How Autumn Weather Changes Your Mood
With Seasonal Change it can affect one’s mindset and outlook toward everyday life but here are a few tips to help you get through those days.
As we see the vibrant hues of summer give way to the golds and crimsons of the autumn, more happens than the changing of leaves on the trees. For many, the thought of autumn invokes warm jumpers, hot drinks, and crisp, fresh air; however, autumn ushers in some quite noticeable changes in our mood. So as we enter into cooler temperatures, shorter days, and longer nights it can make a huge difference to our mental and emotional well-being.
Autumn weather influences a person's mood believe me I went through it, so I thought I would share some tips on how to cope with the shortening days ahead.
1. Shorter Days and Less Sunlight
One of the major factors that contribute to our mood during autumn is daylight shrinkage. I don’t know about you but it can lead to feeling like you are living like a mushroom.. Thats exactly how I felt when I was in an office environment, getting up in the dark and coming home in the dark. The more the days shortened, the more time I would spend indoors; hence why staying out of the sun is said to contribute to lower levels of serotonin, connected with the so called "feel-good" hormone that may affect mood. Lower levels of serotonin may mean feelings of sadness, lethargy, or even depression.
So how can we cope with these changes?
Maximise daylight exposure: Yes, I know it’s obvious but when it is cold out, we tend to snuggle down and ignore spending time outside. So we need to spend more time outside during daylight hours, whenever possible, but most importantly in the morning when light is at its strongest. We also can consider using “Light therapy” which involves exposure to a light therapy box which produces a substitute for natural sunlight. This can be very helpful for patients with Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, a type of depression that is linked to seasonal change.
2. Cold and Sluggishness
With the cooler and even colder weather happening around us, there is a natural tendency to want to snuggle down and put the heating on! I don’t blame anyone for that, I did exactly that! When there is still a hint of summer in the breeze, but autumn is drawing closer, it succeeds in making one more lethargic but when the air is cold and crisp, it is invigorating and gives us a rosy cheek glow. Our human design is to retreat into warm environments that can help create a sense of isolation or even fatigue.
How to help yourself:
Keep moving: I know this is the last thing we want to be doing when it’s cold but exercising combats sluggishness. Go for a walk in nature, even brisk walking, or even raking leaves can do you a world of good to keep you energetic and feeling more upbeat whilst warming you up!
Put on more clothes and just go outside: Put on some layers, and you will soon warm up! Never mind the cold; just put on warm clothes and go out to appreciate the beauty of autumn natural landscapes, and changing colours of the leaves which can work in your favour for an improved mental condition. Take a mindful moment and appreciate nature changing and shedding its old self.
3. Autumn Allergies and Health Issues
This is me right here! Allergy Queen for sure! While spring is known for its allergies, autumn can create all sorts of health woes all its own. The culprits include ragweed pollen, mould, and dust mites-all potent allergens. They can make you feel tired, irritable and may precipitate allergic symptoms or other inflammatory responses. Allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, or any other inflammatory condition may be very unpredictable; it may make a person cranky and moody.
How can I get through:
Mindful breathing can help reduce inflammation and stress, as can facial yoga, and as a mindfulness master and facial yoga practitioner, it honestly makes a world of difference. Plus regular cleaning and the use of air purifiers will also reduce allergens in your immediate environment.
Drink plenty: Yes, I know everyone says this but it helps keep your skin and body hydrated. It may help counter the dry air as well as decrease the intensity of symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and dry skin.
4. Emotional Shifts and Reflective Mood
Autumn, which is associated with change and endings, is often accompanied by introspective moods. The symbolic shedding of leaves and cooling earth make one more introverted and therefore emotional. For some people, this period is accompanied by tranquil reflection, while for others, it may evoke feelings of sadness or loss.
How can we cope:
Journal your thoughts: Journaling is my go to and helps get all the noise inside my head released. Take this time to reflect on your feelings, your development, your goals, and your dreams. Sometimes journaling can be therapeutic and can lead to the realisation that "it's all out in the open now," so to speak. Pick yourself a nice relaxed warm area, that is quiet and just release whatever is in your head onto paper feeling the power of the words relieve you.
More awareness of everything: Let mindfulness ground you to the present. When we are grounded in our present we are not led by the past or the future stresses., we are just being present and focused. You can also add other exercises like deep breathing, meditation techniques, or even mindful walks into nature to help alleviate anxiety and/or sadness.
5. The Beauty of Embracing the Season
Of course, automatically, some challenges come around with autumn; however, the season filled with breathtaking beauty and introspection has beckoned people to start cherishing the present. This shifting weather is a sort of automatic reminder of the impermanence of life. Think about the warm beverages, cosy fires, and time with close ones that can create positive associations with the season, balancing the emotional effects of the changing weather. Also, your autumn wardrobe can have a positive impact, as it can be a time to reinvent your style, hair colour, and makeup.
How to cope:
Practice an attitude of gratitude: Spend some time reflecting on the things you are thankful for during this time of the year. Gratitude practices have been shown to elevate happiness and promote a positive attitude. So why not start an autumn ritual? Take the time in seasonal activities like apple picking, baking, or taking trips to a pumpkin patch or farm store to pick your perfect pumpkin for the Halloween season. Just think of all the fun you can have carving pumpkins with family and friends, you could even make it an annual event “Who Carved The Best Pumpkin” which will give you something to look forward to. Taking part and creating your traditions can bring you so much joy and will become a positive booster for your mental health.
Apart from the seasonal ones, autumn brings a host of environmental and emotional changes for us all and can be quite challenging, especially when you feel like a deer in the headlights not knowing how to get out of the funk. When we gain basic knowledge of how the season affects our mood it makes it easier for us to take proactive steps to minimise its negativity and helps us enjoy the beauty of this transitional time.
My parting words dear reader are to embrace the change and find something good in a day to keep your mindset that little
bit lighter and more positive. Remember this is not permanent, the seasons change and so can we if we are open to it.
