Passing from summer to autumn has always been difficult for me because I don’t like dampness and cold. And it’s kind of weird, especially considering the fact that I’m an introvert and I’m not a very emotional person. It seems that this autumn decadent entourage is perfect for me. Yes, if only not the cold weather… I feel a breakdown, sleepiness, and apathy with the advent of autumn chill. While I need to be active and enthusiastic… oops, there’s a problem.
Why fall is a difficult time for many
Psycho-emotional changes in the autumn period are a fairly common phenomenon, which psychologists have defined as “autumn anxiety”. Experts call fear, irritability, exacerbation of chronic diseases, and appetite changes as other signs of this autumn psychosis.
Everything would be too simple if the human body worked like a clock. However, our mood and energy make their own adjustments. And when it comes to productivity, for example, then a mood worsening or lack of desire to do something doesn’t cause positive emotions. There is a feeling of despondency and helplessness at such moments.
Many factors influence this kind of situation. The first things that come to mind are the end of sunny and warm days and shorter daylight hours. Lifestyle change is the decisive factor for others. For example, starting a new school year entails changes in your daily routine: you need to get up earlier and prepare your child for school, collect lunch boxes, and so on. Another example: your vacation is nearly over, and you have no desire to go back to work, because work is equal to stress for you, and the only thought of back to a professional environment causes a rapid heartbeat (in a bad way), so these thoughts can become a source of anxiety.
However, for many people the beginning of autumn inspires and energizes, it’s a time of new achievements and beginnings. And for those who embrace the changes cautiously this time of year may be problematic.
Finally, the return of the dark and cold season affects human physiology and provokes a decline in mood. It’s associated with the seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Even shorter daylight hours can affect brain chemistry. Psychologist Jennifer A. King considers that the levels of mood and motivation hormones (serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine) fall when days become shorter, which contributes to mood changes.
How to get out of this
- Do not suppress your feelings, even if they are not the most pleasant. I’m convinced that in order to cope with a problem you need to realize and accept it. Be patient, kind, and compassionate with yourself. Psychologist Joy Harden Bradford advises say to yourself: “Okay, this is typically a difficult time of the year for me. I’m going to be patient with myself. I’m going to do the best that I can”. To let your feelings out, you can also share them with someone or write them down in a diary.
- Take advantage of all these negative emotions for your benefit. According to Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, discomfort can help you identify your needs and desires and take control of the situation as a result. For example, revise your schedule a little and distribute household chores between family members. So you can dilute your routine with something pleasant and useful. Perhaps in summer, you were fond of a new sport, cuisines from around the world, or reading. And now free time is over along with the summer, you can’t take the time for hobbies in your diary. So maybe there is such an opportunity, and you can bring your summer hobby in the fall?
- Feel the floor beneath your feet. Sometimes the feeling of anxiety is so strong that it’s very difficult to cope with it. Dr. Dennis-Tiwary advises taking the time to connect to reality as you like (yoga, meditation, visiting a therapist, or just taking a walk).
Well, as it turned out, everything is not as scary as I thought, on the contrary, my feelings and emotions are quite normal and may even be very useful. Perhaps I need to fully understand them in order to determine an action plan to ease the autumn season and cushion the blow.
