The crunch of dry leaves beneath your feet, the crisp wind, the ever-present aroma of pumpkin, curling up with a blanket on the couch watching Gilmore Girls–all of these experiences are synonymous with fall. Many people love fall, but why? What is it about the autumnal feeling that delights our senses?
Fall colors have a considerable impact on our brains. Red, orange, and yellow are bright and joyful colors, generally associated with warmth, passion, and happiness, respectively. These colors positively affect relaxation levels and emotional regulation. In addition, the sudden change from all green makes our brain perceive the colors and scenery as especially meaningful. In fact, the sudden blast of color can distract our brains from alternative, stressful stimuli. Hence, fall scenery overall boosts our moods and increases our affinity for the season.
Furthermore, the smells associated with the season are impactful as well. That crisp, clean, slightly sweet aroma of fall is caused by rotting leaves. While the source of the smell is not exactly picturesque, it is still delightful to experience. The other smells of fall–hay rides, pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, pies–have less to do with the season of fall in nature, and more to do with its cultural aspect. Nevertheless, they are still quite enjoyable and add to the fall aesthetic.
Fall is also a temporal landmark. Temporal landmarks are a way for the mind to divide the year into phases, as they create structures for how we perceive time. They can boost our mood and even increase our motivation. We experience a sense of renewal each year at the start of fall. Every September, we get new school supplies, buy new clothes, meet new people, and start a new grade. While the end of summer is certainly a downside for some, many of us (in at least some capacity) associate fall with a calmer restart—when life becomes more predictable.
Autumn weather is yet another upside of fall. Many regard the cooling temperature as soothing, a shift from the constant sweat of summer. While heavy winter jackets aren’t necessary yet, the outdoors lends itself to being “sweater weather.” With heavier, cozier clothes, the pressure on physical appearance is lessened. Placing a higher emphasis on comfort obviously makes us more comfortable, allowing for more relaxation and a general atmosphere of calm.
Finally, fall starts the holiday season. From Halloween to New Year’s Eve, so many fall and winter holidays emphasize family and connection. They all carry an air of nostalgia that spills over into fall, making the entire season happier and cozier.
Overall, fall appeals to multiple senses and allows our brains to hit the “refresh” button. The cooler weather makes comfort a priority, and the anticipation of holidays adds to the fall frenzy. Understanding why our brains enjoy fall makes it easier to connect the dots and continue to romanticize this wonderful season.
Sources:
Mentalfloss — Reasons We Love Fall
Very Well Mind — The Psychological Reason Why We Love Fall So Much
Whyy.org — Why Do We Love The Way Autumn Smells (It’s Not About Pumpkin Spice)
