As autumn settles in and the days grow short and chilly, you might feel the irresistible urge to stay snuggled under a blanket, away from the brisk breeze outside.
But while we’re cosying up, the season also has a knack for sneaking stress into our lives. With fewer daylight hours impacting our sleep and mood, holiday demands piling up, and the natural drift toward a more sedentary routine, autumn can easily bring out the stress in all of us. And believe it or not, that stress is busy affecting nearly every organ in our bodies.
If you’re feeling the signs—whether it’s a little tension in the shoulders or a bit of irritability—it’s time to take note. Stress isn’t just a mood spoiler; it’s a whole-body disruptor.
So, Paul Guess, a mental wellbeing expert at caba, has recommended venturing outdoors into nature to relieve symptoms of stress and low mood.
“Our mental health and wellbeing increase when we connect and engage with the larger world, outside of ourselves. It helps us to focus on something beyond our own needs, worries, regrets, or future. This can make us feel calmer or offer clarity on a problem we’re facing,” he says.
Whether that’s growing food, exercising, gardening, or walking in the countryside, being in natural surroundings or green spaces can have many positive effects on our mental health as it reduces our stress levels and can help with depression.
5 Tips to manage your stress levels
Paul advises, “ Going for a daily walk, breathing fresh air, and feeling the sunshine or wind on your face may give you some mental space and a different perspective helping to improve your wellbeing.
Through good nutrition and regular social and physical activity, we can boost our energy levels, improve our confidence, and manage stress. Small changes make a big difference.”
- Move more
Exercising reduces the build-up of stress hormones in the body. Even a short walk outdoors can boost your mood and give you the chance to clear your mind, free from distractions.
- Eat well
While we shouldn’t deprive ourselves of treats or become obsessive about our diets, eating a balanced diet will naturally boost your mood and provide you with more energy.
- Sleep well
Getting a good night’s sleep helps you maintain perspective.
- Set boundaries
Saying ‘no’ to colleagues, family members, and loved ones can be daunting, which is why we often say yes—even when it increases our stress.
However, saying ‘no’ promotes healthy boundaries with those around you. It also opens up a conversation, allowing you to communicate your current priorities.
- Make time for relaxation
Dedicating a small portion of your day to relaxation not only gives you something to look forward to but also provides that essential opportunity to switch off.
Self-care may often be dismissed, but it has never been more important. Simple acts, like treating yourself to a long bath after a challenging day, help you compartmentalise negative emotions, relax tension in your muscles, and calm your mind.
Remember, understanding how stress affects every organ in our bodies isn’t just about staying well—it’s about thriving, despite the autumn wind’s chill. So next time stress knocks, maybe meet it at the door with a plan rather than letting it raid your health pantry.