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Why We Love Fall So Much, According to Psychology

If you’re not a die-hard fan of fall, chances are good that you know someone who is. They can be spotted sipping pumpkin spice lattes, snapping photos of the vibrant foliage, and savoring sweater weather. 

But is there something deeper than autumn’s colors and flavors that make people downright obsessed with this season? Perhaps, according to psychology experts, who say there are some distinct qualities of fall to which people feel deeply drawn.

Fall’s Fresh Start Effect

Fall can fit into our lives in a similar way to that of a birthday or a new year. They’re all temporal landmarks, or moments that create a structure for how we see and use time.1

“Temporal landmarks divide life into distinct mental phases. They allow us to put in the past negative experiences and propel a fresh outlook,” says Yasmine Saad, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist and founder and director of psychological services at Madison Park Psychological Services.

Temporal landmarks divide life into distinct mental phases. They allow us to put in the past negative experiences and propel a fresh outlook.

— Yasmine Saad, PhD

Research shows that experiencing temporal landmarks can boost motivation to pursue goals.1 And in fall—a season we’re socially conditioned to associate with going back to school—that motivation may be directed toward our careers in adulthood. 

“As young kids, we learned that the fall is filled with new people, places, and opportunities. It's when we got all of our new school supplies and were excited to dive into new activities. That association stays with us into adulthood,” says Ronit Levy, PsyD, director of Bucks County Anxiety Center. “There is a feeling of excitement and promise in the air.

Other Psychological Reasons We Love Fall

Our obsession with fall may go beyond the season’s status as a temporal landmark, though. Part of it may have to do with the comfort of getting back into a steady routine after summer.

“During the summer, people tend to travel for vacation and have less predictable schedules. Once fall starts, most people resume their everyday routines, making it easier for friends to get together and socialize. There is a comfortable routine that this season brings,” says Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind.

The weather may also present some mental health benefits. The cooler temperatures and spectacular foliage encourage us to spend time in nature, which has been connected with improvements in our happiness, wellbeing, relationships, and sense of having a life purpose.2 

“In addition, with cooler temperatures comes clarity of thinking, in contrast to the fogginess associated with warmer temperatures,” says Dr. Saad. 

Plus, swapping out our summer clothes for cozy fall gear can take some of the pressure off our physical appearance, says Dr. Levy. In that way, we can be more at ease with our bodies and ourselves. 

“Depending on where you live, fall usually means the end of swimsuit season. People tend to feel more comfortable about their bodies and appearance in the fall because they're wearing more or bulkier clothing,” she adds. That, combined with the social acceptance to indulge in Halloween candy and decadent fall foods, means “there's less body shame and pressure to diet in order to maintain a picture-perfect, beach-ready body.”

People tend to feel more comfortable about their bodies and appearance in the fall because they're wearing more or bulkier clothing.

— Ronit Levy, PsyD

Speaking of Halloween, it’s just one of many holidays we look forward to this time of year. Just around the corner are Thanksgiving and the major winter holidays, and we begin to anticipate the celebrations and gatherings with loved ones almost as soon as summer ends.

“Holidays can have you feeling nostalgic, which can play a role in people's excitement for the upcoming months,” says Dr. Hafeez. “We tend to create unconscious associations with specific times in our lives that make us the happiest.

Making the Most of the Season

Considering the array of benefits fall can bring to our lives, it can be a particularly opportune time to focus on our resilience and stave off the winter blues.

“Fall is the time to gather all that we need to go through the winter. Psychologically, it means looking at our mindset and coping skills to endure the darkness of winter,” says Dr. Saad. “Are you equipped to deal with negative emotions and thoughts if they were to come your way? This is your preparation time.”

Everyone’s preparation can look a little different, but here are some suggestions of ways to boost your wellbeing this fall:

Get Outside

Whether you’re picking pumpkins and apples, taking your kids trick-or-treating, or going on hikes, spending time in nature can offer a mental health boost. “Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air is a natural way of raising the oxygen levels in your brain,” says Dr. Hafeez. “A rise in oxygen tends to release more serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes happiness.”

Map Out Your Goals

Since fall feels like a fresh start and a time of increased motivation, it can be an opportunity to figure out what you want to focus on in the upcoming months. Determine what your goals are, why these missions are important to you, and specific steps to make them happen. Completing goal-setting exercises now can also help you stay on track if you begin to feel stagnant in the winter. 

Make Time for Things You Love

Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder can begin to set in this time of year. One thing you can do to feel better is making time for your favorite activities,3 such as reading, getting together with friends, making art, and playing sports. If you’re feeling depressed, you may also consider connecting with a mental health professional for additional support.

