Fall is on the horizon and everywhere you look this beloved seasonal transition is upon us. But why do we enjoy the transition to fall so much?
Peaceful aesthetic: The peaceful aesthetic of fall can creep into people's feelings.
Nature: Spending time in nature can improve happiness, relationships, and sense of purpose.
Conditioned Memories: Seasonal Temporal Landmarks
Changing leaves: The vibrant foliage can make people feel safe, excited for the future, and reminding us of a fresh start.
Clearer Thinking: With more of a routine and cooler weather, we are able to think and process things with a clearer mind.
Comfort: The cooler temperatures and cozy fall gear can make people feel at ease.
Romantic activities: Fall is a time for romantic walks, cozy evenings by the fire, and other romantic escapes.
Science: A change in chemicals and hormones.
With the thought of crisp autumn air and the return of a normalized schedule, the feeling of excitement is starting to creep in, and the anticipation of fall is here.
There are many surveys that say most Americans prefer fall over any other season, and as it turns out there is good reason. Have you ever wondered where the obsession for pumpkin flavored everything came from? It really isn’t all about the pumpkins. Although, they can definitely add to the enjoyment!
In an Interview with Huffington post, Dartmouth sociology professor Kathryn Lively, explains that the reason so many people are obsessed with fall is because we have been conditioned.
“We’re conditioned from a very early age that autumn comes with all these exciting things,” Lively told The Huffington Post. “As children, we come to associate fall with going back to school, new school supplies, seeing friends. It’s exciting, for most. We still respond to this pattern that we experienced for eighteen years.” (1)
These moments in time are called “temporal landmarks“– a clean slate marked by a new season.
When we were kids those shiny new folders and brand new shoes marked; a new year and a fresh start for a new and older version of ourselves. September, and by extension, the fall has become a mental fresh start for us; and as we continue to go through life fall is a time we look forward to.
With back to school and the cooler weather that usually means a schedule and more of a routine. Checking things off of our to do list and having more structure. This helps us to think more clearly.
But ultimately, the start of cooler weather represents a time of comfort. Crackling fires, cozy sweaters, and a warm cup of coffee. ☕
There is less daylight, cooler nights and in response a change in our body's chemical components.
With less daylight, men and women experience a change in the production of hormones like melatonin and serotonin, potentially affecting our mood and eating patterns. (2)
Melatonin levels have a seasonal rhythm, with higher levels in the fall and winter and lower levels in the spring and summer. This change is due to your pineal gland, it receives information about the light-dark cycle from the retina in the eye and releases melatonin accordingly. The longer the night, the longer your pineal gland releases melatonin. (3) Longer nights make us want to lounge around at home more, preferably with a partner.
Men's testosterone changes as the temperature falls. (4) In a study of seasonal variation of the sex hormone testosterone, researchers from Norway found that levels of this libido-fueling hormone peaked in October and November. (5)
Fall is the best season, it provides us with motivation, companionship, and amazing views to match. As the leaves start to change colors so does our bodies chemical response.
Fall is the easiest season for love and it's scientifically proven. 😙
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