Sad time: how not to fall into the blues in the fall. How to avoid the autumn blues How to avoid the autumn blues

The cold weather begins - and something clicks in our heads, forcing us to strive for the warmest blanket. I want to climb up there with my head and, to the sounds of rain and the most whiny sluggard, imagine my tragic death and the universal grief of those around me...

Stop! As soon as these desires appear, you need to immediately enter into battle. But how to overcome the autumn blues if our body resists? How can you be sure of the result if even the most staunch optimists often fall into depression?

In fact, autumn is not a time for the blues. We will show you how many amazing ways there are to combat the autumn blues that will help you survive until spring. But first, let's figure out what kind of beast this is - the autumn blues, in order to understand how to deal with it.

What is autumn blues

In principle, there are indeed common features with a depressed mood: it is incredibly difficult to get out of bed, even if you have slept for 12 hours in a row, you put a lot of effort (both physical and moral) to handle even the most ordinary things. It’s better to remain silent about studying, because the brain refuses to accept any new information in every possible way.

For comparison, let's look at what depression is.

Depression is a mental disorder in which the patient experiences sadness, loss of interest, inability to enjoy joy and pleasure, feelings of guilt, low self-esteem, sleep disturbances, problems with appetite, feeling tired and poor concentration.

As you can see, the autumn blues will still be a little easier. This means it will be easier to stop moping in the fall. At the very least, it’s quite possible to do it yourself.

With depression, it is almost impossible to cure yourself. Only long consultations with a psychotherapist and antidepressants will help alleviate the condition or completely get rid of the disease.

11 ways to prevent autumn depression

Preventing a problem, as we know, is much easier than solving it. so let's try to follow a few simple recommendations, thanks to which the risk of autumn misfortune will be minimized.

The World Health Organization classifies autumn depression as a seasonal disorder and gives the following standard recommendations against the autumn blues: adhere to a healthy diet, perform relaxation exercises, and be more active.

We all know these tips, but few of us follow them. So we suggest learning alternative ways to combat the autumn blues.

Now let's move on to the tips themselves on how not to fall into the autumn blues.

Medical examination

It has been proven that depression and severe mental health can be provoked by untreated chronic diseases, which tend to worsen in the fall.

Here we are talking not only about diseases of the cardiovascular system, which often provoke problems with internal harmony. Often the body is sad not at all because of the rain and falling leaves, but because of a very specific allergy or infection. And here, well-chosen medications will provide much more effective help than yoga and antidepressants.

Refusal to work at night

It doesn't matter how urgent it is to write that essay or test. Leave everything for tomorrow or ask it to be done for you. But don't sit down to work at night!

The fact is that in the dark the production of serotonin decreases. This means that the body is in psychological isolation, which makes it begin to feel sorry for itself.

Take this point into account and try to develop a gentle schedule for yourself at this time of year.

Buying a new lamp

How not to be depressed in the fall, if everything around you becomes so dark, dull, dull?

Doctors have proven that the cause of bad mood with the onset of cold weather is short daylight hours. The hormone of happiness and joy (serotonin) is produced under the influence of sunlight. And this is proven by numerous light therapy sessions.

Moreover, bright light helps to increase the production of hormones that are responsible for sleep quality and circadian rhythms, and reduce cortisol levels.

What to do to make the autumn blues go away? Just 45 minutes a day under a fluorescent lamp - and you’re back to normal! True, it is imperative to select a lamp so that its strength is comparable to the strength of the summer morning sun.

Trips to the solarium

If a new fluorescent lamp is not enough, buy a solarium subscription.

But the main thing to remember here is that it was not the thirst for a tan that made you come here, but the need for a dose of sunlight and warmth.

Vacation in November

Take one (or better yet, two) weeks to travel to southern countries where sunshine is not in short supply. After all, we already know how necessary it is for normal well-being.

If you can’t travel that far, do exactly the opposite: visit the Scandinavian countries! They know the secret of finding happiness, even if there is very little sun in life. Perhaps the locals will share it with you.

