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5 reasons youre still tired all the time as summer fades to fall and the days get shorter
Many of us experience tiredness, fatigue, and exhaustion on a semi-regular basis. Some of us get it all the time. September is a transitional month in many parts of the world, as swathes of the northern hemisphere prepare for cooler weather. The days get shorter and the temperature drops, and these changes can act as stressors on the body, adding to feelings of tiredness and demotivation.
We wanted to get to the bottom of why people might be feeling like theyre chronically fatigued as summer fades into fall and, eventually, winter we already found out why people crave certain foods when fall rolls around, and how to maintain a healthy glow as winter approaches. The Focus reached out to two mental health experts to get their opinions on why seasonal changes might lead to feelings of unshakeable tiredness. I found their answers interesting, and hope you will too.
1. Body memory
Licensed trauma specialist and Psycho Therapist podcast showrunner Renee Zavislak argues that body memory is a significant player in why September sometimes brings feelings of tiredness and lackluster.
Our systems have brilliant memories for time, she says. For example, people sometimes feel grief on the anniversary of the loss of a loved one even when theyre not aware of the date.
For many of us, fall still signals the end of school vacation, she explains. It was when the specter of school began to rain on the freedom of summer skies.
Similarly, for parents who got into a routine of taking a vacation in August while their children were enjoying their summer break, September can be foreboding, which can lead to low mood and fatigue.
2. Oppressive heat and humidity
Renee also points out that, while parts of Europe and North America are certainly experiencing colder temperatures, August and September continue to bring oppressive heat and humidity in other parts of the world.
Those privileged enough to work in air-conditioned spaces escape the physical discomfort only to feel trapped inside, unable to fully utilize the suns mood-elevating properties.
Sunlight hitting the backs of the eyes is a potent mood stabilizer, she says. Plus, being stuck inside when the skies are blue is in itself just sad!
Going back to work, college, or school or feeling abandoned when friends return to their duties can lead to us spending less time outdoors, which inhibits our bodies ability to regulate mood and energy levels.
3. Changes in light exposure interrupt our circadian rhythms
Mental health counselor Kristie Tse (of Uncover Mental Health Counseling) points to the way shorter days throw a spanner in the works for our sleep patterns, and reduce exposure to natural sunlight.
As the seasons shift, changes in light exposure can disrupt our natural circadian rhythms, she says, leading to feelings of fatigue.
Ive noticed that many clients attribute their tiredness to a mix of seasonal affective disorder and the pressure of societal expectations.
Similarly, when the clocks fall back in just about every US state except Arizona and Hawaii, plus a handful of oceanic territories it can take some getting used to.
Kristie adds that, on some level, the transition from summer to fall may trigger an instinctual urge to slow down, as our bodies prepare for winter.
4. We’re not getting enough whole foods in our diet
Diet plays a significant role in how we feel daily, Kristie explains. The return to work or school and the early mornings that often entail can lead people to develop a dependency on caffeinated or sugary drinks for energy.
A balanced diet rich in nutrients can bolster energy levels, while a diet high in sugar and processed foods can lead to energy crashes.
Her clients are often able to manage feelings of fatigue by focusing on whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, she says. Chemical processes tend to remove nutrients from foods. Sometimes, manufacturers will reinsert various minerals and nutrients into packaged foods, but this is rarely equivalent to getting them naturally, in the pre-processed foodstuff. As a rule, prioritize foods that haven’t been processed at all, or only minimally.
Renee Zavislak echoes this point, urging people to eat whole plant food.
Food has a huge impact on mood, and those of us looking to improve our mood naturally should focus on a plant-based diet of whole foods. Produce is at its most brilliant in the summer and early fall, so take advantage of it while you still can!
5. Cooler weather disincentivizes us from exercising, which leads to fatigue
While Renee pointed out that many people are still experiencing oppressive heat and humidity into mid-September, Kristie explains that the cooler weather others of us are beginning to experience can bring with it a reduced desire to engage in outdoor physical activity.
Being sedentary not moving reduces energy levels. Engaging in physical activity every day does wonders for hormone and mood regulation, and helps us sleep well at night.
Work stress can exacerbate this by contributing heavily to feelings of exhaustion, as the pressure to perform drains our emotional and mental resources.
In other words, hot and cold weather both present challenges regarding feelings of fatigue. Mitigating the risks of falling into destructive patterns and neglecting our bodies looks different in hot weather and cold weather. Whichever you’re experiencing, make use of the wisdom offered here to reduce your chances of falling into an energy black hole.
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