A Fall Boost to Your Mental Health
 Apple picking, hayrides, crisp air, warm sweaters, crunchy and colorful leaves—fall is an enchanted time of year. But did you know that the fall season can be good for you? Below are some of the best reasons why fall is a season that can boost your mental health:
- Fall activities create opportunities for exercise and socialization.
There are many fall-specific activities to enjoy such as apple picking, pumpkin picking, raking fall leaves, etc. These types of activities get you outdoors and burning calories. Also these activities can be done with others and you can squeeze in quality time with family and friends.
- Seasonal fruits and vegetables add color to your meals and improve your mood.
There is a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables available during the fall season, so you have plenty of new or nostalgic dishes to make. Here are some of the best mental health benefits from your favorite fall foods:
- Squash: contains magnesium, an important nutrient that helps with anxiety and stress
- Pumpkin: contains minerals that boost brain function as well as the amino acid tryptophan, which helps the brain produce serotonin
- Cinnamon: helps regulate blood sugar, which stabilizes mood
- Take advantage of nature and the cooler temps.
It’s refreshing taking a trip to an outdoor orchard picking fresh apples or pumpkins. This is a great way to connect with nature, a natural mood booster. Go for a walk, take a drive to see the leaves change or simply visit your local park for some outdoor time. When we breathe in fresh air, we raise oxygen levels in the brain, releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes a state of well-being.
- Bring fall indoors with seasonal scents.
The many scents associated with fall – like cinnamon spice, baked apples, rose, and chamomile – can help bring on relaxation as well as spark some joy in any room of the house. Pleasant aromas can also take your mind off stressful thoughts as the scent can transport you to a more peaceful and relaxing moment.
- Fall colors can boost your mood
Rich reds, vibrant oranges, warm yellows—the brilliant colors of fall foliage may do more than delight your senses. The colors you notice when the leaves begin to change may have some mental health benefits, too. Yellow is often thought to convey energy, enthusiasm, fun, cheerfulness, and a positive emotional state. Red helps improve your attention span and boost your confidence.
Adapted from “Why the Fall Season is Good for Your Mental & Physical Health?” in Addiction Recovery by awakeningstreatment.
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