Diet

Consider your diet carefully. Being a vegetarian is good in the summer and early autumn.

According to research conducted by Roy Morgan Research, vegetarians are more susceptible to depression and OCD. Scientists strongly recommend adding more protein during the transition season.

Sushi

Going to a restaurant where they cook sushi is a holiday not only for you, but also for the spirit. Scientists have found that fish is an ideal product that fights depression and bad mood better than others.

Dutch researchers have noticed a strong link between eating fatty fish and lower levels of stress hormones. You don't have to eat fish every day. Once a week will be enough to feel relief.

Healing herbs

In summer, take care of stocking up on medicinal herbs. Melissa, valerian, hops, hawthorn - all this will help you relax and reduce anxiety.

Remember that some of these herbs have blood pressure lowering effects.

An infusion made from the herb St. John's wort is excellent at combating bad mood. True, this plant has the greatest number of contraindications: hypertension, pregnancy, exposure to the sun. And long-term use of it leads to intestinal problems.

Computer games

Autumn is not a reason to be sad, but a reason to finally have a blast at the games!

Choose toys where accuracy and speed of reaction are important.

Cornell University conducted research on depressed people. An interesting fact is that it was computer games that helped them recover, while antidepressants did not have any therapeutic effect.
Do not overdo it! It is recommended to play no more than 4 hours a day. This time will be enough to achieve a therapeutic effect. Larger amounts contribute to turning treatment into addiction

Coffee

Harvard researchers found that 3 cups of coffee a day reduces the risk of fall spleen by up to 20%. In addition, you will agree that it is much more pleasant to suffer from a bad mood with a cup of hot coffee in your hands.

Acupuncture

This rare and very unique method, in combination with drugs, helps to cope not only with the blues, but even with clinical depression (and this is very serious!). So if you're nervous about starting antidepressants, make an appointment with an acupuncturist.

Previously, we discussed how to try to prevent this disease. But if you still failed to protect yourself, and the autumn blues overtook you like a boomerang, here are some tips.

Get a cat

This is advice for those who have long dreamed of a warm bundle of warmth and joy. And it is cats that are the perfect tool in how to defeat the autumn blues.

Already have a cat? Then it's time to get him an Instagram account. Firstly, on his behalf you can throw out all your negative emotions, thereby coping with sadness. Secondly, everyone loves cats! This means that the cat’s followers will unwittingly become yours too.

Besides, cats will never leave you alone. They will become a rumbling little motor under your blanket and will make you stir up when it's time for lunch or someone just wants to be naughty. And with such a creature you will never feel unhappy or lonely.

Buy a stupid scarf

The cold forces people to put on gloomy gray-brown rags, the mere sight of which makes their souls sad.

Prepare for rainy days - buy an expensive, soft, beautiful and incredibly bright scarf! It will become your constant companion on gloomy days. At the same time, it will not only cheer you up just before you leave the house, but will also make passing passers-by smile, who might be feeling bad right now.

Give gifts

Everyone loves to receive gifts. Well, you know it yourself. So why not become a premature Grandfather Frost for those around you?

Inexpensive nice little things won’t empty your wallet too much. But what you can get in return will be priceless: sincere joy and gratitude from loved ones!

By giving gifts, you not only make people feel good. Gifting is a great way to win future allies among classmates, teachers, and colleagues. Having received even a mere trifle, a person psychologically begins to feel obligated. So if you want to get something from a person (for example, an automatic test in a very difficult subject), give the processor a funny pen, an interesting cup or a cloth for glasses.

Make mulled wine

Drowning sadness in alcohol is a dubious matter. But sipping a glass of mulled wine is simply necessary.

Red, thick, tart, aromatic, sweet wine with ripe citrus fruits, cardamom and cinnamon will make you look at the world differently. Well, everything can’t be bad when such deliciousness is splashing in the glass.

