But is there something deeper than autumns colors and flavors that make people downright obsessed with this season?
Theyre all temporal landmarks, or moments that create a structure for how we see and use time.
Temporal landmarks divide life into distinct mental phases.
Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight
Yasmine Saad, PhD
Temporal landmarks divide life into distinct mental phases.
They allow us to put in the past negative experiences and propel a fresh outlook.
As young kids, we learned that the fall is filled with new people, places, and opportunities.
It’s when we got all of our new school supplies and were excited to dive into new activities.
That association stays with us into adulthood, says Ronit Levy, PsyD, director ofBucks County Anxiety Center.
There is a feeling of excitement and promise in the air.
Part of it may have to do with the comfort of getting back into asteady routineafter summer.
During the summer, people tend to travel for vacation and have less predictable schedules.
The weather may also present some mental health benefits.
In that way, we can be more at ease with our bodies and ourselves.
Depending on where you live, fall usually means the end of swimsuit season.
Speaking of Halloween, its just one of many holidays we look forward to this time of year.
We tend to create unconscious associations with specific times in our lives that make us the happiest.
Fall is the time to gather all that we need to go through the winter.
Are you equipped to deal with negative emotions and thoughts if they were to come your way?
This is your preparation time.
A rise in oxygen tends to release more serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes happiness.
Completinggoal-setting exercisesnow can also help you stay on track if you begin to feel stagnant in the winter.
If youre feeling depressed, you may also consider connecting with a mental health professional for additional support.
What This Means For You
Ever wonder why many people are downright obsessed with fall?
It makes us feel more motivated to take on new challenges and enjoy the bounty of the season.
Consider spending time in nature, mapping out your goals, and prioritizing your favorite hobbies this season.
Dai H, Li C.How experiencing and anticipating temporal landmarks influence motivation.Current Opinion in Psychology.
5(7):eaax0903.Published July 24, 2019.
