Avoid autumn depression: this is how you fight the autumn blues

Autumn depression can appear from October when the days start getting shorter again. Many then suffer from a depressed mood and feel listless. We give you five tips on how to get through the colorful season without the autumn blues.

Autumn depression is not necessarily a clinically relevant disorder. Due to the lack of light and the rainy weather, the good mood suffers – so are many people.

This has mainly physiological causes. Less sunlight also means the body makes less vitamin D. One Vitamin D deficiency is very closely related to the symptoms of autumn depression: we feel exhausted, want to sleep more than usual and are in a bad mood.

Fortunately, you can actively do something about the autumn blues. We’ll tell you how.

# 1 Refill vitamin D stores for autumn blues

From around November to February, the sunlight is no longer sufficient for the body to produce Vitamin D sufficient support. It is therefore advisable to refill the reservoirs beforehand so that an autumn depression does not arise in the first place.

• Spend about 10 to 25 minutes outside each day.
• It doesn’t matter whether the sky is cloudy or it’s raining – the important UV rays find their way through the cloud cover.
• Go for a walk every day – even if the weather does not invite you to do so at first.

In addition, you should get enough vitamin D through your diet.

• Animal products such as eggs or salmon in particular contain vitamin D.
• But there are also plant-based vitamin D suppliers such as B. mushrooms. More on this: Vegan Diet: Vitamins from Plant Sources

So include such foods in your menu more often, preferably in organic quality. If you spend at least half an hour outside every day and eat more consciously, your body should be prepared for the autumn blues.

# 2 Don’t let social contacts slide because of an autumn depression

When it is warm and sunny in spring and summer, we are more motivated to go out. We meet over a barbecue or for a drink after work. If it is autumn, however, we tend to curl up at home. As a result, we meet less other people. A delicious meal with friends over a cozy evening of games or DVDs, on the other hand, can provide the positive moments that we urgently need to combat the autumn depression.

Keep seeing your friends regularly. For example, try out recipes with seasonal fruit and vegetables and watch films that you’ve always wanted to see.

# 3 Recognize the beautiful moments of fall

Autumn does something wonderful with nature: it colors the leaves red and yellow and lets them shine in the sun. Open your eyes to the beautiful moments that autumn has in store, because precisely these are balm for our soul. Be grateful for what autumn brings us – the more positive feelings you make for yourself, the less chance the autumn depression has.

It is particularly helpful to be mindful of the autumnal nature. Mindfulness Methods, can be found in another article. It’s best to try some of these on your next walk.

# 4 Colorful everyday life against autumn blues

Even if the trees appear more and more colorful, the days are still darker and more cloudy – this can promote autumn depression. It is therefore all the more important that you feel comfortable at home.

Decorate your apartment with autumnal color accents. Colors like orange, red and yellow lift the mood and are perfect against bad moods caused by autumn blues. Various are suitable as sustainable materials Pumpkin varieties, Sunflowers in a pot or pressed leaves. Maybe you can make covers for old colored textiles Sew pillows? Let your creativity run free and enjoy the cheerful colors in your home afterwards.

# 5 Trying out new hobbies

You have wanted for a long time Learn to knit or paint watercolors? Autumn is the perfect time to devote yourself to new hobbies.

Find something that you would like to learn or that you haven’t done in a long time and just start. This will keep you active and reward yourself with the results. Self-generated positive feelings are extremely important against autumn depression. You can combine this tip directly with # 3 and # 4: How about a handicraft round among friends, in which you can create cheerful, colorful autumn decorations together?

If nothing works – professional help against autumn depression

In a few cases, it is not that easy to overcome an autumn depression. In professional circles one speaks of one seasonal depression. The symptoms are more pronounced and long-lasting and can make those affected have great difficulty coping with everyday life.

If you have the impression that the feelings of autumn depression are getting out of hand and you have been feeling bad for more than two weeks, then seek professional help from a psychologist or psychotherapist. Usually light therapy is then prescribed and the therapist supports you with discussions and other treatment methods.

Conclusion: autumn depression is mainly a lack of light

The autumn depression is usually a slight depressive mood, which is mainly caused by the lack of light. There are several things you can do yourself to improve your mood.

The important thing is to create positive feelings in your everyday life. Do not withdraw, but keep in touch with friends even in the dark season. Also go for a walk every day and eat a balanced diet – then the autumn blues have little chance.

Read more on Techzle.com:

• 8 wild herbs to collect in autumn
• Pumpkin smoothie & Co: 3 autumn smoothie recipes
• Fair fashion: 7 recommended labels for autumn