Many people want to switch to “Let Them Talk”, “Dom-2” and other similar programs at the highest possible speed. But if there is melancholy in your soul, you can slow down the speed of switching channels a little and take a peek at who Lera is and why she refuses to marry Ivan.

Such idiotic programs help to take your mind off unpleasant thoughts for a while. And if you also order delicious pizza to go along with this, the melancholy will be driven away. Attention! The next day, we strongly recommend taking an antidote: going to the gym and watching an arthouse.

Let's take photos

Autumn is not only the saddest, but also the most beautiful time of the year. Just look at the riot of colors around! It would be a sin not to take advantage of this and not to imprint oneself among all this.

Ask a person with good hands and a good camera to help implement this idea. Dress as brightly as possible, go to the largest park in the city. Be sure to take shots with scattered leaves, bouquets, and fool around.

Do surya namaskar

Don't panic, we don't encourage you to do anything illegal. This is just a cycle of physical exercises, with the help of which the body and spirit will wake up, invigorate, and recharge with energy for the whole day. And no coffee is required.

Stock up on chocolate

This is the best remedy for the autumn blues, just like warm cocoa with marshmallows. If this sweet drink is poured in a cup, you will not be afraid of any bad weather.

Flower therapy as a way to get rid of the autumn blues

Scientists have long found out that color can have both psychological and physical effects on people. For example, you've probably already heard that in a room with blue walls a person will sleep much sounder and more peacefully. And vice versa - designers strongly do not recommend covering the bedroom with red wallpaper, as this color excites the body.

We thought, why not use color as a way to cure the autumn blues? Catch 7 recommendations on what will bring more joy to life.

Removing everything faded and gray

Shapeless gray sweaters with tails extended from the knees are good for sadness. We are going to get rid of it, so we are putting the sweater aside.

To feel alive this fall, give up clothes in brown, marsh, green, and dirty yellow colors.

If you really want to, be sure to complement it with shiny metal accessories.

Buy bright gloves/scarf

If your outerwear is still the same boring colors, be sure to purchase a bright yellow or orange scarf and gloves. This color can revitalize both the senses and the body, and also awaken the interest of others.

Like citrus fruits, these colors lift your spirits, stimulate your appetite, and get your heart pumping.

We wear red things

Interesting fact: scientists have discovered that the color red leads to a decrease in the level of cortisol (stress hormone) in the blood.

The less of this hormone in the blood, the calmer and more comfortable we feel. In addition, people wearing red clothes are subconsciously perceived as confident and strong.

Wear bright underwear or crazy socks

It is not always appropriate to wear outerwear in acidic and bright colors. And not all people feel at ease in flashy colors. There is no need to force yourself.

BUT! In fact, color works even when we don't see it, but we know it's there! That is, if we wear red underwear, the presence of which will be known only to us, it will definitely give confidence. So don't be shy about buying one of these (or loud striped socks), especially if you have an important exam or interview coming up.

Playing with colors in the interior

No, you don't have to paint your walls bright yellow or orange. But you can and should buy pillowcases in interesting colors, bright curtains, and a cheerful checkered blanket.

They will help decorate your home and create the right mood.

Take your favorite cup for couples

Yes, we know that everyone has been wearing thermal mugs for a long time. And here’s the surprise: it turns out that if we take some thing from home, it allows us to feel more comfortable, protected, and warm.

At the same time, thermal mugs, which we carry with us around transport, university and God knows where else, will be associated with rush, crowdedness, rush hour.

They may look at you askance in the dining room, but you will be relaxed in the middle of the day, when everyone else’s nerves are already boiling.

Making orange or pear jam

It's not so much the color that does the work here, but the aroma. The smell of these fruits will allow you to gain strength and energy for several days ahead. And then, when in the evenings you drink tea with jam you made yourself, only when you remember those sensations will your soul feel warm and good.

