My October Slide Survival Guide

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Surviving the October Slide

If you’re part of the chronic illness community, you’ve likely heard of the “October Slide.” This is the time of year when many people with chronic illnesses experience an exacerbation of their symptoms.

Anecdotally, people attribute this seasonal dip to the combination of dropping air pressure, sliding temperatures, and dwindling daylight.

This is my second October living back up North since college, and I’m definitely feeling the shift hit hard. The weather change has been a major factor, and I want to share a few of the strategies and tools I’ve employed to keep my symptoms in check.

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My Seasonal Toolkit for Managing the Slide

Here are the things that have helped me mitigate the physical and mental toll of the October Slide:

• Powerful Electrolytes (LMNT): I consistently deal with low blood pressure and low energy, and I’ve found that I need high-potency electrolytes to help maintain blood volume and energy levels. It’s a simple but effective way to combat dehydration and the associated fatigue.
• Light Therapy and Morning Sun: Since I don’t have an extremely early start for my classes, I can often catch bright morning sunlight when I wake up. Additionally, I make sure to fit in 15 minutes of red light therapy exposure most mornings. I feel this helps me wake up and reduce grogginess. The Sleep Foundation suggests red light may help with morning wakefulness and overall sleep quality.
• Consistent Sleep and Wake Times: Being a student means I often lack a true 9-to-5 schedule, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Although being active on screens for over eight hours a day can hinder melatonin production, I’ve started using blue light-blocking glasses after sunset, and it’s made a noticeable difference in falling asleep faster. I try to keep my sleep and wake times within a one-hour window on either side. This consistency helps keep my circadian rhythm regulated despite the excessive screen time.
• Compression Socks: I used to wear these daily when I worked as a medical assistant, and I’ve recently brought them back into my routine. They serve a dual purpose now: warmth and circulation support. The compression is excellent for managing symptoms related to blood pooling and low circulation during the day.
• Prioritizing Joy and Connection: This month, I’ve made a dedicated effort to spend time with my wonderful support system of family and friends. Having things to look forward to on the weekends always boosts my mood, even when school stress is high or I’m not feeling physically my best. I also find immense joy in cooking and baking—food is not only medicine but a powerful source of community and spirit-lifting joy!

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Listening to Your Body’s Cues

We are the experts on our own bodies, yet sometimes it’s easier to ignore the signals than to stop and take the time for self-care. We don’t always have the time or mental space for frequent self-care, but I’ve found tremendous relief in simply listening to my body cues and taking necessary breaks.

I’ve also focused on fueling my brain and body with high-quality nutrition and flavor. (Case in point: I made 10/10 chocolate chip cookies last week, and I was so proud of them!)

Despite the challenge of maintaining this page while deep in my medical program, I know that every day I’m gaining both the clinical knowledge and the crucial, qualitative experience of being a patient. By actively educating and healing myself, I’m better preparing for a career where I can truly understand both sides of the healthcare equation.

See you soon!

Be well,

Emily