How I Protect My Health While Enjoying My Favorite Season
Monica Drake
| 3 min read
Fall is my favorite season. The crisp weather, the changing leaves, the cozy blankets, the Halloween decorations and not having to shave my legs every day.
But while I adore this time of year, sometimes I feel like this season doesn’t love me back. Thanks to the cooler temperatures, drier air and shorter daylight hours, my immunity and my mental health both start diminishing in October. It’s an annual struggle for me – excited about the cider mills and haunted houses, but dreading the inevitable stuffy nose, sore throat and, worst of all, seasonal depression.
According to Teladoc Health, seasonal changes can disrupt sleep and circadian rhythms, which can take a toll on your immune defense and mood, while also making it more difficult to manage stress, concentrate and feel like yourself. I’m currently dealing with a scratchy throat, dry skin and the random urge to cry. I’ll think to myself, “Why am I so sad when it’s my favorite time of year?” It happens like clockwork every October, yet I still find myself wondering why.
To take care of my health and still enjoy the autumn season, I've had to build my own battle plan. To protect my physical health, I make sure to get enough vitamin C through orange juice, Emergen-C or Airborne supplements. I also roll up my sleeve for the annual flu shot each October, especially with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data showing flu activity climbing faster than usual this year. I also try to spend time outside each day, walking around my neighborhood, to take advantage of the 50- and 60-degree weather before freezing winter temperatures kick in.
I try to balance social interaction with honoring my need to rest. When seasonal depression tries to isolate me, I force myself to follow through on my Halloween plans instead of canceling. At the same time, I also make sure every weekend isn’t jam-packed. I give myself permission to cocoon under a blanket with a scary movie whenever my brain needs to shut down.
Most importantly, I prioritize sleep—even if that means going to bed at the same time as my toddler. Getting the recommended seven to nine hours helps reset my brain and gives me the energy to combat these increasingly dark days.
At the end of the day, loving autumn doesn’t mean pretending it’s easy. It’s possible to love the magic of the season while still giving yourself grace on the heavy days. I might complain about the October sniffles and the sudden wave of sadness, but I wouldn't trade the sweater weather and horror movie marathonsfor anything. I just have to remember to take care of myself while I enjoy them.
Photo credit: Courtesy Monica Drake
