With September upon us, we find ourselves gearing up for a new school year, returning to the workplace, and bidding farewell to the long, leisurely days of summer. While it’s tempting to reminisce about barbecues, picnics, and vacations, it’s more rewarding to embrace the fresh start that autumn brings. Instead of merely wishfully thinking about warmer days, we can slow down and savor the changes this season offers to both our bodies and minds.
Embracing Transformation
As the seasons shift, many of us may notice changes within ourselves, and this is completely normal. Just as animals respond to the fading warmth and length of daylight—think of salmon returning to spawn, Canada geese heading south, and black bears getting ready for hibernation—humans, too, feel the seasonal transitions. Psychologists suggest that these changes stem from a mix of weather fluctuations, ecological shifts, and the distinct rituals we partake in throughout the year.
These external factors can significantly influence our internal emotions. A decrease in sunlight exposure can disrupt our circadian cycles, leading to feelings of fatigue as daylight hours dwindle. The lack of sunlight can reduce vitamin D levels, a deficiency linked to lower moods and compromised immune systems.
For some individuals, the shift in weather can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This condition manifests as fatigue, changes in appetite, or depression, with women and residents of northern areas with limited daylight being at greater risk. Research is ongoing into light therapy as an effective treatment, which involves spending about 30 minutes in front of a light box each morning.
The Power of Slowing Down
Yet, as autumn approaches, it’s not merely a time for sadness—far from it. Shorter days encourage introspection and a need to conserve our energies. In today’s fast-paced world, we often equate speed with productivity, but slowing down can be an essential part of self-care.
Stress and overactivity lead to health declines due to heightened cortisol levels, which increase the likelihood of illness. While we may have enjoyed the action-packed days of summer, we deserve a slower pace that fosters the development of new routines and practices.
Prioritizing Self-Care
Autumn serves as a natural milestone, providing an ideal opportunity to modify your routine in ways that resonate with you.
Nurturing Your Body
If your energy levels are low, consider adopting a restorative practice. Dry brushing, the technique of using a stiff-bristled brush to massage the body, may enhance blood flow and energize the nervous system. Abhyanga, an Ayurvedic warm oil massage, can potentially lower cortisol levels. Additionally, a relaxing bath infused with essential oils can assist in unwinding.
As indoor air often tends to be drier during colder months, staying properly hydrated is crucial to avoid dehydration. If you’re feeling chilly, whipping up some warm ginger and turmeric tea can be beneficial to your immune system.
Engaging in New Interests
Slowing down provides ample opportunity to tap into fulfilling activities such as journaling, crafting, or drawing. Engaging in creative pursuits can encourage relaxation and enhance our self-identity and emotional resilience.
Many creative individuals prefer to use the fall and winter months to tackle significant projects, like writing a book. While not all of us can completely sync our work with the seasons, intentionally embarking on a new skill or honing an existing one can empower us for a revitalizing spring.
Reconnect with Loved Ones
The cooler months are perfect for strengthening bonds with family and friends. Webb Bennett from the Kitselas First Nation in BC highlights how winter historically was a time for learning and connection—reflecting on how families gathered to feast, sing, dance, and share cultural stories. You might consider starting a nightly reading tradition with your family, or even hosting an intimate dinner party filled with nourishing seasonal meals. Together, you can reflect on the seasonal traditions of Indigenous communities in your region and their enduring cultures.
Welcoming Change
Ultimately, embrace the transition into autumn and all the transformations it brings. Change presents opportunities for personal development; let the metaphor of leaves curling brown and falling remind you of what you can release as the season invites rest.
Seeing autumn as a valuable time, instead of just a farewell to summer, can provide you with the strength and resilience necessary for the winter. Research in Tromsø, Norway, has revealed that residents develop “positive winter mindsets,” focusing on treasured traditions like skiing and outdoor gatherings to appreciate the unique beauty of the darker months.
This piece originally appeared in the September 2025 edition of Thewindowsclubs magazine.
