It’s that time of year. Nature’s slowing down, getting ready for colder days, while we… fight it every step of the way. 

I live in Berlin, and seasonal blues here is no joke. One minute you’re chilling in the park, sun on your face. The next, the sun’s out of the picture by 4 PM, and the air feels like a damp slap. My friends are already calling the weather “ugly”, “dreadful” and “depressing.” Honestly? I get it. 

Back when I lived in Paris, winter used to destroy me (not being dramatic—it really did). Grey skies, constant humidity—it was a whole vibe, and not a good one. I’d run away to Thailand at the first chance I got. Tank tops over down jackets? Flip-flops over furry boots? Every. Single. Time. 

But you know what? Running away didn’t fix it. It just delayed the inevitable. 

Eventually, I realized the weather wasn’t the problem. It was me fighting what the season was asking for: slowing down. 

Nature’s Got It Figured Out 

Look outside. The leaves are falling. Animals are prepping for a break. Nothing in nature is panicking about staying productive. So why are we? 

Autumn is nature’s way of saying, “Take a breather.” Trees are shedding what they don’t need. Animals are slowing down. You can, too. It’s not giving up—it’s being smart. 

But what do we do instead? Pack our schedules, keep hustling, and pretend everything’s fine, even when it’s so not fine. 

Seasonal Blues or Just a Misaligned Mindset? 

Here’s the thing: it’s not really the season that’s the problem. It’s how out-of-sync we are with what it’s trying to tell us. 

When it’s dark, cold, and minus-something outside, being hyperactive isn’t just hard—it’s unnatural. Slowing down feels weird because we’ve been told rest = failure. 

But let’s get real. You don’t need to be on all the time. Autumn’s here, basically screaming, “Hey! Chill out for a sec.” So why not listen? 

Permission to Rest? Granted! 

Say it with me: REST. ISN’T. LAZY. 

When you don’t give yourself time to rest, your body will force you to – I’ve been through a burnout, so, I know! Instead of waiting for that crash, why not use this season to pause? 

Pull out the cozy blankets. Binge-watch that series. Sleep in on weekends. And for the love of tea, stop feeling guilty about it. 

How to Actually Enjoy This Season 

I know, I know. It’s not all cozy vibes. Some days, it feels impossible to drag yourself out of bed. I’ve been there. But here are a few things that helped me make peace with the colder months: 

1. Check Your Vitamin D Levels

Dark days can mess with your energy and mood. Supplements might not be glamorous, but they work. 

2. Get a Daylight Lamp

It mimics sunlight, and trust me, it’s a game-changer. I have that one, love it.

3. Create a Cozy Den

Blankets, candles, warm drinks, fuzzy socks—make your space feel like a hug. Bonus: guilt-free staying in. 

4. Move, Even Just a Little

I’m not saying boot camps. Just a walk or a little stretching. Endorphins don’t care how cold it is. 

5. Soup Season FTW

Comfort food isn’t just for fun—it’s fuel. Seasonal veggies, hearty meals, and hey, Raclette anyone? (If you don’t know what that is, look it up. You’re welcome.) 

6. Set Some Boundaries

Holidays bring people, and people bring drama. Protect your peace by saying no when you need to. 

7. Journal or Meditate

It doesn’t have to be fancy. Five minutes of writing or quiet can make a huge difference. 

Stop Fighting It 

Autumn isn’t your enemy. It’s a reminder to rest, reflect, and reset. Slower days don’t mean you’re failing—they mean you’re human. 

So grab your blanket, pour yourself something warm, and lean into the slow. Winter doesn’t have to suck. You’ve got this. 🍂