Crisp air, golden leaves and cozy evenings by candlelight—there’s something about autumn that can feel deeply restorative to the human spirit. While each season has its charm, fall often holds a special place in many people’s hearts, bringing with it a sense of comfort and renewal.
From a psychology perspective, there are many reasons why fall resonates so strongly with so many of us and can even help nurture mental health and well-being.
Fall equals a fresh start
For many of us, our brains associate the fall season with a new beginning.
“When we were kids, fall was the start of the new school year. And sometimes as adults, we still think in those terms even if we’re not on a school schedule, or even if we don’t have kids on a school schedule,” said Steve Fisher, LPC, director of clinical services at WellPower. “Summer can be chaotic with vacations and other differences in our typical schedules. But when fall comes, we’re back to our routines. And sometimes people associate that with goal setting and striving for new accomplishments.”
The change in weather that comes with fall can also fuel the feeling of a new beginning. The cooler temperatures are a welcome break from the summer heat and can inspire us to get out in nature more, which can give our well-being a boost. And for many of us, the feeling of a cozy sweater, or cuddling up in a blanket while watching a movie feels better than the hot summer heat.
How to make the most of the season
How can we maximize the benefits of fall for our mental health? Fisher has a few tips.
- Savor your experiences. There are so many attractive ways the fall affects our senses for many of us – the smell of a campfire, fall-scented candles, the colorful leaves, the warmth of our favorite latte or the taste of homemade soup. So, practice mindfulness when you encounter those things that you enjoy.
“The act of ‘savoring’ is when you appreciate what you’re taking in with all of your senses. For example, if you’re going to enjoy some hot apple cider, do it in a way where you’re taking it in with all of your senses – not just blowing right past it because you have a busy life,” Fisher said. “Slow down and do it in a more mindful way. Really feel the temperature of the mug you’re holding, smell the cider, savor the taste and appreciate that you get to do this right now. It’s something you probably only get to do in the fall. Savoring and gratitude are significant contributors to our overall well-being.” - Get outside. The cooler temperatures can certainly be a positive change from the summer. But there isn’t as much daylight, which can have a negative effect on many of us, especially as we get closer to winter.
“Go out in nature intentionally,” Fisher said. “As an individual or as a family, try to be more intentional about spending time outdoors. It can be as simple as going for a walk or more involved like going to a pumpkin patch, going on a hike in a beautiful setting or attending a fall festival.” - Set a goal. What’s something you haven’t done that you’d like to accomplish? Finish that book you’ve been halfway through for the past two years. Reorganize your old vinyl collection. Try all the Thai restaurants in town and find your favorite. Even get all of your end of year holiday shopping done early.
- Maintain balance. While you’re enjoying the things you love about the fall that can be time-consuming (like the start of the college football and/or the NFL season or some other hobby), make sure you don’t neglect the important people in your life.
“You want your relationships to remain strong. Spend time with people, stay connected and nurture healthy, supportive relationships in your life,” Steve said. - Tap into your resilience. Maybe fall isn’t your thing. Or maybe winter affects your mood negatively and it feels like that’s just around the corner.
“Think of ways you can still proactively attend to your well-being,” Steve said. “Know yourself well enough to know what works for you.”
Mental health support is here
And if you need support, reach out to a mental health professional. Click here to learn about accessing mental health services at WellPower or call (303) 504-7900. We gladly welcome Medicaid members, and we accept a range of Medicare and commercial insurance plans.
For immediate, confidential, 24/7/365 support, call, text or chat 988, the Mental Health Lifeline. In Colorado, you can also visit a walk-in center for immediate, in-person help in a crisis. Denver’s walk-in center (operated by WellPower) is at 4353 E. Colfax Ave. Find the location closest to you here.