“What to do about the fall blues?” Many people ask themselves this question when the temperatures drop, it gets really chilly in the morning and slowly gets darker in the evening. When it’s no longer easy to get out of bed and a brooding mood sets in, especially on gray days, then it’s that time again – the autumn blues are knocking at the door.

In this blog post, we want to give you 9 simple tips on how to counteract seasonal mood swings.

What is the fall blues?

Everyone has probably experienced the autumn blues at some point. The general mood tends towards melancholy, you are more plagued by tiredness than usual, tend to develop negative thoughts, don’t feel like doing anything and suffer from a general lack of motivation.

If this depressive autumn mood occurs in at least two consecutive years, this symptomatology is referred to as seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder, but is nevertheless different from genuine depression.

Genuine depression is also accompanied by sleep disorders and loss of appetite, for example. If in doubt, affected people should therefore consult a general practitioner or psychologist.

Why the fall blues?

The fact that we are not in the same good mood all year round is part of human nature and is therefore completely normal. Depending on the season, our mental and physical state changes, which is characterized by a greater or lesser willingness to perform and different sleep requirements, which consequently also affects our mood.

The body needs a little more rest, especially in the cold months – many people therefore often wish they could simply hibernate.

Biochemically, the substances melatonin and seratonin are responsible for this. The happiness hormone seratonin is only produced in small quantities when sunlight exposure is reduced. This reduction causes a drop in mood. In addition, our body produces more melatonin on shorter days, which promotes tiredness and therefore promotes sleep.

Vitamin D also plays an important role in this – because when our skin absorbs sunlight, more vitamin D is produced. A vitamin D deficiency has health consequences and may also affect our mood barometer.

9 tips against the fall blues

The secret recipe against the autumn blues seems to be to find a good balance between retreat and activity. Because it is completely normal that with less sunlight and cold outside temperatures, you tend to curl up comfortably on the couch.

So take it easy, but make sure you stay active in the fresh air as much as possible and thus always get enough exercise – even if this often takes some effort.

Tip 1 against the fall blues – get enough sleep

It doesn’t have to be hibernation, but a healthy and sufficient amount of sleep helps the body to initiate important regeneration processes during the night. And those who start the day well-rested are simply in a better mood.

But be careful! Too much sleep is also counterproductive and can even promote tiredness – especially if valuable daylight hours are missed.

Tip 2 against the fall blues – light and fresh air

As a lack of light is the main cause of the autumn blues, care should be taken to make the most of daylight as often as possible. It is best to follow your personal daily rhythm and spend a certain amount of time outside every day, ideally in the sun. However, daylight lamps or light showers also serve their purpose if necessary.

This promotes the formation of seratonin and vitamin D and suppresses the hormone melatonin.

In addition, daylight and a good dose of oxygen can be perfectly combined with sport and outdoor exercise.

Tip 3 against the fall blues – exercise

Of course, it takes some effort to follow this tip, but it really pays off. Regular physical activity plays a key role in maintaining a good mood and keeping the autumn blues at bay. Regular exercise also releases happiness hormones and strengthens the immune system.

The same also applies to physical closeness.

Tip 4 against the fall blues – a varied diet

Of course, in autumn it is just as important that we strengthen our natural defenses and take full advantage of the many opportunities that the colorful season offers us.

Anyone who enjoys the wonderful blaze of color on a walk should also do the same at home. After all, the different types of vegetables and fruit ensure a healthy diet and provide the right amount of well-being through wonderful taste sensations.

Tip 5 against the fall blues – Society

Humans are social creatures. As a result, socializing is also a great tip against the autumn blues.

After all, being around and interacting with other people calms the mind and invigorates us in equal measure. So movie nights, board games, a meal together or cosy conversations in front of the fireplace help to banish the autumn blues in an entertaining way.

Tip 6 against the fall blues – warmth

When we arrive home half-frozen, a simple tea can work wonders and immediately improve our mood. Ginger, for example, has a warming effect on the body and unfolds this both in teas and as a useful spice in food.

Visiting wellness oases with a sauna, thermal water or steam bath also warms and relaxes us and increases our well-being.

Alternating showers may take some effort, but they immediately lift the mood.
Alternating between hot and cold stimulates the circulation, strengthens the immune system and gives our body an energy boost in the morning.

Tip 7 against the autumn blues – colors and scents

Enjoy the colorful splendor of nature and make your home pleasant. Colors and scents can make all the difference here – a colorful ceiling, beautiful pictures on the wall, a vase with bright red flowers – anything is possible.

A little tip: scented lamps can also stimulate the senses – for even more relaxation and a pleasant mood.

Tip 8 against the autumn blues – pampering program

In the colder fall months, it can also be helpful to simply indulge yourself.

Do more of what you enjoy – go to the movies or a museum more often, treat yourself to a particularly tasty treat or enjoy a good wine in the evening. Revive an old hobby or simply start a new one.

Tip 9 against the fall blues – nutrients and vitamins

Sometimes a balanced diet can also be supplemented with a special nutrient boost. If sun exposure is not sufficient, for example, vitamin D can be taken as a supplement. Foods with a particularly high nutrient density or food supplements can also make an important contribution to supplying the body with all the essential building blocks.

Extra tip: Colostrum contains a highly complex mix of over 400 nutrients in a unique and natural composition in a particularly high concentration.

Here you can order our excellent Bestvital® BIO Colostrum – nature’s oldest recipe.

Conclusion

The autumn blues, which is also often described as seasonal depression, is characterized by a certain lack of drive, an increased need for sleep and similar symptoms.

In particular, the lack of daylight combined with falling temperatures are mainly responsible for this. However, if you follow a few tips – from exercising in the fresh air to wellness offers and good, healthy food – you can face the autumn blues with relative ease.