Why You May Feel Low When The Seasons Change

There are loads of things to love about the colder seasons, but underneath the cosy sweaters and in between the spiced lattes, sometimes people also find themselves feeling a little low. So why is that a thing?

Well, speaking to Healthline, Dr. Clare Morrions, a medical advisor, said that one of the causes for feeling low or anxious during autumn and winter is “the reduction in sunlight, leading to falling levels of serotonin. This important hormone affects mood, appetite, and sleep patterns.” Clare went on to explain that the change in weather, and a lack of sunlight, which ultimately means a lack of vitamin D has also been linked with depression. “Other factors include behavioural changes, because as the weather deteriorates, we spend less time outdoors and do less exercise.

It makes sense that our minds might reflect what our surroundings are saying. Cold weather, darker mornings and evenings, and not being able to get outside so much can make it harder to motivate yourself to get up and about.

On top of that, we’ve already faced, and continue to face a pretty unique situation right now with COVID still lingering and new strains still being reported, and the increase in cost of living and rising energy bills which are making a lot of people fearful of the future.

For young people, this season also brings around new changes when it comes to education. You’re moving up a year at school, college or uni. Or you’re finishing education completely and going out into ‘the real world’ for the first time. All of these things can be super exciting. But they can also be nerve wracking and stressful for some. You might not feel ready to give up summer freedoms yet, or feel like you haven’t ‘done enough’ with the time you did have.

And for some people, the change in season means upcoming traditional holiday celebrations, which aren’t always as celebratory as we might think. You might not celebrate Halloween or Christmas because it’s not part of your culture, religion, or faith. But there may also be people for whom the holidays have bad, or sad, memories, triggers when it comes to food, family and friends in different countries so you can’t be together, or a whole host of other reasons. All of these can culminate in feeling low and not as enthused about the time of year as others.

The thing is, all these feelings are perfectly normal to feel. And luckily, there are ways to look after yourself and try and combat the low days.

Get the sunshine in…

Okay so autumn and winter won’t give us guaranteed sunshine like we have in the summer, but it’s best to make the most out of the little pockets of rays we are graced with - whether you go on a wintery walk (all wrapped up!), or just face a window whilst you work. You can also take vitamin D supplements or even buy a sunlamp to make your body think you’re lying on a tropical island somewhere!

Good food, good mood…

Autumn brings with it a whole host of delicious seasonal produce. From pumpkins and butternut squash to figs and pears, apples and blackberries to radishes and rocket, potatoes and mushrooms to cranberries and sprouts. And don’t forget, ALL THE SOUP! Cooking with seasonal fruits and veg is not only good for your local community and the wider environment, but it means you get to eat the best tasting food around. And good food always guarantees a good mood, so why not give a new recipe a go.

Give yourself permission to move…

If your exercise regime is usually one you do outdoors, or you have to travel to your local gym or pool to get your workouts in, you might start to find it a little harder. And for some people, it can just seem plain impossible. But it’s important to remember that you don’t need a gym space to let your body move. Check out online workouts that you can do in your bedroom, or just have a little dance-like-no-one’s-watching party by yourself! Any kind of movement will help pep you up and take a metaphorical weight off your shoulders.

Start your own traditions…

If you get overwhelmed by the thought of upcoming holidays, or they’re just not your thing, why not twist it up this year and start some traditions of your own. If you’re not that close with your fam, why not have a meal with your mates. If Halloween isn’t your cup of tea, why not have a party on the opposite scale of things (think bright lights and cute costumes as opposed to all things scary!). Do something that makes this season feel more comforting and stress free.

Live in the now…

The future can be totally anxiety inducing. And although it may be easier said than done, one way to combat all that fear is to be present. Try to look at things a day at a time - what is one thing you can do with your day that will make you happy and remind yourself to live in the moment? It could be just carving out a bit of time to finish the book you’re currently reading. Or getting up to some mischief with your mates. Getting organised for your school day with lists you can cross things off of. Or even just reframing the things that could get you down, like the fact that it’s cold, into a positive opportunity - this means you can make a blanket fort and watch cosy feeling movies! Check out why some of our Writers’ Club members love this season for more inspo there!

Another key thing to remember is that just as this season has come, it will also go. In just a few months time the mornings will get lighter, the sun will creep back in, coats will go back in the cupboards, and everything will feel a little easier. Just keep your head up and remember you got this!