What This Means For You

Ever wonder why many people are downright obsessed with fall? It might be because autumn is considered a temporal landmark, a psychological concept that refers to events (like birthdays and seasonal changes) that change how we see time. It makes us feel more motivated to take on new challenges and enjoy the bounty of the season.

With the winter blues looming around the corner, fall can be an opportune time to strengthen our resilience and emotional wellbeing, experts say. Consider spending time in nature, mapping out your goals, and prioritizing your favorite hobbies this season. If you begin to feel depressed or you just need some additional support, reach out to a mental health professional.

Happy Friday!

With all the hustle and bustle of the week it’s easy to focus on all the things you didn’t do but remember to give yourself credit for all your accomplishments this week!

Starting therapy can be scary but these are just a few of the benefits you might experience!

Back to School and Mental Health: Supporting Our Children for a Successful Year Ahead

As the heat of the summer reaches its peak, and (hopefully soon) gives way to the cooler autumn breezes, it’s time for children and youth to return to school. This transition — filled with excitement, anticipation, and some natural apprehension — is an annual ritual for millions of students across our nation. As we prepare for the new academic year, it's crucial to remember that school readiness isn't just about having the right supplies, it's also about mental health.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is committed to promoting mental health and preventing substance misuse as a critical part of overall health and wellness. As part of this commitment, we want to equip parents, teachers, and students with resources and tools to foster a mentally healthy return to school.

Mental Health Matters

Often unseen and untreated, child and adolescent mental health challenges can significantly impact the ability to learn and develop. One in five children has a diagnosable mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder, yet many of them do not receive the help they need. Research tells us that there is a robust link between students’ mental health and their academic success. Therefore, awareness of mental health and potential for substance misuse should be a core part of every family's back-to-school preparation.

Promoting a Healthy Transition

The return to school can be a stressful time, whether it's a child’s first day of kindergarten, a transition to middle or high school, or just the end of the freedoms of summer. It's normal for children to feel anxious about these changes. Here’s how you can help ease their worries:

• Communicate: Encourage your child to express their feelings about going back to school. Acknowledge their fears, make them feel understood, and reassure them that it's perfectly normal to feel anxious about these changes.

• Create Routines: A consistent routine fosters a sense of security in children. Establishing a regular sleep schedule, eating healthy meals, and setting aside time for homework and relaxation can help children adjust to the rhythm of the school year.

• Make Advance Preparations: If possible, attend any scheduled school orientations. Meeting teachers, locating classrooms, and becoming familiar with the school layout can help students feel more confident on the first day of school. And if there is not a scheduled orientation, make time to visit the school ahead of time to help children familiarize themselves with the environment. It can also be helpful to practice morning routines like getting ready for the bus or identifying routes to school.

• Encourage In-person Social Interactions: Facilitate interaction with classmates to rekindle old friendships and make new ones. This may be one of the first years of schooling for many children without the COVID-19 pandemic interrupting normal social interactions. Social relationships can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable.

Continuing Support at School: The Role of Educators

Schools are crucial partners in supporting student mental health. Here are some ways educators can help:

• Spot the signs: Regular training sessions for teachers on how to recognize the signs of mental health concerns in students are vital. Knowledge of how to respond in such situations can ensure that children in need receive the help they deserve.

• Create safe spaces: Every child deserves a nurturing school environment where they feel safe to explore and express their feelings. Schools can promote this by establishing safe, caring spaces where students feel comfortable reaching out about their mental health without fear of judgement.

• Integrate mental health into the curriculum: Incorporating mental health education into the curriculum is a powerful strategy to reduce the prejudice and discrimination associated with mental health and substance use conditions. This promotes understanding and empathy, fostering a supportive environment for all students.

Resources: Partners in Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Substance Use

The Department of Health and Human Services offers a wealth of resources for parents, teachers, and students alike:

• Parenting and Caregiver and Youth Mental Health Resources — a collection of resources on parenting and addressing mental health needs of young people.

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Concerns: Signs and Symptoms — a comprehensive guide for symptoms of mental health and substance use disorders in children and youth.

• Back to School Resources for Success — a collection of resources for children, parents, and educators on ensuring a safe return to school by caring for both body and mind.

• "Talk. They Hear You."® Campaign — a national youth substance use prevention campaign that helps parents and caregivers, educators, and community members.

• Early Childhood Mental Health Programs — as a part of its mission to reduce the impact of substance use and mental illness on our communities, SAMHSA funds programs that promote and support the health and wellness of young children and their families.

• StopBullying.Gov — parents, school staff, and other adults in the community can help kids prevent bullying by talking about it, building a safe school environment, and creating a community-wide bullying prevention strategy.

