselling services in addition to burnout therapy and stress management counselling to meet your diverse needs and support your journey of self-growth. A dedicated licensed counselor is here to provide you with expert guidance and a safe space to navigate life's challenges. Explore my additional therapy services in caregiver stress counselling, anger management therapy, CFT therapy and more.
