welcome autumn

Opinions differ in autumn. Some, the somewhat sullen, grumpy caretaker types, can get upset endlessly when leaves blow in the house entrance or when the soles of shoes with damp earth leave their mark on the tiles. The others, on the other hand, who tend to be the “my glass is half full” types , look up at the sky with a laugh. They are happy about the wind that lets their kites fly and with them their dreams. And they like to watch the clouds, discover animals, landscapes, faces in them. Since you can’t change the weather anyway: decide to be optimistic about autumn.

Don’t think of puddles and gray drizzly weather, but think of the more than 100 hours of sunshine that October alone gives away, according to statistics from the German Weather Service. Of all the plump, bright red rose hips and rowan berries, the shiny chestnuts and the leaves shimmering from orange to violet. Autumn is the season with the most festivals. From Thanksgiving to Oktoberfest and Halloween up to St. Martin the celebrations are piling up, the summer is said goodbye and the next season welcomed. We used to be happy about a well-stocked barn and pantry after a busy summer. Hay for the cattle, pickled fruit and vegetables for the family—winter could come, and life would be indoors for the next few months. Time for sewing, knitting, mending clothes, telling stories by the fireplace, friends and neighbors had leisure for Beusch. Everyone stayed warm and dry. How wonderful. We should recall some of this feeling of security. Just like the rhythm of the seasons. Many of us have forgotten that we are part of nature thanks to our jobs in air-conditioned offices in sweltering heat or storms.

Now is the time to remember. Time to invite friends over to cook, get in the tub when we get home cold, and treat ourselves to a Sunday afternoon in bed, just doze off because not much happens outside anyway. Such a break is also good for refueling and reflecting on yourself a little. So: Enjoy this radiantly colorful autumn!

“Nature only takes a break”

Tolfioow: How does the body adjust to the dark season?

Prof. Schatz: When the days get shorter and daylight decreases, the natural biorhythmic processes change. The pineal gland releases more melatonin, the production of which is suppressed by light. It is considered a sleep hormone. We are more tired, the pulse may slow down a bit and the blood pressure may drop. Just like at night when we sleep.

The increasing darkness affects many people mentally.

It is often written that serotonin levels drop. Serotonin is known as a mood-enhancing hormone. In fact, the concentration is higher in summer when it is light and warm. But of course autumn starts to affect the psyche from November. Hormones or hormones – green leaves and colorful flowers make you happier than bare trees and lots of grey.

Can we do something about it?If the low mood takes on the characteristics of depression, professional help is needed. A doctor, a therapist. Light therapy is often successfully prescribed: You sit in front of an extremely strong light source with 2000 to 10,000 lux. For comparison: the usual artificial light in rooms has a maximum of 500 lux. If it is not a persistent depression, but rather a melancholic mood, you should we realize that we are part of nature. Nature takes a break, draws strength and recreates itself in spring. That can be a role model for us. That’s why we can lower our expectations a bit, give in to the need for rest, sleep more. The best compensation for maintaining the necessary ability to perform, also at work, are walks in the fresh air. Around lunchtime. Even when it rains we get a portion of light. Movement is always good – dancing or sports. So-called happiness hormones are released.

Do we actually have more food cravings in autumn and winter?

The winter fat has less physiological than psychological causes. When it’s uncomfortable outside, eating is twice as much fun. We reward ourselves for enduring the cold and darkness with treats. But of course good food also warms the body. That is why warm, balanced dishes are preferable to a salad in winter.

Geranium pots disappear in the basement, as does the deck chair. It’s getting cozier in the apartment now. A few tips for redecorating: – Set autumn accents with cushion covers that have muted colors such as aubergine, olive or chestnut and are made of cuddly materials such as wool, velvet or felt. The tones should match the upholstery of your upholstered furniture. -Swap out the light, light floral patterned curtain for a heavier one in autumn tones, e.g. B. in rich orange or warm red. This is particularly easy with curtains that hang on a rod with rings. – Perhaps a small woolen rug would fit on your wooden floor, which you could then sit on. – dimmersallow you to adjust the brightness of your lamps to the level you need and envelop the room in cozy light on autumn evenings. – Bright dahlias, chrysanthemums and blackberry sprigs in a vase show autumn at its best.

Beer garden, beach club, boathouse – all closed. Now we invite friends over and cook together. Something that warms. Our current favorite (because many can snip and everyone gets fed):

Parsley root soup with sea buckthorn and roasted pumpkin seeds What we need (for 4 people):

5 tbsp olive oil, 2 onions (finely diced), 500 g parsley roots (peeled, roughly diced), 250 g potatoes (peeled, roughly diced), 2 cloves of garlic (finely chopped), 1 l vegetable stock, 200 ml whipped cream, 30 g pumpkin seeds, Coarse sea salt, pepper, freshly grated nutmeg, 20 g sea buckthorn pulp (unsweetened, from the health food store)

How to prepare the soup:

1. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan, sauté onions, parsley roots, potatoes and garlic. Deglaze with broth and cream. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes.

2. Heat the remaining olive oil in a pan, roast the pumpkin seeds in it for 3 minutes, season with a little sea salt.

3. Finely puree the soup with a hand blender or in a blender. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Drizzle with the sea buckthorn pulp, sprinkle with the pumpkin seeds and serve.

Music saves every day

Despite all good intentions, some days the rain and cold are just too nasty to go outside. We have an idea for this case: Put in a feel-good CD and dance. In the living room, in the kitchen, in the bathroom. This lures the happy hormones out of reserve. Also, thoughts of summer, sun and vacation come to mind almost immediately, at least with this CD.