Seasons change, and autumn is a favorite season for many. The weather is more mild, the beautiful color changes of the leaves, the warmth of the approaching holiday season, and the coziness of crackling fireplaces and pumpkin spice. Surprisingly, autumn also brings along some beneficial health perks. Fall is known to represent change and renewal, and can serve as the best time to improve upon both your mental and physical health.

Health Perk #1: Deeper Sleep
In the autumn, sunrise comes later, and sunset comes earlier. The dip in available sunlight triggers certain adjustments in our bodies’ circadian rhythms, which reset to make you ready for bed earlier. Also, its been proven that lower temperatures help us sleep better, so try cracking your window on a cool fall night.

Health Perk #2: Fall Colors Boost Mood
Fall colors, the leaves especially, are shades of warm and soothing colors. And while science isn’t fully conclusive on this, many psychologists attribute feelings of comfort, contentment, and optimism, all feelings associated with warmth, to the colors of the autumn season.

Health Perk #3: Seasonal Spices Improve Whole-body Health
You can’t have autumn without plenty of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. From food to beverages, and even forms of aromatherapy, these spices are everywhere come fall. Fortunately, all three of these spices are known to improve your whole-body health. Nutmeg has germ-killing properties, ginger improves the circulation, and cinnamon is linked to lower inflammation levels.

Health Perk #4: It Brings Us Together
The holiday season is right around the corner, which means spending more time with family. Family gatherings can also be a great opportunity for visiting with distant family members, who are in town for the holidays. The chilly weather also makes for the perfect occasion to snuggle up under a cozy blanket with your loved ones, and watch a movie, or just relax and read together. There is nothing more comforting than a fall night in.

Health Perk #5: Lots To Look Forward To
Fall is great because you have so much to plan and look forward to surrounding the upcoming holidays and extra time with loved ones. All of this anticipation brings about much excitement, increasing our happiness and boosting our serotonin levels!