Embracing the Autumn Shift: Finding Balance in the Season of Change

Have you noticed it yet? That pull toward the couch, the extra snooze button hits, the way scrolling feels easier than moving your body? 😴

You're not imagining it. As the days get shorter and temperatures drop here in the Boston area, our bodies naturally want to slow down. And honestly? There's nothing wrong with that impulse.

The problem isn't the desire to rest—it's when "resting" turns into lethargy, when comfort-seeking becomes numbing, and when we wake up in January wondering why we feel so depleted.

Understanding the Autumn Slump

There's actual science behind this autumn slump. As daylight decreases, our bodies produce more melatonin (the sleep hormone) and less serotonin (which affects mood and energy). We're literally hardwired to want to hibernate a little.

Add to that the cultural shift—suddenly everyone's busier with back-to-school routines, holiday planning starts creeping in, and the pressure to stay as active as we were in summer feels overwhelming. So what do we do? We either push through with sheer willpower (exhausting) or we give up entirely and sink into the couch (also exhausting, just in a different way).

But there's a third option: working with the season instead of against it.

The Difference Between Nourishing and Numbing ☕

Here's the thing: not all "cozy" activities are created equal. There's a big difference between true restoration and avoidance.

Numbing looks like: endless scrolling through social media, binge-eating comfort foods we don't even taste, canceling plans because "it's too cold" (when we actually just don't feel like dealing with people), sleeping more but feeling less rested, saying yes to Netflix but no to everything else.

Nourishing looks like: intentional rest that actually restores us, movement that feels good even if it's gentle, warm rituals that comfort our nervous system, connecting with people who energize rather than drain us, creating space for both activity and stillness.

The key difference? Nourishing activities leave you feeling more like yourself. Numbing activities might feel good in the moment, but they leave you feeling disconnected, foggy, or vaguely guilty.

Small Shifts for Fall Energy ✨

The good news is you don't need to overhaul your entire life or force yourself to maintain your summer pace. Small, intentional shifts can make a real difference. Here's what actually works:

Morning Light ☀️

This is non-negotiable if you can manage it. Get outside in the first hour you're awake, even for just 10 minutes. No sunglasses. Let your eyes (safely, not staring at the sun!) take in natural light. It signals to your brain that it's daytime and helps regulate your circadian rhythm. Yes, even on cloudy days. Yes, even when it's cold. Bring your coffee with you if that helps.

Move Before You Convince Yourself Not To 🚶‍♀️

You know that window between thinking "I should move my body" and talking yourself out of it? Make it as small as possible. The moment the thought arrives, put on your shoes. You don't have to commit to a full workout. Just get moving. A walk around the block counts. Gentle stretching in your living room counts. Dancing to one song counts. Movement doesn't have to be intense to be beneficial.

Create Cozy Rituals That Actually Nourish

Hot tea in your favorite mug, a warm bath with Epsom salts and candlelight, wrapping yourself in a soft blanket while reading something you enjoy, making a pot of soup that fills your kitchen with good smells. These aren't indulgences—they're how you stay connected to comfort without slipping into numbness.

Check In With Yourself Regularly

Before reaching for your phone or the snack cabinet, pause for just a moment. What do you actually need right now? Rest? Connection? To move your body? To feel something? Sometimes just asking the question honestly changes the answer. You might realize you're not actually hungry—you're bored. Or you don't want to scroll—you want to call a friend.

Protect Your Energy With Boundaries

Fall often brings increased demands—more events, more obligations, more everything. It's okay to say no. It's okay to leave the party early. It's okay to skip things that drain you, even if they seem "fun." Your energy is a finite resource, especially during darker months.

What Your Body Actually Needs Right Now

Here's something most people don't realize: the fatigue you're feeling might not just be seasonal—it could be your body asking for something specific.

Maybe your nervous system needs regulating after a busy summer. Maybe you're holding tension in places you don't even realize. Maybe you need help processing emotions or stress that you've been pushing aside.

This is where practices like energy work, Reiki, or EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) can make a profound difference. These aren't just "woo woo" concepts—they're tools that help your body release what it's been holding onto and return to a more balanced state.

When your energy is flowing properly and your nervous system feels safe, everything else gets easier. You sleep better. You have more patience. You make decisions that actually serve you instead of just getting through the day.

You Don't Have to Do This Alone

If you're finding it hard to maintain your energy or distinguish between rest and avoidance, that's completely normal. Seasonal transitions can be genuinely challenging, and sometimes we need support to navigate them mindfully.

At 7 On Centre Holistic Health & Wellness in Brookline, we work with people throughout the Boston area who are navigating exactly this—how to stay vibrant and connected to themselves even as the seasons change and life gets heavier.

Whether it's energy work to help release what's weighing you down, EFT to work through the resistance you're feeling, or spiritual guidance to help you reconnect with what actually matters to you, support is available.

The Bottom Line

You don't have to choose between pushing through and giving up. There's a middle path where you honor your body's need for rest while also staying engaged with your life and your energy.

Fall doesn't have to be something you just survive until spring. It can be a season of intentional slowness, cozy nourishment, and surprisingly deep vitality—if you're willing to work with it instead of against it.

Wishing you a nourishing autumn.

— Beth 🍂