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Fall Reflections from an Eating Disorder Therapist: A Time to Rest

Writer's picture: Kiera Rasmussen, LCSWKiera Rasmussen, LCSW
Kiera Rasmussen, LCSW, is an eating disorder therapist near me in Newtown, PA.






Lessons from Nature: 

 

The leaves are starting to change colors, the days are slowly growing shorter, and the temperatures are dropping. Nature is starting to slow down. The flowers will be resting until the spring, and the trees will drop their leaves. Growth will slow down, and nature will take a rest until next spring. As I watch the seasons transition, I’m reminded that nature has many lessons for us. In this autumnal season, nature reminds us that it’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to rest. 

 

The heat of summer brought a buzz of energy to the air. People packed their schedules with summer camps, vacations, pool parties, play dates in the park, barbeques, and more. Summer is often a busy time with different routines and trying to enjoy as much of the weather as possible before the colder weather sets in. Nature was busy too. Flowers were blooming, grass was growing, trees and bushes turned a vibrant green, and wildlife was out and about. Now we can find the squirrels rushing against the clock to pack away enough food for the winter when nature is not producing as much and the animals hide away from the cold. Fall is the time that nature starts to slow down to prepare for the rest winter brings. The work is done - it's time for harvest and then, finally, rest.

 

The transition from summer to fall can be a particularly hard time, especially for those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder or seasonal depression, as we notice the sun sets earlier, kids go back to school, vacations are over, and temperatures start to drop. This can be the start to more difficult seasons as fall turns into winter. I’m no stranger to the tightness in my chest as I notice the sun setting well before 8 pm and the temperatures dropping. If this resonates with you, it’s even more important that you listen to your body and allow it to find some comfort and rest during this transition. 

 

Maybe you’re already planning trips to the pumpkin patch or apple orchard, hay rides, trick or treating, and all the fun autumn has to offer. By all means, enjoy what the season has to offer, and kindly accept this gentle reminder to follow nature’s lead and take some time to rest this season as we enter into colder months. Our world often prioritizes constant productivity, but nature teaches us that we weren’t created for constant movement without rest. 

 

The Beauty of Letting Go: 

 

One of the most notable signs of autumn is the trees shedding their leaves. They do this in preparation for the colder months as a way to conserve energy and protect themselves through the winter. As the days grow shorter and air cools down, it’s natural to feel a shift of energy within yourself as well. Although we often fight against this with industrial cultural norms, our bodies were meant to mimic nature because – well - they are nature. You might find that you do not have the same energy or enthusiasm for activity that you did during the height of summer. This is normal and natural, and it’s not only okay, but crucial to our wellbeing to honor our bodies’ need for rest here. I encourage you to reflect on the idea of letting go of the idea that we must always be “on” and always moving. As we learn from the trees, we can use this season to shed what no longer serves us and prepare for a time of quiet growth and inner reflection. 

 

There’s no such thing as lazy:

 

One thing that might require our attention and practice of letting go this season is the belief that rest is indulgent or lazy. In a culture that celebrates and rewards busyness and productivity, it takes inner reflection to decide if this is a value that truly resonates with you or one that has been internalized through cultural messaging. Just as the earth needs time to rest after harvest and takes the time it needs without guilt or shame, our minds and bodies also need time to recover from the demands of daily life. 

Resting allows us to recharge our creative energies, restore our physical strength, and regain mental clarity. Taking time to rest isn’t a sign of weakness or laziness; it’s a form of self-care and builds resilience. We can avoid burnout and approach our daily tasks with renewed energy, focus, and intention when we honor our bodies' need for rest. While rest is important all year round, fall provides the perfect backdrop to slow down and practice the art of letting go and rest as we savor moments of pause with cozy sweaters, hot beverages, and crisp, fresh air. 


Finding Stillness: 

 

As nature encourages us to slow down, we can create space for stillness and reflection in our lives. This might look like…

 

Unplugging: If you enjoy walking in nature, fall is the perfect time to take a stroll and feel the cooler air on your skin, watch the trees paint a colorful landscape, and listen to the rustle of the falling leaves. If you prefer to stay inside, you can enjoy a quiet evening curled up with a good book, soft blanket, and warm drink. Whichever you choose, set aside time to disconnect from devices and focus on being in the present moment. 

 

Practicing Mindfulness: Mindfulness can help us tune into our bodies’ cues, such as the need to rest. Whether through meditation, yoga, or simply sitting quietly and observing nature, we can find more connection to our bodies. Even five minutes of deep breathing can greatly benefit your body.

 

Take a Snooze: It’s common and normal to feel more tired than usual with shorter days. If this is true for you, listen to your body and allow yourself to take a nap without guilt, or follow the sun and try to go to bed a little earlier. 

 

Reflect and Reset: Use this time to reflect. Have there been themes tugging at the back of your mind all summer that you now have time to listen to? Have the trees shedding their leaves brought your attention to things in your life that are no longer serving you? What has this year brought to you so far? Fall offers the space to rest and reflect and set intentions for the winter months ahead.

 

Rest as Renewal

The earth enters a phase of renewal in the fall, and we can too. Through rest, we are nurturing our potential for future growth. We can slow down, reflect, and rest, and when spring arrives and the world blooms again, so will we - this time refreshed and recharged. 


So, as you watch the leaves change color and feel the air turn crisp, remember that it's okay to slow down. It's okay to rest. In fact, it’s necessary, and nature is leading the way. Take a moment to notice the beauty in letting go and embrace the season’s gentle nudge to rest, nourish your soul, and prepare for the next chapter.



Written By:

Kiera Rasmussen is an eating disorder therapist near me in Newtown, PA and virtually in PA, DE, and FL.










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Beyond Therapy and Nutrition Center in Newtown, PA

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