The October Slide: Why Fall Can Feel So Hard for People with Chronic Illness
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🍂 The October Slide: Why Fall Can Feel So Hard for People with Chronic Illness
If you live with chronic illness, you might notice that October feels so much heavier than "normal." The cozy fall vibes everyone else is talking about often feels as though its skipped us. This dip in energy, mood, and motivation is often called “The October Slide” and even after all of these years of battling multiple chronic illnesses, it's something that I'm just learning about (the term that is...not the yucky feeling of daily pain, fatigue, etc.). So, because I'm wired the way that I am, I decided to do a little research on the term and am sharing with you what I learned.
What Is the October Slide?
The October Slide happens when the excitement of early fall starts to fade, and our bodies begin reacting to:
- Shorter days and less sunlight. This can lower serotonin and energy.
- Colder, damp weather. These things can worsen joint pain, fatigue, or inflammation.
- Schedule changes. As our routines shift after summer, and holidays start creeping in.
- Mental fatigue. Because we've been pushing hard through the year and our bodies are begging us to slow down.
For someone with chronic illness, this mix can trigger flare-ups, brain fog, and emotional burnout just to name a few so its extremely important to be gentle with yourself. I'll be sharing some tips on how to do that down below.
🩵 Coping Tips for the October Slide
1. Listen to Your Body (and Actually Rest)
Your body isn’t lazy at all. It’s wise. It knows when it needs more rest. Instead of pushing through, give yourself permission to slow down.
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If your body’s asking for extra rest, cozy up with a Weighted Blanket or wrap yourself in a Fleece Throw Blanket that feels like a warm hug. A pair of Soft Pajamas or Loungewear Set can make rest feel more intentional and not like you're giving up, but like self-care just like you see everyone else out there doing.
“Rest is part of the work.” — If you live with chronic illness, rest isn’t optional; it’s medicine.
2. Bring in the Light
Less sunlight can affect your mood and energy levels. Try sitting near a sunny window each morning, or if that’s not possible, use a Light Therapy Lamp to mimic daylight and boost your serotonin naturally. Lots of us are Vitamin D deficient.
If you struggle with waking up on dark mornings, a Sunrise Alarm Clock can help you wake gently with gradually brightening light instead of a harsh alarm. In the evenings, switch to Warm Amber Lamps or Himalayan Salt Lamps for a calming glow that helps your body prepare for rest.
3. Move Gently Every Day
Movement doesn’t have to mean a full workout. Stretching in bed, chair yoga, or a slow walk can help keep stiffness away. A Gentle Yoga Mat or Stretch Band Set is perfect for low-impact movement days.
If it’s cold out, layer up with Supportive Walking Shoes and a Heated Jacket or Back Wrap to keep your muscles loose.
Even five minutes of gentle movement counts. Consistency is kinder than intensity. Start where you are, do what you can...that's enough.
4. Nourish Your Body
Comfort food can be healing when it’s simple and warm. Think soups, stews, and easy one-pot meals. A Programmable Slow Cooker or Mini Dutch Oven makes meal prep easier on days you’re running low on spoons. If you choose to order out, it's okay too. Just make sure you're eating and taking care of yourself the best way that you can.
Sip on something soothing like Herbal Sleep Tea or Bone Broth Protein to nourish your body from the inside out. And don’t forget hydration. Its important too! Keep a Motivational Water Bottle nearby can remind you to drink throughout the day.
5. Stay Connected
It’s easy to isolate when you’re tired or flaring, but connection helps keep your spirits up. Reach out to a friend, even if it’s just a short text or a shared meme. Connection is important even if you're not feeling up to it. You might just enjoy it more than you know.
You might also love keeping a Self-Care Journal or Gratitude Notebook nearby to write down one kind or joyful thing that happened to you each day. Pair that with a cup of tea from a Cozy Mug and you’ve got a tiny moment of peace that you can enjoy as best as you can.
If you’re a caregiver or loved one reading this, check in gently. Ask things like, “Would you like some company today? I can just sit here with you. We don't have to talk if you don't feel up to it or want to.” Sometimes just sitting together watching a favorite show is the best medicine.
6. Create a Slow-Living Routine
Fall is nature’s reminder to slow down. You don’t have to keep the same pace you had in summer. In fact, it's something that I try to do all year around anymore as I listen to my own body.
Some things you can try are:
- A calm morning ritual: stretch, sip from your Motivational Mug, or jot thoughts in a Daily Focus Planner
- An evening wind-down: light a Lavender Aromatherapy Candle, use a Heating Pad on sore joints, and relax with a cozy blanket
- A moment of joy each day: watch a funny show, cuddle your pet, or read with your Soft Reading Socks on
It’s about choosing peace over pressure. If you want to learn more about the slow living lifestyle, you can read my blog series on that here.
💬 For Caretakers, Family, and Friends
You might notice your loved one is withdrawing, canceling plans, or seeming moodier in October. It’s not personal, it’s called the October Slide. Their body is working overtime just to maintain balance and often, all of those things are not seen with the naked eye. They are invisible. Here’s how you can help:
- Offer flexibility: Let them know it’s okay to cancel or reschedule. Surprise them with a Comfort Care Package. If you make one yourself, maybe add some fuzzy socks, a candle, and a note that says “Thinking of you.”
- Do small kindnesses: Offer to run errands, drop off a warm meal in a Thermal Food Container, or help them tidy up.
- Listen without fixing: Sometimes they just need to be heard, not cheered up.
- Celebrate small wins: A shower, a short walk, or just getting out of bed can be big victories for us. You'd be surprised how those things take up so much energy. Sometimes just thinking about the task we need to complete is exhausting.
Your empathy makes all the difference even if it doesn't seem like much to you.
🌙 Final Thoughts
If this month feels heavier, take a breath, slow down, and remember: you’re not falling behind but you’re following nature’s rhythm. Do what you can. It's enough!
What are some ways that you try to manage the October Slide? We're listening!
In this together,
Laura