 Fall is time for many new beginnings, school starts, new projects are often launched. In many traditions fall is the beginning of a new year and a time when we need to let go of many of the joys summer provided, at least in our northern hemisphere. In this brief post, I will invite you to learn more about the power of behavioural activation, what it is and how it can serve you well at this time of the year.
Behavioural activation is an approach to health that focuses on using behaviours to “activate” pleasant emotions. The idea is that by engaging in an activity, even before you feel fully motivated, you’ll experience the benefits of the activity and be motivated! This fall, while you may not be sure if you want to do Yoga, Tai-Chi, Watercolour painting or Pottery, think first about what is most important to you at this time. Is it about being creative, learning something new, meeting new people or being physically active, regaining strength? Whatever your objective is, behavioural activation is designed to increase your contact with positively rewarding activities. What has made you feel good in the past? Do you have friends who have similar objectives? What are your friends doing that you could join with them ? You can list activities from easiest to hardest. Come up with a variety of activities across a number of life areas such as relationship, personal care, family, friends, health etc. Start with a couple of activities that are going to be easy for you to engage in. If you have not exercised in a while, start with a walk, or a bike ride. Enlist the support of others, ask a friend or a family member to join you or to check with you if you are engaging in the activity you have committed to. Let them know about your experience. Register for a class, it is a commitment and once you have made the commitment, your chance of continuing is much greater (especially if you are going with a friend). Look at what your municipality offers, the local community center or again ask a friend what they are involved in during their free time this fall. In the Yoga tradition the term “abhyasa” means to practice, and refers to a practice that aims at achieving a tranquil state of mind. Abhyasa invites us to commit to the rituals of yoga (postures, meditation, study etc.) to attain and remain in a state of harmony with the self. The yoga tradition invites us to practice for a certain period of time, without interruption so we can enjoy the benefits of what yoga offers: strength, greater mobility and a calm state of mind. Whatever your heart’s desire is at this time, make that commitment to be good to yourself and commit to one thing and enjoy the pleasure. Try some Abhyasa.
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