• SchoolSafety.Gov — provides schools and districts with actionable recommendations to create a safe and supportive learning environment where students can thrive and grow.

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is a confidential, free, 24/7, 365-day-a-year information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

• FindSupport.gov — a user-friendly website, designed for the general public, to help people identify available resources, explore unbiased information about various treatment options, and learn how to reach out to get the support they need for issues related to mental health, drugs, or alcohol.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — If you or someone you know needs support now, you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Simply call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

As we approach the new school year, let’s make ‘Caring for Every Child’s Mental Health’ a priority. Every child deserves to have a successful academic year, and by equipping young people with mental health support, we are setting them up for a healthier and brighter future. This year let's commit to making the back-to-school transition about physical and academic readiness and about mental preparedness. Together, we can help build and support resilient young minds and allow every child to thrive, enjoy academic success, and reach their full potential.

#personalwellness

3 ways getting outside into nature helps improve your health

Need an excuse to get out of the house? Research continues to demonstrate that being outside and experiencing nature can improve our mental health and increase our ability to focus.

Many of us are in front of a screen for much of our day — whether that be a computer, TV, or smartphone. As a result, we spend less time outside experiencing the natural world. Here are some reasons why we all can benefit from taking a nature break.

1. Nature can help us improve our thinking, reasoning, and other mental abilities

When we're in urban environments or the office all day, we can experience sensory overload, resulting in tension and mental fatigue. Studies have shown that our minds and bodies relax in a natural setting. This increases feelings of pleasure and can help us concentrate and focus more effectively, according to studies in the National Library of Medicine.

Being outdoors can also have relaxing effects on our minds. Nature can provide a mental break by allowing us to temporarily escape the demands of everyday life. It can also boost your creativity and problem-solving abilities.

For example, if you're having a mental block writing a paper or can't seem to solve a problem at work, step outside for a breath of fresh air. Take an easy walk around your neighborhood or office. You just might find the answers you were looking for.

2. Nature can improve physical wellness

Getting out into nature can lead us to want to walk, bike, hike, or kayak more often. People typically engage in regular physical activity when they're in nature. So, stepping outside can help you keep a healthy weight or even lose weight by increasing activity levels.

Studies also show that being in nature has a positive effect on our bodies by reducing cortisol levels, muscle tension, and demands on our cardiovascular systems (lowers heart rate and blood pressure). Being out in nature often may lead to lower rates of heart disease. The great outdoors can also help you increase your vitamin D level, which is important for your bones, blood cells, and immune system.

3. Being outside can improve your mental health

Nature can help decrease your anxiety levels and can help lessen stress and feelings of anger. Exercise can also help this, but it's even better when you're outside.

Regular access to green spaces has been linked to lower risks of depression and improved concentration and attention. Being outside allows us to be social and come together with family, friends, or even people you don't know while on a hiking trail, for example.

Additionally, you may find that you sleep better when you are regularly outside. Daily exposure to natural light helps regulate sleep/wake cycles. By making sure that you get outside in sunlight every day, you can improve your ability to sleep at night.

Nature can also have benefits for children. One study in Denmark examined 900,000 residents born between 1985 and 2003. They found that children who lived in neighborhoods with more green space had a reduced risk of mental disorders later in life.

Other benefits to being in nature

There are some positive health impacts related to getting outdoors. You can learn more about these in the research summary from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They include the following:

• People who live near parks and green space have less mental distress, are more physically active, and have longer life spans.

• Exposure to nature may decrease death from chronic disease.

• When people exercise outdoors in nature, they do so for longer periods of time and at greater intensities.

• Positive health effects are enhanced when green space includes water.

Simple outdoor exercises if you're short on time

If you have a busy schedule and don't have much time to get outside, these may help you get a quick nature fix:

• 5 minutes: Stand outside with the sun on your face or take off your shoes to feel the grass in between your toes. If the weather isn't great, take a few minutes to gaze out a window at the scenery outside.

• 25 minutes: Go out for a stroll and take some deep breaths. You could even eat your lunch outside or take a phone call or meeting outdoors.

Other fun ideas to experience nature

• Plan a picnic with friends or family. Find a park or green space to enjoy a meal and maybe take a frisbee or soccer ball.

• Rent a kayak or canoe on a nearby waterway.

• Find a hiking trail you've never been to.

• Dust off your bicycle and go for an easy ride around the neighborhood.

• Take your dog for a walk to a nearby park — they'll enjoy it just as much as you will.

• Grab a book and find a shady tree to sit under.

• Plant a vegetable or flower garden in your yard or on your patio.

• Take up golfing with a friend or family member.

• Meet up with a neighbor or friend to walk daily or weekly.

• Go bird watching at a nearby state park or wildlife habitat.

#reducethestigma