HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – As many people may look forward to the first day of fall, a licensed professional counselor says this time of year brings a sense of excitement and anticipation.
“I think there’s a lot of triggers for comforting memories and familiar ties to memories,” said Holly Humphreys, a licensed professional counselor with Thriveworks. “Familiar ties to the fall that leads to the holiday season where we get together with a lot of our friends and family during the next few months.”
Humphreys said the season introduces activities and events such as festivals, pumpkin patches, hiking, and spending more time with family and friends.
Though the change of season can boost moods for some, it can also bring some people down.
“Sometimes we have gloomier days in the fall and winter with more rain,” Humphreys said. “When we have those gloomy days and not a lot of sunlight, that will sometimes trigger the melatonin that your body automatically produces. So, that might make you more sluggish and tired.”
Staying inside and not receiving a lot of sunlight can decrease serotonin levels, which helps boost mood, calms the mind, and improves focus.
“Lessor sunlight can also drop your serotonin levels which is the brain chemical that keeps your mood stable,” Humphreys said. “If you’re not getting a good amount of sunlight, it’s recommended that you try to get some morning sunlight in to start your day.”
Humphreys advises those who may struggle with seasonal changes to get morning sunlight to start the day, be intentional with time and how it is spent, and stay connected with others. She said all three tend to give a person something to look forward to and keep them active.
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