Autumn Blues: How to Turn Gray Days into Cozy Season

Does this feeling sound familiar: waking up in the morning, looking out the window at gray skies and drizzling rain, and all you want to do is wrap yourself back in a blanket and sleep until spring? Welcome to the club of those fighting autumn blues! But what if we told you that autumn can be more than just bearable—it can actually be a genuinely cozy and pleasant season? Let's find out how to transform these gray days into something you'll look forward to.

Main takeaways from the article:

• Autumn blues is a common phenomenon associated with lack of sunlight;
• Proper nutrition and physical activity help fight mood decline;
• Creating a cozy atmosphere at home can significantly improve well-being;
• New hobbies and activities help distract from negative thoughts;
• Communication with loved ones and maintaining social connections are important for emotional well-being;
• Planning enjoyable events and small pleasures help get through gray days;
• In case of strong and prolonged blues, it's best to consult a specialist.

Why do we feel like sleeping when it's raining outside?

Let's start with why autumn blues even occurs. The reason is that with the arrival of autumn, daylight hours shorten, and the sun shines less often. This leads to a decrease in serotonin production—the hormone responsible for our good mood. Instead, the body begins producing more melatonin—the sleep hormone. That's why we want to hibernate until spring.

But don't rush to buy blankets and prepare for a long sleep. We have several ideas on how to fool your body into enjoying life even on cloudy days.

Sunlight, mirror, tell me: how to fool the body?

If the sun isn't coming to us, we'll create it ourselves! We're talking about special lamps that simulate sunlight. These devices help normalize serotonin and melatonin production, improving mood and sleep quality.

But if buying a special lamp isn't in your plans, there are other ways to add light to your life. For example, try spending more time outdoors during daylight hours. Even just 15-20 minutes of a walk during your lunch break can significantly improve how you feel.

At home and at work, position yourself closer to the window. Even better—do a thorough cleaning and wash your windows. Clean glass lets in much more light than dirty glass.

Movement is life, even when you're feeling lazy

When it's cold and wet outside, the last thing you want to do is go for a run or hit the gym. But physical activity is one of the best ways to fight autumn blues.

The reason is that during physical activity, your body produces endorphins—the happiness hormones. They help improve mood and boost energy.

You don't need to sign up for a gym right away. Start small: do morning stretches, walk to work or simply dance to your favorite music. The key is to move!

Coziness at home = coziness in the soul

Autumn is a perfect time to create a cozy atmosphere and warmth in your home. Pull out warm blankets from the attic, light scented candles, brew a cup of hot cocoa. Small details can significantly improve your mood.

If you've long wanted to update your interior—this is the perfect time. Add vibrant accents in the form of pillows or paintings. Warm tones of orange, yellow, and red can create an illusion of sunlight even on cloudy days.

Autumn is also a great time for indoor plants. They not only purify the air but also delight your eyes with their greenery when everything outside is gray.

Taste of Autumn: What to Eat to Avoid the Blues?

Proper nutrition plays an important role in fighting autumn blues. Pay attention to foods rich in tryptophan—amino acid that our body synthesizes into serotonin. These include bananas, dates, grains, nuts, and dairy products.

Don't forget about seasonal vegetables and fruits. Pumpkins, apples, pears are not only delicious but also healthy. Preparing new dishes from seasonal ingredients can become a great hobby that lifts your mood.

And of course, don't forget about vitamin D. During autumn and winter, many people living in northern latitudes suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Discuss with your doctor the possibility of taking vitamin supplements.

New Horizons: What to Do When It's Raining Outside?

Autumn is the perfect time for new hobbies. Enroll in foreign language courses, learn to knit, master calligraphy, or start writing a book. New activities not only distract you from sad thoughts but also give a sense of satisfaction from acquiring new skills.

Autumn is also an excellent time for reading. Compile a list of books you've always wanted to read and enjoy cozy evenings with great literature.

Communication is the best medicine

During autumn blues, it's very important not to isolate yourself. Talking with friends and loved ones can significantly improve your mood. Organize cozy get-togethers with friends, call up an old acquaintance, or just chat with colleagues over a cup of coffee.

If you feel like you're lacking communication, consider volunteering. Helping others not only benefits society but also gives a sense of fulfillment and richness in life.

Rescue Plan: How to Get Through Especially Tough Days

There are days when it feels like nothing helps. For such cases, you should have a "rescue plan"NaN