Ah, fall. The air gets crisp, the leaves turn into a beautiful canvas of oranges and reds, and pumpkin spice everything takes over the world. Sounds perfect, right? But for a lot of people (myself included!), fall can come with a side of the “blues.” The days get shorter, the sun seems to hide, and that can mess with our mood. So if you’re feeling a little meh as the leaves start to drop, you’re not alone. Here are some tips to beat the fall blues and feel your best this season.
How to Beat the Fall Blues
1. Get Outside (Even If It’s Cold)
Yes, I know it’s tempting to stay wrapped in a blanket with Netflix all day, but getting some fresh air can seriously work wonders. Even if it’s a quick walk around the block, just being outside helps with mood and energy levels. The sunlight might not be as strong, but it’s still there, and it gives your brain a little boost of serotonin (aka your happy chemical). Plus, who can resist stomping on a crunchy leaf? And don’t forget your umbrella, because you never know if it’s going to rain.
2. Embrace the Cozy Vibes
If fall had an official motto, it’d probably be “Let’s Get Cozy.” So, lean into it! Light some candles, grab a soft blanket, and dive into a good book or movie. There’s something about the fall aesthetic—candlelight, warm drinks, fluffy socks—that feels like a warm hug for your soul. It’s okay to hibernate a little (just don’t overdo it and become a full-time couch potato).
3. Move Your Body
It’s no secret that exercise helps with mood, but in the colder months, it’s easy to let that routine slide. The good news is you don’t need a full workout to feel better—just moving around a bit helps! Try stretching in the morning, or put on some music and have a mini dance party in your living room. It’s about getting those endorphins flowing, not turning into a gym rat. And you can even just go out for a long walk, then come home and have a nice cup of tea. This way, you move your body, you go outside and you get cozy when you get home again.
4. Eat Comforting (but Healthy) Foods
Fall is all about comfort foods, and honestly, I’m not saying to avoid them. Bring on the stews, the pies, and all the cinnamon-spiced goodness. But balance it out with some healthy options too! Foods like leafy greens, nuts, and omega-3-rich fish (hello, salmon) can help fight the fall blues. Plus, you’ll feel better when you’re not running purely on sugar and carbs. Maybe you could find a way to combine comfort foods with healthier options. This way you get the best of both worlds.
5. Stay Social
It’s easy to get isolated when the weather cools down. The urge to cancel plans and stay home is real. But staying connected to friends and family is so important. Even if it’s just meeting for coffee or a virtual hangout, social interaction can help lift your mood. You don’t have to be out all the time, but don’t let yourself become a fall hermit either. Watch a movie together, bake something together, or just go shopping. Or maybe get a warm drink at a cute little cafe.
6. Get Creative
Fall is the perfect time to tap into your creative side. Whether that’s journaling, drawing, knitting, or even baking something fun, creating something with your hands can be super therapeutic. It also helps distract you from any lingering blues and gives you something to feel proud of. Plus, you can get into the festive spirit with fall crafts—pumpkin carving, anyone?
7. Plan Things to Look Forward To
One sneaky reason the fall blues hit so hard is because it feels like everything fun is behind us (goodbye, summer!). To combat this, start planning things to look forward to, whether that’s a weekend trip, a Halloween party, or even just a cozy movie night with friends. Having something on the calendar helps break up the monotony and gives you that little extra excitement. Even doing just one little fun thing each day, can lift your mood. Plan the perfect evening for yourself, go read that great book, go watch that movie, or do whatever you like.
8. Take Care of Your Mental Health
If you find that your fall blues are feeling more like seasonal depression (aka Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD), it’s important to take it seriously. Don’t hesitate to talk to someone or reach out for support. Light therapy, talking to a therapist, or even making small daily changes can make a huge difference. Your mental health is worth the attention. Maybe affirmations can help you or think about the things that excite you. If nothing works, then it might be time to talk to a professional.
Final Thoughts
The fall blues are real, but the season doesn’t have to bring you down. It’s all about finding balance and making small tweaks to your routine. Embrace the cozy, enjoy the beauty of the changing leaves, and take care of yourself—physically and mentally. Before you know it, you’ll be savoring all the things that make fall so special.
Got any tips to share? Let’s hear them in the comments! 🍂
Photo by Noémi Macavei-Katócz on Unsplash