From Doom to Hope
I hate autumn.
The season of dead leaves. The season of endings.
As a child, I remember watching the birds leave. Flocks of hundreds of twittering birds would gather and circle in the sky, as if they were saying goodbye before flying off to someplace sunnier, warmer, somewhere their presence would make even more alive. I think that’s when I first got the idea that autumn was a dead season, a time when nothing interesting could happen since even the birds didn’t want to stick around.
And truth be told, I still feel that way. Autumn doesn’t energize me. It drains me. I feel less creative, less driven. The spark that carries me through summer seems to fade in direct proportion to the disappearing light. I do less, feel less, and begin to retreat inward. It starts gradually, but before long all I want is to curl up under a blanket and sleep until the light comes back.
By contrast, my mum loves autumn. She enjoys all the days leading up to Christmas, delighting in the changing colours and the shift in the air. She finds joy in the season that I can’t seem to access until the twenty-first of December, when I know the days are finally, officially going to get longer.
That November just before the pandemic was particularly brutal. I remember it as especially gloomy. It rained every single day. A whole month of never-ending rain and I began to wonder if it would last forty days or more. I also remember wondering if the sun would ever come back. It was a difficult time. I could feel myself sinking into a low mood but I still had not fully connected the dots between my inner gloom and the sorrowful weather outside.
That November became a turning point. It was the moment I was told I was experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and was given advice on how to cope with it. I then realised I could try to move through autumn in a different way. I did not have to like it but at least I had the option to make this time more bearable.
How to Feel Better in Autumn
Autumn can feel heavy and draining but we definitely have the power to change how we experience this season in spiritual, mental, and physical ways. It is not about forcing joy where it isn’t, but about accepting the season as it is and being kinder and more understanding with ourselves along the way.
- Seek out natural light
Make a point to spend some time outside during daylight hours. Even on cloudy days, natural light helps boost your mood and energy. A short walk or simply sitting near a window can make a difference.
- Support your body with vitamin D
As the days grow shorter and sunlight weakens, it becomes harder to get enough vitamin D naturally. Taking a vitamin D supplement helped me tremendously when I tried it. It can support your mood and strengthen your immune system during the darker months. Just be sure not to exceed the recommended dosage and check with your GP beforehand.
- Learn to see what is in season
It can help to shift your focus toward what autumn offers, rather than what it takes away. Apples, pumpkins, deep colours, the smell of earth, the comfort of warm drinks, even the joy of Halloween. When you start to notice the richness around you, the season begins to feel a little less bleak.
Walt Whitman captured this beautifully:
The fall is upon us,
Juicy autumnal fruit ripe and red from the orchard,
Apples ripe in the orchards hang, and grapes on the trellis’d vines,
A large field spotted thick with scarlet-gold pumpkins,
Melon patches, with their bulging ovals, and great silver-streak’d, ruffled, broad-edged leaves,
And many an autumn sight and sound beside.
This poem is a reminder that nature doesn’t die when September comes.
- Follow nature’s lead
Let go of old habits, beliefs, or stories that are no longer beneficial to you. Let them fall away like leaves, making space for something new to take root.
Autumn is a season of reflection, release, and quiet gratitude. Nature shows us that letting go is not a failure. It is part of the cycle. Trees drop their leaves not because they are dying but because they are preparing for what comes next. If you are Jewish, the end of summer and start of autumn carry added meaning. The High Holidays — Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot — are a time for reflection, atonement, and renewal.
You might find it helpful to create a small personal ritual. Review your year so far. Pay attention to what feels heavy or complete. What are you ready to let go of? What do you want to carry forward with purpose? Writing, meditating, or simply sitting quietly in nature can bring clarity and calm during this time of reflection.
- Get Your Body Moving
Autumn often means more time in the office and increased stress. If you tend to feel down as the days grow darker, exercise is especially important. One simple movement you can try is the Rear Hand Clasp. It’s excellent for improving posture, stretching the chest, and opening up the lungs—helping you breathe more deeply and ease tension. Don’t forget to check if it’s suitable for you. In case of doubt, ask your GP for advice.
If stretching isn’t your thing, try a mindful walk through autumn trees. Notice the colours and textures around you, and listen to the crunch of leaves
- Try emotional freedom techniques (EFT) tapping
EFT tapping is a simple yet effective tool for releasing emotional tension and anxiety. It involves tapping on specific points on your body while acknowledging your feelings. This practice can be especially helpful in autumn when feelings of sadness or lack of motivation arise.
- Add colour and light to your surroundings
Surround yourself with things that lift your spirits. Bring in fresh flowers, a bright scarf, or a colourful candle. Small touches of colour and light can brighten the darker days in subtle but meaningful ways.
- Make use of more indoor time
As autumn invites us indoors, try to embrace this shift rather than resist it. Use the extra hours inside to explore new hobbies, enroll in an online course, or reconnect with loved ones by playing games or sharing stories. Catch up on shows you missed during the busy summer months or dive into creative projects like jewellery making or painting. Even simple tasks like tidying up or rediscovering your winter wardrobe can bring a sense of calm and fulfilment.
- Hot drinks: a source of comfort
Autumn is the perfect season to savor warm, comforting beverages. Whether it’s a rich hot chocolate, a soothing cup of herbal tea, or a spicy chai latte, these moments of warmth can feel like small acts of self-care. Taking time to sit quietly with your drink, savoring its taste and aroma, can bring a much-needed pause in the hustle of shorter, darker days.
Conclusion
Autumn doesn’t have to feel like an ending or a time to withdraw. Instead, it offers a chance to slow down, be kind to ourselves, and reflect on what truly matters. By accepting the season as it is and moving with its natural rhythm, we can find ways to feel more grounded and uplifted, even as the days grow shorter and the world outside feels quieter. And you, how do you cope with the autumn blues?
Love,
Daphne
EFT can help you address a variety of issues.
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