Take care of yourself and love autumn! And if evil teachers with their eternal assignments do not allow you to love autumn, it will help to solve any problem

There are only a couple of days left until the end of summer, but that's no reason to get depressed! After all, there are still a few warm days ahead, which will allow you to recharge with positive emotions for many months to come.

How to spend your leisure time in autumn?

1. Go on a mini-trip. A raging mountain river, a heap of yellow leaves, the smell of a fire and songs with a guitar - what could be better? Gather a large group of friends and relatives, young and old, stock up on warm clothes and go conquer the autumn landscapes!

2. The end of summer is probably the saddest time for every person. Which means it’s time for extreme sensations! While the water in the lakes has not yet become suitable for ice-hole diving, go to a wakeboarding lesson - the most fashionable summer sport of this season! Getting the title “Wave Conqueror” and closing the swimming season is a great idea for the end of summer!!!

Look at the autumn forest from a bird's eye view? Why not! A parachute jump will help you enjoy clean air, the beauty of nature and, of course, give you an unforgettable adrenaline rush!

3. Take a walk! Walk as much and often as possible! Absorb the remaining warmth and vitamin D. Go to parks, go on rides, drink hot coffee with sweets... Good company, an autumn park and hot drinks - that's what you need to survive the fall with dignity and not get depressed!

Autumn scenario from the big WeAnnaBe team!

With rainy days approaching, we found out that we have absolutely no time for the autumn blues and we are definitely not going to put it on our to-do list for this fall (and we don’t advise you to either).

"Autumn is the most romantic time of the year. Leisurely weekend walks without abnormal heat and snowfall, with ginger cookies and masala tea after. What could be better?" - says our model and assistant in the marketing department Sasha. As it turned out, Julia , m manager of our showroom in Odessa, also loves autumn walks, especially along the famous Odessa courtyards and sea promenade with hot coffee in hand. And for our accountant Lyudmila The perfect autumn scenario takes place in Palermo. “A glass of white wine, homemade pasta with sun-dried tomatoes mmm... Unforgettable landscapes around and the beautiful volcano Etna, which will definitely not leave anyone indifferent.” Your autumn day off manager of the Kyiv showroom Asya presents exclusively with a glass of sparkling wine and a movie "The English Patient", in the arms of your beloved man and, of course, not without goodies. By the way, in our office we like to watch TV series at the same time, so that we can excitedly share our impressions. But PR manager and showroom manager Margot , still haven’t mastered it "The Handmaid's Tale", which the girls in our office loved so much. “After some episodes in the first series, I realized that I still can’t get myself ready for a series with such depressing events. But, I’m looking forward to the second seasons of the series "Dynasty" , "The Chi" , "Good Girls" and season 3 "Atlanta""And everyone is in harmony, I think that we are not the only ones waiting for the continuation of the cult "Big Little Lies" !

Of course, after reading everything above, you still wonder what to wear at this wonderful time of year and what plans the brand has. Our designer Anna Sokol says this: “We have already successfully presented a new collection at New York Fashion Week and then we are flying to Paris, where we are taking part in the interactive presentation Flying Solo as part of Paris Fashion Week. If you happen to find yourself in Paris on September 27, be sure to come and see us. And Regarding the clothes themselves, we have focused on dresses, without which you will definitely not imagine your new wardrobe; there will be new two-color tracksuits and many different variations of basques and corsets."

"Over the weekend we showed a new collection in Kyiv at" That's it. Its| ELLE", where in the first half of the day we were sold out of incredibly feminine midi-length dresses and tweed peplums, which perfectly complete the look. Khaki-colored pleated shirts and eco-leather belts to go with them were also popular. We also have plans organize WeAnnaBe Garage Sale in the cities of Ukraine. In the summer, we held such a sale in our native Odessa and Kiev. Now we want to introduce even more girls to our brand and give them the opportunity to get “that perfect dress” at a very reasonable price,” says. brand director Yulia Olshevskaya.

