Body & Mind

These 6 habits are the antidote to your autumn depression

By Sophie Rietmulder | #!31Sun, 22 Oct 2023 14:00:43 +0200+02:004331#31Sun, 22 Oct 2023 14:00:43 +0200+02:00-2Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam202331 22pm31pm-31Sun, 22 Oct 2023 14:00:43 +0200+02:002Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam2023312023Sun, 22 Oct 2023 14:00:43 +02000020010pmSunday=9#!31Sun, 22 Oct 2023 14:00:43 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam10#10-22-2023#!31Sun, 22 Oct 2023 14:00:43 +0200+02:004331#/31Sun, 22 Oct 2023 14:00:43 +0200+02:00-2Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam202331#!31Sun, 22 Oct 2023 14:00:43 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam10#

Is it slowly crawling out of the hole where you buried it around April, that autumn depression? For me, there is still no sign of it, but I am a huge sucker for autumn. The colored leaves, the rain tapping on the window while you sit safely inside, and even the way it smells outside right now; it can't get better, if you ask me. Now, I am a niche autumn lover, because as soon as the autumn sun disappears and the chilly autumn wind does its best to blow you over, the fun is also gone for me. So to prevent that, I went looking for the best tips to tackle your impending autumn depression, so we can just make it a cozy time. Will you join me?

1. Find a hobby
And I mean it. Because how long have you wanted to learn to dance, paint, sing, or do pottery? Exactly: way too long. Now that we all have a lot less to do (read: now that the terrace season is over and we suddenly have oceans of time), it's time to do something about it. Hobbies are magical stress relievers that let your creativity flourish and connect you with like-minded souls. They can even make you perform better at work, so I really only see advantages.

2. Spend time in nature
A forest walk in autumn with a cup of hot coffee to go? Sign. Me. Up! I genuinely overflow with happiness just thinking about it. Regardless of the season, experts have proven that spending time in nature improves mood, relieves stress, and increases your creativity, which is handy for your new hobby.

3. Try a new recipe
Yep, even if you only touch your pans once a month (I'm looking at myself). There are so many delicious autumn recipes to try, and they don't have to be difficult, as long as they are warm, soft, and comforting. Think of a warm, fresh apple pie or a creamy risotto with mushrooms. For this tip, I would like to turn to my friends, because the only thing I have ever successfully created in the kitchen is a small fire (I had placed an oven mitt on the stove, it can happen to the best), but I would love to come eat a piece of cake.

4. Plan something to look forward to
Having something to look forward to can increase happiness and make you feel more creative and productive because you feel like you are working towards something. This doesn't have to be anything big, but can fall into the category of dinners, Halloween parties, or an autumn movie marathon. Want to keep it even smaller? Then give your morning coffee or your work outfit an autumn twist. Add up these micro-joys and soon you won't even remember what the word autumn depression means.

5. Have an autumn cleaning session
A spring cleaning, but then in autumn. The changing of the seasons is simply the perfect time to sweep through your house and say goodbye to things that are in your way. It's cliché, but a tidy house is a tidy mind, and cocooning in a clean environment brings just that little bit of extra happiness.

6. Prioritize rest
You don't have to tell me this twice: I love rest. When the days get shorter, it's very normal to feel more tired and want to take more rest. You should just give in to this. Make sure you get enough sleep to boost your immune system now that the ‘r’ is back in the month, and allow yourself to spend a bit more time horizontal. Protect your energy and do plenty of things that give you peace.

Sources: The Every Girl, Happinez