Autumn Blues: How to Protect Yourself from Autumn Fatigue with European Ayurveda®
In nature, each season represents a particular stage of life: when autumn arrives, the vibrant heat of summer fades, trees shed their leaves, and the forests become quieter. Many people also feel tired and lacking in energy during this time and tend to withdraw. Where does this autumn fatigue come from, and what can we do about it? Elisabeth Mauracher, Managing Director of the European Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof, has answers to these and other exciting questions.
Interview with Elisabeth Mauracher
What is autumn fatigue?
In Ayurveda, October marks the beginning of the Vata time. Autumn therefore represents a dosha change from Pitta, the fire element, to Vata, which stands for air and space. The air element is responsible for movement, which is why many fluctuations in our physical and mental energy levels can occur. For example, due to colder outside temperatures: the body must generate more heat itself in order to maintain its constant temperature. This requires more energy than in summer. Energy consumption is therefore higher and can more quickly lead to exhaustion or fatigue. Experience shows that in autumn our body needs more energy for almost all functions – from digestion to metabolism to regeneration.
How does autumn fatigue differ from autumn depression?
Autumn fatigue is a symptom of the seasonal transition. Therefore, it is not constant but fluctuates. On a sunny day, for example, you feel better than on a darker, rainy one.
In depression, however, the negative mood remains constant over a longer period – mostly independent of external influences.
Are there nutrients we lose in autumn?
With decreasing sunlight intensity, vitamin D production decreases in most people. In addition, there is less regional fruit and vegetables in autumn. For many, this also changes the diversity of nutrients in the diet. As mentioned above, however, we have higher energy consumption in autumn than in summer. We are therefore especially dependent on a balanced diet right now. Instead, immune and metabolic systems are often more heavily stressed, which makes us more susceptible to colds and flu-like infections.
How and when can I best prevent autumn fatigue?
From mid-September or as soon as the weather becomes cooler and the days shorter, you can start integrating more warm meals into your diet.
In addition, you should use sunny days to strengthen the immune system and thus prepare the body better for autumn.
Additionally, spending time with family and friends, joint activities or sports can promote serotonin release – these are the happiness hormones – which counteracts a depressed mood.
Playing with pets or taking a long evening walk with them can also help counteract sluggishness.
Why do you recommend Ayurveda for autumn fatigue?
Ayurveda is a lifestyle that is not primarily aimed at curing disease, but above all at maintaining health. Therefore, Ayurveda offers many routines and tools that help to maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially in “difficult” times.
5 Ayurvedic tips against autumn fatigue at a glance
Start the day with a positive morning routine and, if possible, some time outdoors in the sun.
Integrate warm meals into your diet, especially for breakfast and dinner.
Dairy products in moderation (including cheese), nuts, root vegetables and warming spices (e.g. cinnamon, cloves, allspice) help reduce Vata and provide more grounding and relaxation.
A self-massage with sesame or almond oil promotes circulation and relaxes muscles and the nervous system.
Spend a lot of time with family and friends – preferably in nature – instead of sitting at home in front of a screen.