Thursday, October 10, 2013

Did You Know?

by Judy



"Autumn asks that we prepare for the future - that we be wise in the ways of garnering and keeping.  But it also asks that we learn to let go.  To acknowledge the beauty of sparseness."
-Bonaro W. Overstreet-

I found this quote recently and instantly fell in love with it.  I love fall. It has always been my favorite season. I love the crispness in the air, the beautiful golden light, the low humidity (all hail low humidity!), and of course, I love the colors! 

I actually feel better in the fall than any other time of year. I have more energy, and believe it or not, it seems that I have fewer ailments in the cooler fall weather.  I wondered if there was something to this - am I the only one?  My 'research' showed no mention of ailments and energy, but this is some of what I found:

*  You get "chattier" in the fall.  Researchers found that when the weather cools, phone calls to your friends last longer. So sit down, relax, grab your phone and have a long chat with a friend or family member!

*  It turns out that Autumn is the 'season of togetherness.'  Again, research shows that once the leaves begin to fall, our brains give us a boost of Dopamine, a "happiness hormone."  This boost of Dopamine is said to cause romantic thoughts, butterflies in our stomachs, and the need for lots of snuggling and "such." 

* You may be more dehydrated in the fall than in the summer.  With the cooler temps, we may be less likely to drink as much water as necessary, and instead reach for cups of hot tea or coffee, which are diuretics.  So be sure to add water to your daily drinks!

*  Apparently our memories are better in the fall, and cooler weather (however I have yet to see this benefit from fall).  Researchers actually have found that the cooler and wetter the weather, the better our memory. Imagine all that we will remember by the end of January!  

Who knows if any of this research holds any weight or not!? Do you notice any differences in your behavior or health in the fall?

I do hope that whether fall is your favorite time of year or not, that you are able to find some beauty in it. Our flickr pool is exploding with beautiful fall colors right now.  Be sure to add your fall captures too.  Your photo may be chosen for our weekly Focus on You post.







10 comments:

Dotti said...

These are really interesting 'fall facts', Judy! Do I feel better in the fall? If I do, I've never noticed it. I can tell you that come January, I am lethargic, craving carbs, that kind of thing. Fall makes me feel good but then so does spring. I love the new birth of nature. This is one I'll have to ponder. Thanks for getting our brains working this morning, Judy! {I always need so help in that department!}

Cathy H. said...

I'm with you, Judy. I do feel better in the fall, physically and emotionally. With the cooler weather I'm outside for long periods of time; working in the yard and breathing in the fresh air. Thanks for this fun post, I'm off to get a glass of water!

Kim Stevens said...

The one thing I don't like about the fall, aside from the fact that here on the gulf coast we don't really get much of one, is the shorter days. I just really don't like when it gets dark so fast as I'm an outdoor kinda girl. But when the temps drop - we just got a cold front - only in the 80's now (whoo hoo) and the humidity drops, well that alone makes me feel better, AND I start having good hair days again (lol).

I do find I want to start baking more....very interesting facts this morning!

Cathy said...

well i did not know what i was feeling was real science! thanks for sharing these great fall fact.

terriporter said...

I am in complete agreement with Kim! We don't have much in the way of fall either and although I do enjoy the cooler weather, I don't like the shorter days. But I always seem to get "fall fever" instead of "spring fever" and want to clean out cupboards and drawers. But instead of taking advantage of that today, I'm going to go out and enjoy the cooler weather an overnight rain brought (70s instead of 90s) and take my camera for a day at the botanical gardens. Really enjoyed reading all of these fall facts! Maybe that's what's wrong with my memory -- no cool, wet weather!

Cristina Dalla Valentina said...

Love the way you describe fall... it seems a more beautiful season in this way! I especially like the "chattier" part... ;)

CarolHart said...

I so love that quote Judy! Thank you so much for sharing it. I have added it to my quotes book. Fall and Spring are my two favorite times of year. Spring because it seems like a new year, a fresh start, so much possibility lay ahead. It is a looking outward. Fall because it is a time to reap the harvest of joy experienced in the year and give thanks. it is a looking inward. Fall is a short season here in the Pacific Northwest so every day is an opportunity to stand witness to every moment of this beautiful season. Now if you will excuse me, I need to get a glass of water!

kelly said...

wow do i love that quote judy. i love spring so much, but there is something about the restfulness of fall that really speaks to me. of course the lower humidity does hurt either! :)

Unknown said...

I couldn't agree more - autumn feels like New Years to me!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful quote, Judy. I love the facts about fall you collected here. Fun. I'm not sure if I'm chattier ;-) but I sure am energized.

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