What is seasonal fatigue?
Seasonal fatigue is a dip in energy that usually comes with the change of seasons, especially in autumn and winter.
It isn’t an illness as such. It’s more of an adjustment period: your body needs to adapt to new conditions.
The most common symptoms are persistent tiredness, a lack of everyday energy and increased drowsiness. You may also feel less motivated, find it harder to concentrate and feel more emotionally sensitive.
It doesn’t affect everyone in the same way. Some barely notice a little dip in energy, while others feel it more.
Why does a change of season make you tired?
Less daylight
A lack of light is one of the main causes of seasonal fatigue.
As the days get shorter, your body gets less natural light. This can affect melatonin production and, in turn, your sleep-wake cycle. The result: more drowsiness, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
A necessary biological adjustment
Every time the seasons change, the body has to get used to new weather conditions.
Changing temperatures, damp weather and less sunshine all mean extra work for your body, which can temporarily leave you feeling more tired.
A diet that’s sometimes less balanced
When it gets chilly, we often crave richer, more comforting food.
Summer fruits and vegetables gradually disappear from our plates, too. If your diet becomes less varied and you miss out on certain nutrients, your energy may suffer.
The best ways to tackle fatigue when the seasons change
Make the most of natural light
Even on a cloudy day, outdoor light can do you good.
Try to get outside for 20 to 30 minutes a day. A lunchtime walk is enough to help support your energy levels. Morning is often the best time: daylight helps reset your body clock.
Get regular physical activity
When you’re tired, your first instinct may be to slow down. Yet moving your body can generally give you more energy.
Brisk walking, cycling, yoga or swimming stimulate blood circulation and release endorphins, hormones associated with wellbeing.
No need to overdo it: around half an hour, several times a week, can already make a difference.
Look after your sleep
Sleep remains one of the foundations of everyday energy.
This autumn, try going to bed at regular times and limiting screen time before sleep. Avoid stimulating drinks in the evening, too, and keep your bedroom cool and quiet.
A good night’s sleep directly helps ease the effects of seasonal fatigue.
Adjust your diet
Certain nutrients help the body function properly and support vitality.
In autumn, try to choose seasonal vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C. Nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, wholegrains and pulses all have a place on your plate, too.
And don’t forget to stay well hydrated, even when temperatures drop.
Which drinks should you choose to help with autumn fatigue?
When it gets colder, hot drinks come into their own. They give you a proper break while helping you stay hydrated throughout the day.
Green teas
Green tea naturally contains caffeine and antioxidants. It can help you stay alert throughout the day.
Enjoyed in the morning or early afternoon, it’s good company when your energy starts to dip.
Wellness infusions
Some herbal infusions are especially popular in autumn.
Blends of spices, aromatic herbs or fruity notes make for a comforting break when the days turn chilly. Their warming flavour also makes them a pleasant little ritual that feels good.
Spiced drinks
Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom: these flavours have long been associated with autumn.
They add an indulgent touch to your hot drinks and make a cosy break even more enjoyable.
Our Kusmi Tea wellness Rituals for autumn
To give your tea break a helping hand, the Kusmi Tea Ritual range combines the richness of plants with scientific precision. Two blends are particularly useful when the days get shorter.
Energy Ritual: a coffee alternative for energy dips
Need a little boost without reaching for coffee? Energy Ritual blends maté, green tea and chicory, with smooth, indulgent cereal notes. It’s enriched with caffeine, but without the taste of coffee.
One cup provides the equivalent of an espresso. Just the thing to help you stay alert, focused and motivated when autumn fatigue sets in. You may notice the first effects after 15 to 30 minutes, with a peak at around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your sensitivity.
Enjoy it when you wake up, at the office or before a workout. As it contains caffeine, simply avoid drinking it in the hours before bed. It is not recommended for children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
To prepare it, brew for 3 minutes in water at 85 °C.
Immune Defences Ritual: a vitamin C boost for the change of seasons
When temperatures drop, no one is entirely immune to a dip in energy, with colds and other minor infections going around. Immune Defences Ritual was created with this time of year in mind.
This blend of maté and organic green tea is enriched with acerola extract, from one of the fruits richest in vitamin C. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system. As for flavour, you’ll find fruity notes of orange, tropical fruits and blackcurrant, especially welcome in autumn.
To get the most from it, drink 3 cups a day: this provides 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Rebalancing your immunity takes time, so allow at least 4 weeks. You can then repeat the course as often as you like.
Here too, 3 minutes of brewing in water at 85 °C is all it takes.
These two Rituals fit into a healthy lifestyle and a varied, balanced diet. They’re there to complement your good habits (daylight, movement, sleep), not replace them.
When should you speak to a healthcare professional?
Most often, seasonal fatigue doesn’t last and improves with a few adjustments to your daily routine.
But if your fatigue becomes severe, lasts several weeks or comes with other symptoms, it’s best to seek reviews from a healthcare professional. Persistent fatigue can sometimes have other causes that require appropriate care.