HOW TO SPARK YOUR ENERGY

SEASONAL FATIGUE IS NORMAL BUT THERE ARE NATURAL WAYS TO OVERCOME IT.

- BY CAMILLA FOSTER

THE crispness in the air and the golden-orange leaves signal that autumn has well and truly arrived. If you've been feeling unusually tired, unfocused or generally low on energy, you might be wondering - are these just post-holiday blues, or is there something more going on? To get to the bottom of this seasonal slump, we spoke with psychologists who have explained common reasons behind this dip in energy, while also sharing some tips for boosting energy levels.

Why do people tend to feel more tired or sluggish in autumn?

"It's common to feel a noticeable dip during autumn, and there are well-established psychological and physiological reasons for this," says Dr Erica De Lange, regional director of psychology services (South) at Cygnet Health Care.

"As the seasons change, our bodies and minds adjust in response to environment shifts."

One of the biggest factors is reduced exposure to daylight.

"Light plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythm, which is the internal clock that governs when we feel awake and when we feel sleepy," explains Dr De Lange.

"During the summer months, longer days mean more natural cues to stay alert and active. But in autumn, as daylight hours shorten and evenings draw in earlier, that rhythm can become disrupted, leading to increased tiredness and lower motivation."

She adds that less sunlight also means our brains produce less serotonin, a neurotransmitter often called the feelgood chemical.

"Serotonin helps regulate both mood and energy, so when levels drop, people may feel more sluggish or flat," explains Dr De Lange.