As soon as September hits and the days get shorter, my energy plummets. I miss the long summer days, and the thought of impending Wisconsin winter weather is already giving me anxiety. How do I maintain my energy when autumn starts settling in?
—Chasing the Sun
Dear Chasing,
You are far from alone in feeling the “Autumn Slump.” The sudden drop in daylight and cooler temps has a legitimate impact on your biological clock and serotonin levels.
The Move: Build a Fall Joy Ritual. Instead of mourning summer, actively embrace what makes autumn special. Get outside during peak sunlight hours—even a 20-minute morning walk makes a massive difference for your mood. Swap summer routines for cozy fall habits: warm teas, crisp evening walks through local parks, and sweater weather. Happiness in different seasons comes down to leaning into what each season uniquely offers rather than wishing for the previous one.
Aunt Abby’s September Autumn Checklist:
- The Morning Sun Habit: Step outside within 30 minutes of waking up to set your internal clock and boost your mood naturally.
- The Academic Reset: Go through your syllabus for every class today and plug all major project deadlines and midterm dates into your master calendar now so nothing sneaks up on you.
- Budget Reality Check: As fall shopping temptations peak, set a clear “Fun Money” limit for the month so your pumpkin spice runs don’t drain your savings.
Got a question for Aunt Abby? Whether you’re navigating roommate friction, managing college stress, or balancing work and life, Aunt Abby is here with practical, uplifting advice. Email your questions to publisher@goodnewsfoundations.org
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