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Wellness

OUR HEARTS BEAT FASTER IN AUTUMN AS OUR MINDS & BODIES CHANGE

“Brain Aging” by Kalvicio de las Nieves.
by Kalvicio de las Nieves. “Brain Aging.”

Did you know that humans change with the seasons, just as trees, plants and animals do? Our bodies and minds physically and chemically adapt to our environments, as weather, light, and energies around us change. We change as our food supplies change, whether we eat seasonally or not. We change in relationship with everything and everyone we interact with, as they change.

While it all makes sense logically, recent scientific studies have proven this out. Everything from our sex drive, to the quality of our memory, to the way we sleep, to our mood -- to even more -- are affected by seasonal transitions. And while we might have suspected or felt these changes, getting validation and explanation helps us to both accept them and make conscious choices to work with nature instead of fighting against it.

We can decide to plan our activities, our diets, and our work according to how we are in each season.

Now that autumn has begun, check out the changes you are already experiencing, whether you know it or not, below! They are fascinating!

A green heart shaped leaf sits just beneath surface of rippled water in a stream.

1. Our Hearts Beat Faster

As autumn’s chill sets in, as temperatures continue to drop towards winter, our blood vessels constrict to conserve heat -- causing blood pressure to rise.

A sleeping cat sits on a pillow.

2. We Sleep More & More Lightly

Studies have shown that during the month of October, people tend to sleep about 2.7 hours more per day than they do in other months.

It correlates to the fact that the quality and depth of sleep drops in response to shorter days and less exposure to sunlight. Circadian sleep rhythms are altered. We feel more tired. We need more sleep.

Model reclining on a bed in lacy lingerie on top of fur coat.

3. We are Sexier

Testosterone and estrogen levels are highest in autumn. Our libido is up! We’re feeling it more. Autumn is when our ancient ancestors mated most frequently. And late autumn is when humans are most fertile. (August is when most babies are born in North America.)

Perhaps it’s time to consider the most beautiful lingerie we could find?

Waterfall in the woods during the fall in Virginia.

4. We are Thirstier

We don’t feel as thirsty as we do in hot summer months. We aren’t as focused on staying hydrated as the weather cools down. And because of that, we tend to drink less. We tend to drink more hot coffee and tea, and perhaps more alcohol, all of which are dehydrating.

All of this makes our bodies thirstier. Herbals teas and hot lemon & ginger water are beautiful ways to stay quenched in autumn.

A child swinging on a swing in the fog.

5. We Remember More

Studies have shown that our memories improve in autumn as our moods quiet. Inclement weather nudges us to stay indoors. We are more still. Our concentration and productivity also rise.

It might be a beautiful time to start writing a memoir.

Orange, yellow and green trees reflected on the water in autumn.

Read more about Beautiful Autumn in Celebrating Ideas & Images of Autumn Now, Keep Autumn Migrations Beautiful: Save Monarch Butterflies Now, 10 Most Beautiful Autumn Food Festivals Now , Autumn Is a Most Beautiful Time For Reindeer and 10 Most Beautiful Autumn Places.

And check out more beautiful things happening now in BN Arts/Design, Nature/Science, Food/Drink, Place/Time, Mind/Body, and Soul/Impact Daily Fix posts.

Large rocks in a pond surrounded by beautiful orange and red fall colored trees.

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Golden autumnal sunlight reflects on the water.

IMAGE CREDITS:

  1. Image: by Kalvicio de las Nieves. “Brain Aging.”
  2. Image: by Theophilos Papadopoulos. “Heart?”
  3. Image: by Timothy Marsee. “Sleeping Cat.”
  4. Photo: Courtesy of Andres Sarda. From Luxury Lingerie Line.
  5. Image: by lozwilkes. “Untitled.”
  6. Image: by John Garghan. “I Have Often Wondered If You Can Go Over The Top.”
  7. Image: by Stanley Zimny. “Tree Fall Reflection"
  8. Image: by Stanley Zimny. “Pond Rocks.”
  9. Image: by BN App - Download now!
  10. Image: by Claire TRESSE. "Le Chemin de Lumière"