How to Stay Energized During The Season Change 

As the leaves fall, so can your mood. Here’s how to stay present and connected. 

By: Nicolette Cavallaro

Poet Andrea Gibson once said, "Autumn is the hardest season. The leaves are all falling, and they’re falling like they’re falling in love with the ground." Of course, they were right – the season change is difficult. The days become shorter, the air crispier, and the atmosphere a little tenser. I have always loved this change, but it sometimes comes with decreased energy and motivation. 

There is science behind this shift. The change in daylight and activity causes a hormone movement, which can cause us to feel disconnected and disengaged. Here are five ways to keep your energy up and stay excited for the changing weather.

Stay Hydrated

Now that the beach chairs are stored away for the season and we spend less time in the sun, you may think it’s okay to decrease your water intake. The answer is no! Staying hydrated can keep you active and engaged since water helps transport nutrients and releases endorphins in the body. So grab your comfort water bottle and keep it close!

Participate in Group Fall Activities

With the sun setting at 6 pm, windy in the morning, and boiling by noon, you may feel like the best way to spend your autumn day is on your couch. While it is okay to have a nap day occasionally, staying active in your friendships and planning group activities is a great way to beat the seasonal blues. Plan a small trip to a local apple orchard or a fall-themed carnival. Days like these can keep you motivated throughout the season. 

Start a Light Exercising Routine

Another way to stay energized during the early fall months is to start a light exercise routine. Now that it’s not too hot out, this is the perfect time to start walking more or joining an outdoor yoga class. Light exercise can help restore your body’s hormones and nervous system without causing stress. Building this routine can also help with mindfulness and staying motivated as the time changes and the days get busier. 

Decorate for the Holidays to Come

When it starts to get colder and darker, it can seem like you are living an endless day with nothing to look forward to other than work and even colder weather. One way to help see the light at the end of the autumnal tunnel is by decorating your space for the upcoming holidays. For me, hanging up Halloween garlands and painting pumpkins for the front steps helps my mood and reminds me that there are many fun and exciting things to look forward to this season.

Build Your Immune System

One thing that can keep you from enjoying the Fall season is a cough that won’t quit. Along with Halloween and Thanksgiving, this is also the season of the Flu. To avoid spending the holidays sick in bed, you should spend time building your immune system and protecting yourself. Taking supplements like Vitamin C and Zinc and immune-boosting food like spinach, yogurt, and broccoli can help keep you healthy, active, and alert until spring. 

For some people, these fall blues can turn into something more serious, like seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Since this is a severe depressive disorder, those who are suffering should seek professional consultations.