Fall is a great time of year. You’ve got the colourful leaves, the cozy sweaters, and of course, the pumpkin spiced lattes.
While this season has some major upsides, the changing seasons can sometimes change your mood too (aka the fall blues *dun dun dun*).
In this post, we will go through some tips on how to deal with the fall blues.
What are the fall blues and why do you get them?
So why is it that when the temperature drops, your mood goes down with it?
Fall blues, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is when you feel more depressed during certain times of the year. If you find yourself feeling down during the fall and winter months, there’s a good chance you have seasonal affective disorder.
So why does this happen? Well because with shorter days and less sunlight, a chemical change gets triggered in your brain, which can lead to symptoms of depression.
The good news is you’re not alone. There are a lot of things you can do to deal with the fall blues. As someone who deals with this every year, here are my tips to help you get through this time of year.
Tips for dealing with the fall blues
1. Let the light shine
The best way to get through the darker months is light therapy. Consider getting a daylight lamp or SAD lamp that mimics natural sunlight to help lift your spirits.
2. Daytime walks
On the topic of light, getting some sunlight works wonders too. So whether it’s after class or during your lunch break, go for a quick walk midday while it’s still light out.
3. Build a routine
Another great way to beat the fall blues is with a solid morning routine. While little things like turning on upbeat music or making your bed may seem small, they can boost your mood and start your day off on the right foot.
4. Set some small goals
While curling up in bed scrolling all day sounds fun (helloooo bed rot day), challenge yourself to make some goals. Whether it’s completing a fall reading challenge or finally finishing that abandoned knitting project, having some goals can give you some direction over the next few months.
5. Start a new hobby
Now is the time to pick up a new hobby. Whether you like reading, cooking or pottery, starting a new hobby you enjoy can keep you busy during the cold fall and winter months.
6. Reach out
While you may want to isolate when dealing with the fall blues, don’t be afraid to reach out to your support network. If you’re having a hard time, make plans with friends, catch up with family or reach out to a therapist.
Final thoughts on fall blues
Dealing with the fall blues for months on end is not easy. With these tips though, you are ready to shine a little brighter even on the darkest days. Remember – you’re not alone, you got this.
