I’ve struggled with the change in seasons from summer to autumn for many years and as a consequence, I’ve spent a long time trying to find ways to help myself with the autumn or winter blues.

Whenever I feel anxious or overwhelmed, I focus on my breath. I take a few deep breaths and then I switch from the short shallow breaths of anxiety and overwhelm to take slow deep breaths instead. This helps to calm me down and makes me able to focus on what else I need to do to help me calm down and lessen my anxious feelings.

I remember what a friend says to me when I tell them I’m anxious and feel like I’m drowning, because, let's face it it can feel like we can't get our breath. She always says to think of five things I am grateful for. Only five, but I often end up thinking of many more than that.