September.

And then there were none. The summer months are well and truly moving by us quickly and we're left with nothing but that cold, chilly September breeze that doesn't quite bring the festivity of Christmas but, hopefully for some, an exciting apprehension for the new academic year ahead. I, personally, am sad to see the end of August. Having had lockdown stuff my holiday plans, I don't feel like I've had my annual dose of sunshine, Carrefour and Orangina in aesthetically-pleasing glass bottles.

I know for many this time of year brings a lot of anxiety. For highly sensitive and autistic people, the changing of seasons can be quite challenging. Different smells in the air, moving away from the 6 summer outfits we've worn on repeat over the past few months and perhaps the start of a new job or academic year. It's times like these when I find myself writing lists of things I am looking forward to. Most commonly it is the mundane things that come about in Autumn which would often go unappreciated: Sunday roasts, Winter walks, Autumnal film afternoons, sitting indoors wearing fluffy socks with a hot chocolate and the rain pattering on the windows.

If you're feeling the apprehending Autumnal blues already, let's be proactive about it. I mean, sit and wallow in it if you like, or do something to lift your spirits. Gratitude lists, acknowledging what you can look forward to and the advantages of each season is where I'm going to start and I encourage you to do the same - even if you're completely dandy about it being the 1st September so soon. Remember that my Mindful Mental Health Course is still on offer and in times like these, it also still being on the edge of lockdown, I can imagine that spending 2 hours on self-care would benefit you greatly. So, go on, do something for yourself and click the button below. FREE Udemy Course

Update from the House of Commons Having written to my local MP, as well as others, regarding Boris Johnson's 'Mandatory Calories on Menus' scheme which health professionals acknowledge will tackle obesity ineffectively yet effectively promote eating disorders, it became increasingly evident to me the wealth of anxiety that this proposed plan is causing. Hope Virgo's campaign (see below) is a great place to start to learn why this proposed idea is more of an issue than an epiphany. Early in August, I received a personal letter from the House of Commons regarding the campaign. My local MP, having raised my concerns and those of which I stated in my letter with Matt Hancock (Secretary of State for Health and Social Care), ensured me that I will soon receive a response from Matt Hancock and himself in regards to their potential opposition towards Boris Johnson's 'Mandatory Calorie Labelling' plan. This is a really encouraging step as it demonstrates an open-mindedness of certain members of the House of Commons who are willing to prioritise the opinion of health professionals over Boris Johnson's short-sightedness. As always I am grateful to all of your support and ask you to continue in sharing this issue. Of course, some may still question why Johnson's proposed idea is more of an issue than a helpful strategy and I have therefore included links below which include snappy info as to why it could be detrimental to the mental health of our people. Thank you. https://beerandpub.com/2020/07/27/mandatory-calorie-labelling-would-harm-pubs-and-brewers-as-they-begin-to-recover-from-covid-19/ https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/food-and-drink/adding-calories-restaurant-menus-eating-disorder-relapse-risk-565815 https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/calorie-labelling-for-food-and-drink-served-outside-of-the-home https://www.change.org/p/curbthecount-and-stop-calories-being-displayed-on-menus