“I have a dream and you know what? I want big stores all over the world and become the most famous Ukrainian brand! And I also want to organize parties, closed events for our beloved girls, and shoot videos with WeAnnaBe Girls in the form of light dialogues about life and work and of course love! - shares Asya.

“When I first came to work in our company, it turned out that there were quite a lot of clients from Kazakhstan at once. And I immediately realized that WeAnnaBe needed to be there. I really wanted this and 2 years later, literally a couple of days before my 25th birthday anniversary, they tell me that we were invited to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Astana. I instantly agreed and was happy to hold a show on my birthday. Now, I want to conquer Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Tbilisi, Almaty, Baku, Moscow, and there. We’ll also fly to Mexico City. Who knows:)" - Margot dreams.

“And I would like to expand our target audience. I want to see our clothes on the streets even more often and, of course, somewhere on the streets of Barcelona, ​​for example. I present models with freckles, with curly hair and with different highlights on our shoots.” - says Sasha.

Summing up the results of our collective conversation, I can draw the following conclusions:

1. “To avoid autumn depression, just don’t fall into it!” - one hundred percent hit from manager in the Kiev showroom of Angelina.
2. “Any dramas, even those that happen in our favorite TV series “Sex in the City,” are easier to bear if you live in Odessa with a view of the sea!” - says Anna.
3. Use the bad weather outside to your advantage: read, develop, learn something new, get inspired, get satiated. And, in this case, not a single rain will ruin your mood! Thinks so Director Yulia.
4. And as I said Lyudmila - “In order not to fall into the autumn blues, you need to fall in love! It’s simple!”

How to escape the autumn blues? We know 7 effective methods that we have already tried on ourselves.

1. Wake up earlier
In autumn there is a noticeable lack of sunlight - the days become shorter and the weather worse. Try to wake up earlier and leave the house before 10 am to catch the brightest part of the day - even in cloudy weather, natural light is 1000 times brighter than the lighting in your home or office.
To make it easier to wake up in the morning, buy a dawn simulator - a special lamp that simulates the sunrise.

2. Change your diet
In the fall, stores are filled with fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruits that are rich in vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. Instead of traditional pasta or rice, cook grilled vegetables as a side dish, and replace the cakes with fresh apples and pears - they will not only be a wonderful dessert, but will also help digestion due to their high fiber content.

3. Set small goals
Autumn is a particularly dreary time due to the fact that summer has already passed, and the New Year is still a long time away, so it seems that there is nowhere to strive. In fact, this is a great opportunity to do what you have long wanted: read that very book, plan a dream trip, or learn to knit. Small goals and achieving them can be the most enjoyable part of the fall season.

4. Exercise
Do you think summer has passed and you can start storing fat for the winter? Instead of sadly watching TV series while listening to the monotonous sounds of rain, go to the gym and then relax in the sauna or swim in the pool. Outdoor exercise is considered even more effective in the fall - a Harvard University study has proven that it helps restore mental health and increases activity.
Small goals and achieving them can be the most enjoyable part of the fall season.
5. Take Vitamin D
This vitamin is produced in the body under the influence of sunlight, so during the cold season most people suffer from its deficiency. You can replenish vitamin D reserves on your own, but before doing so, you should consult with a therapist - even vitamins should be taken in doses.

6. Meet friends
Besides all the other benefits, friends are a natural endorphin booster - simply because they make you laugh all the time.

7. Have sex
Various studies show that people tend to feel more sexual in the summer, but libido steadily declines in the fall. But don't give in: cold weather just craves warmth, and sex is the best way to warm up. Your schedule may need to be rethought a little. Don't wait until you both go to bed and fall asleep immediately. Have sex during active waking hours to feel even more alert.

They say that human happiness does not depend on external circumstances, that everything is within, and therefore there is no need to blame your blues on bad weather or problems at work. They're lying. Yes, of course, we should all learn to look at life’s troubles more positively, but it just so happens that in the fall, like it or not, you become more lethargic and melancholic. There is a desire to wrap yourself in a warm blanket and watch sad movies, complain to your friends about your tearful mood and take sick leave so as not to have to get up for work at 6 am.

