Our Autumn Brains

By: Lindsey Bernhardt

When the leaves begin to change, the cool winds pick up, and the sky grows darker earlier, we know that autumn is upon us. In preparation, we bring out our heavy coats, our favorite sweaters, and start raking the leaves in the tallest piles possible. But as we embark on my favorite season, we don’t often think about how fall can affect our bodies, and more importantly, our brains. 

Research has shown that the fall season has its benefits. There was a study conducted at the University of Toronto that found that season to season, our brains change at a molecular level (2023). The findings highlighted that during late summer and early fall, adults’ cognitive functioning, as measured by their thinking abilities and concentration, is improved at a significant rate.

Moreover, fall brings with it a host of other sensory experiences that can have impacts on our physiology. The changing colors of the leaves brings out warmer colors, which some art therapists and psychologists believe create feelings of warmth and safety. Additionally, the cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin, and other spices that adorn our fall drinks and meals, can cause us to remember positive holiday experiences, since our sense of smell is received in the part of the brain that also processes emotional memories. Beyond this, people typically sleep more during the fall and sleep and rest are essential for fighting brain fog and fatigue. 

As parents, we have the unique ability to capitalize on this time and capture the wonderful advantages of autumn. We can recognize that not every child has positive past experiences of fall or the holidays, but we can help establish positive associations by creating joy around this time. Think about what you want your children to take away from autumn-- memories of carving pumpkins, the smell of hot cocoa, jumping in piles of leaves, fall sports games with cheering family members, or evenings spent watching movies together-- you have the ability to help shape how your kids’ brains remember and respond to autumn as they get older.