The swift approach of Autumn and the ending of summer can be a brutal adjustment. Days are short and cold, evenings are dark and long, and these changes in the weather can bring on symptoms of Seasonal Depressive Disorder. Because of this, it’s important to find enjoyable ways to combat these symptoms and protect your mental health. Through positive activities you associate with fall, you can develop healthy coping mechanisms to ease the adjustment, support your well-being, and give you something to look forward to with the changing season.
There are lots of popular fall activities people look forward to each year – going to a pumpkin patch or apple orchard, prepping your Halloween costume, baking, or making your favorite cozy recipe – but did you know these classic, cozy weather activities can be beneficial for your well-being?
Here are a few suggestions to help you get excited for the changing season, all while supporting your mental health. These are activities you can do solo, but we’d also encourage you to invite a friend or family member to join you. Making these group activities allows for fun bonding experiences, especially during a time of year when feelings of loneliness can become more prominent.
- Get Outside: The fresh air and sunlight from being outside (even in winter) helps increase serotonin (the “feel good” chemical) and improve mood, boost immunity, and positively impacts your sleep cycles. Fall is a fantastic time to get outside and enjoy nature as it’s not sweltering hot or freezing cold. Find some parks and walking areas near you, invite a friend or family member to join, or take the time to listen to your favorite music or a podcast. You can also plan an outdoor outing like going to a pumpkin patch or apple orchard, a fall festival, or a bonfire.
- Arts and Crafts: Find a creative outlet that helps you enjoy some focus time and feel less stressed. Activities like knitting, crocheting, quilting, sewing, painting, drawing, and woodwork boost the self-confidence that comes from creating something by hand, while repetitive movements release serotonin that improves your mood. To make it seasonal, try pumpkin carving, create your own seasonal decoration, or make a fleece blanket or scarf for a loved one.
- Try a New Recipe: Like crafting, the focus and engagement that comes with learning a recipe can help break up negative thoughts and reduce anxiety. Trying something new also develops pride and confidence. Think of the cold weather as a reason to try baking or a new warm recipe, or as an opportunity to cook one of your favorite childhood dishes, bringing back a sense of nostalgia and warmth. If you have children, try cooking with them to combine new memories with old.
- Gratitude and Giving Back: Giving back to others, whether volunteering with an organization or making a food drive donation, creates a sense of belonging and community, reducing the feelings of isolation that cold weather can bring on. It’s a way to practice empathy and care for others who are less fortunate. It also inspires feelings of gratitude and purpose, helping you focus on what you do have and what you can do, distracting from negative thoughts and feelings.
- Create a New Cozy Activity: Coming up with a new tradition or activity to do with your family can give you something to look forward to each year, fostering feelings of connection, security, and comfort. It creates positive memories and gives a sense of structure. What’s something fall related you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t yet?
- Take Some Time for Self-Reflection: Fall is a time of transition, with the holidays and the end of the year rapidly approaching. Take some time to cozy up with a favorite candle and comforting background noise and journal about your year, your thoughts, your anxieties. Think about everything that’s happened this year, and what you are excited for next year.
Nexus Family Healing is a national nonprofit mental health organization that restores hope for thousands of children and families who come to us for community mental health services, foster care and adoption, and residential treatment. For over 50 years, our network of agencies has used innovative, personalized approaches to heal trauma, break cycles of harm, and reshape futures. We believe every child is worth it — and every family matters. Access more resources at nexusfamilyhealing.org/resources.