But we understand perfectly well that life does not stop in the fall. On the contrary, it’s time to get used to the fact that with the onset of September a lot of interesting things begin: from the new season of your favorite TV series to enrollment in the dance school you’ve been dreaming about for so long. Do you really want all this to pass you by while you feel sorry for yourself and look sadly out the window? If your answer is a resounding “no,” then take a look at our advice. They will certainly help not only cope with the autumn blues, but also prevent its occurrence.

1. Go shopping

You shouldn’t be desperate to open your closet and take out old sweaters and coats and jackets that aren’t pleasing to the eye. Especially if all this makes you sad. Instead, choose a day and go shopping for something completely new and stylish - things that will make you happy every time you wear them. It is important for you to feel that autumn is not gloom and dullness. Autumn means new colors, a new stage in life, which must be approached fully armed. Let a luxurious emerald dress and a coral sweater appear in your wardrobe, and don’t refuse bright blue ankle boots either. Whether it's fashionable or not - what difference does it make if you like it and it makes you happy? True, you need to combine such bright things wisely.

2. Sign up for a dance class

Now you just need physical activity and dynamic music.

Yes, yes, the ones you’ve been telling your friends about for six months now. It's time to make your wildest dreams come true. And if you think that dancing is not for you, then maybe fitness and swimming will do? Now you just need physical activity and dynamic music. By the way, about music - start your day with catchy compositions, they will help you wake up and set a good mood for the whole day.

3. Walk more often

Autumn is not a reason to stay at home, although for some reason this is what you want to do most. But in this case, you will have to step on the throat of your desires, call a friend or your beloved man and go on a long (or not so long) walk around the autumn city. By the way, don’t forget to stop at a cute coffee shop along the way and drink a cup of aromatic coffee or tea. You can afford some cake too. Experts assure that you should not go on a diet in the fall - a weakened immune system simply will not survive an artificially created famine.

4. Get organized

It sounds boring, but it's actually quite fun. We are talking about a global cleaning, after which you will feel renewed. If you don’t want to “lick” the whole apartment, then pay attention to one thing. For example, a pile of shoes or a pile of old tights. Surely among them there are rare specimens that should have ended up in the trash a long time ago. Remove everything that you haven’t worn for a long time and don’t intend to wear. You will be surprised, but such a “debriefing” organized by your own things greatly improves your mood. It becomes so easy that the last thing you think about is the autumn blues.

5. Turn on the lights, open the windows

During the autumn period, the body lacks vitamin D, hence skin problems, weakened immunity and other “charms”.

Experts are sure that shortening daylight hours are the main reason for the autumn blues, because it gets dark early and dawns late. We get up in the dark and return home by the light of the lanterns. The lack of light negatively affects not only our mood, but also our health. During the autumn period, the body lacks vitamin D, hence skin problems, weakened immunity and other “charms”. Therefore, do not forget to open the curtains during the day and turn on artificial lighting in the evening. It may be expensive in terms of electricity bills, but health is more expensive.

6. Have sex

With your loved one, of course. Having sex promotes the production of endorphins - the so-called “happiness hormones”. But aren’t they needed by those who are susceptible to the autumn blues? Just don't treat sex like medicine. Of course, he is partly like that, but medicine, as a rule, needs to be taken on a schedule, and this is boring. Sex should evoke only positive emotions in you.

7. Don't self-examine

It is in the fall that most of all you want to analyze your inner state, make an appointment with a psychologist and understand the reasons for the sadness that has come from nowhere. We advise you not to dwell on a bad mood, but to distract yourself with something more pleasant. The fact is that self-digging now will not help you one bit, but will only worsen the situation. In this case, the life attitude “I’ll think about it tomorrow” works best. It is advisable to tell yourself this every day until the desire to “analyze this and that” disappears completely.