Tips from WAY members for Autumn

October 2023

You’re not alone if you are finding the darker Autumn nights hard... The WAY community is here to support you.

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Members shared practical advice about light timers, radio or podcasts to ease the feeling of loneliness, being easy on yourself, and how setting a project has helped them through the Autumn months while grieving...

"Talk to us." - Dave

…which members agreed was amazing advice! Login to the Members Hub to start a conversation.

"Beat each day as it arrives. Don’t overthink about tomorrow. Plan each week loosely with what needs to be done and have that valuable 'me' time. It could be a hot bath. Bingeing on Netflix or a glass of wine, but reward yourself for the day. Keep in contact with friends and family, even if it’s to talk rubbish. Small but regular steps." - Adrian

"Lights on timer and radio on so when you come in there is light and noise." - Irene

"An electric blanket so the bed is always warm when you get in at night. Also good for back pain." - Andrea

"Go outside if you can in the morning. Treat yourself, even something small such as a drink in your favourite mug, etc. Exercise, yoga, meditation may help.’" - Sophie

"Just focus on the day ahead. No further than that." - Gina"Leave radio or podcasts running in the house. Even if it’s in another room, the sound of another human’s voice filling the silence helped me a lot." - Tadhg

 

"Be kind to yourself, don't beat yourself up for the things you couldn't do, congratulate yourself on making it through another day, if you wouldn't say it to a friend don't say it to yourself." - Natalie

"Limit how much news you listen to or read. Take breaks from social media. Use that time instead to read a book, listen to some music or a service - whatever it is that will give your busy mind a break and give you a few moments peace." - Ros

"I purchased a weighted blanket. It does help." - Barrie

"Don’t have any expectations of what you think you should be doing. Go with your mood that day and if that means staying in bed all day then that’s ok." - Erika

"I find it useful to have a project to work on it keeps my mind occupied and it feels good when I finish something." - Richard

"To give myself a break from my thoughts and worries I take time to practice mindfulness and do a daily body scan" - Steven

"I’m a big advocate of gratitude. Even in the darkest depths of grief just finding one little thing to be grateful for can make a positive impact on your day. Be it the sunshine or the rain, a meal you can eat, a child’s smile or just getting through the day. It is a fantastic habit to adopt and something to cling to when everything else seems to be so negative." - Karen

"Very daft and basic thing but look at a weather app for your location every night before bed and get to know when sun down and sunrise is. You can’t control the dark, but you can get out in the daylight." - Chic

"I like to line up some little projects for the longer evenings. eg, sewing, drawing, making a memory box, learning how to quilt." - Jess

"Try to leave the house every day, even if it’s just for a walk around the block." - Ruth

"Reach Out - talk to fellow WAY members and use the helpline when you feel confused, alone, or need practical help." - Furzana

Nutritionist Sabine Horner and Yoga Instructor Orla Blackburn also shared their tips recently for self care in grief.

Here are some important things to remember if you are struggling:

• We all have good and bad days – you are not alone.
• Talk to others – the WAY community is here for you and totally understand what you are going through. 
• Reflect on your mental well being and think about the things that you can do to boost your mood.