Skip to content
Autumn blues? Not on our watch. Here’s the Tonic-approved way to boost your mood and energy.
Overcoming the autumn blues:
Did you know studies have shown over 50% of people feel a lower mood in the autumn/winter months? Shorter daylight hours and drops in temperature are some of the many reasons for shifts in mood and low energy as we enter the cooler months of the year. That is why we are taking you through the best ways to embrace this period and get rid of those autumn blues.
Get outside and soak up that natural light
Exposure to natural light has a direct impact on serotonin levels, which help to regulate your mood. As we enter the autumn winter months, these hours of sunlight get shorter but make sure to still make the most of them! Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, aim for 20-30 minutes outdoors at the very least. Whether it is a walk, a run or even just sitting outside with a coffee, this will help lift your spirits and regulate those happy hormones.
Focus on seasonal foods
Embrace the change in season by switching up your recipes. Root vegetables and leafy greens are in season so while you are probably craving all of your favourite comfort foods why not try something different?
Seasonal vegetables such as pumpkin, carrots, butternut squash and sweet potatoes are a great nutritious addition to your diet, that will not only get you in the autumn spirit but will also provide an excellent source of fibre. You can pair these with some seasonal wholegrains such as quinoa or brown rice which have a low glycaemic index, meaning they will help maintain a steady blood sugar level, to avoid that midday energy crash.
Stay connected to those around you
It is easy to isolate yourself in the winter months, the days are shorter, and we get used to more time indoors, but you should try and keep your calendar stacked up. Make regular plans with friends, take up a new hobby or even just pick up the phone and stay connected with a video call.
Stay active
You may have heard it referred to as a ‘runners high’, but physical activity has been proven to elevate mood and increase energy levels, and that does not just apply to running! Even if you are not a big gym goer, regularly going for a morning walk or adding 20 minutes of yoga to your day could help to boost your serotonin and dopamine levels. So, while dragging yourself out of your warm house may be difficult you will feel better for it.
Eat mood boosting nutrients
As the hours of sunlight decrease, you are probably not getting enough vitamin D. Studies show that vitamin D levels can have a direct impact on serotonin and melatonin production, which can boost mood and improve sleep. So you may need to add a supplement in this winter, we recommend trying our daily immunity effervescent tablet, that contains 25mcg of vitamin D.
Did also you know adding a couple of portions of salmon into your diet each week could boost your mood? As foods rich in omega-3 have also been shown to support brain health and improve mood, but don’t worry if you are not a big fan of fish you can also get this nutrients by adding some flaxseeds and chia seeds to your diet.
Autumn’s not your enemy. It’s about switching gears, finding new rhythms, and making the most of what this season has to offer. By tweaking your routine, you’ll be well on your way to not just surviving the cooler months—but thriving through them.
