Transitioning from summer to winter means adapting to cooler temperatures, seasonal stresses, and a change in your daily routine. While the falling leaves and excitement of fall’s events and celebrations can be exciting, these 17 things make the season irritating for most people.
The Shortening Days
The Northern Hemisphere experiences shorter days during the fall due to the earth’s tilt. This decrease in sunlight can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). According to Healthline, “the condition affects between 0.5 and 2.4 percent of people in the United States. SAD most often occurs in women and young adults, particularly those who live farther north.”
Unpredictable Weather
Fall can see sudden shifts from warm to cold temperatures, meaning individuals have to adapt quickly to prevent discomfort or health issues. It is also common to see an increase in rainfall and cloudy days, which can affect outdoor plans, cause transportation delays, and impact mood.
Leaf Maintenance
While falling leaves may be scenic, they do need to be regularly raked up and disposed of in order to keep your yard in good condition and avoid issues such as slippery surfaces or blocked drains. Some municipalities have specific regulations for leaf disposal that can lead to fines if not properly followed.
Seasonal Allergies
According to the AAFA, ragweed pollen peaks in the fall and triggers allergies for many people. “In most areas in the U.S., it peaks in mid-September and can last through October.” Mold spores from decomposing leaves may also exacerbate allergies as they affect indoor and outdoor air quality.
Back to School Stress
The start of the academic year can be stressful for students, parents, and teachers as they adjust to new routines and workloads. There is financial pressure on parents who need to purchase school supplies and clothes, and the transition from flexible summer days to structured school hours can disrupt family dynamics.
Wardrobe Transition Challenges
Changing fall temperatures means you need a wardrobe that works for both warm and cold weather. This can be tricky to plan and you may need extra storage to have access to a range of different clothes. You’ll probably also need to carry a few different layers around with you while you’re out and about.
Increased Illnesses
Fall sees a rise in colds and the flu, and Science says, “Research in animals and humans suggests a variety of causes, including changes in the environment (like pH, temperature, and humidity) and even seasonal and daily changes to our own immune systems.” These illnesses can impact your time and finances, as you may need healthcare visits and sick days.
Holiday Preparations
Once fall hits, you know that the holidays aren’t far away. This preparation for events, meals, gifts, and family gatherings can be stressful and overwhelming. On top of the emotional toll, it can also be a heavy financial burden when you take the cost of décor, gifts, and food into account.
Gardening and Harvest Challenges
The garden also needs to be prepared for the colder months, including the labor-intensive process of harvesting, pruning, and protecting plants. These jobs often involve additional expenses for supplies and you may potentially need to fork out for professional assistance. Farmers also struggle in the fall, as unpredictable weather can affect harvest yield and timing.
Influx of Pests
Cooler temperatures drive rodents and insects indoors, seeking shelter and warmth, which can lead to infestations and the need for pest control measures. Pests can cause damage to homes and lead to health concerns, resulting in additional costs for professional assistance and healthcare visits.
Disruption of Exercise Routines
Reduced daylight hours and cooler temperatures can disrupt your outdoor exercise routines and force you to shift over to indoor activities. The change of the season can also lead to a decline in motivation to exercise, which impacts your physical health and wellness.
Impact on Wildlife
Wildlife begins to migrate or hibernate in the fall, which can cause disruptions in the local area. It’s important to protect wildlife, so you may need to change the way in which you maintain your property or your outdoor activities in order to allow them to carry out their natural movements.
End of Daylight Saving Time
According to Time, “one in three Americans [prefers] to… continue the biannual clock-resetting process as it stands, but more Americans (six out of 10) would prefer to do away with the twice-a-year change.” The sudden shift can disturb sleep patterns and reduce evening daylight, which affects after-work or school activities.
Heating Costs
The onset of colder weather leads to an increased need for heating in your home and workplace, meaning higher utility bills. This also has a significant environmental impact, so it’s important to make sure you’re doing what you can to insulate your home and only heat it to the necessary level.
Seasonal Events and Festivities
Fall festivals and events can be enjoyable, but they also often come with increased congestion, higher prices, and planning stresses. To participate in these events, you’ll need to make sure you plan, budget, and allow enough time, which can add to the other stresses of the season.
Navigating Travel
Traveling in the fall can be affected by unpredictable weather, which leads to delays. As a result, you need to be more careful in your planning and allow more time than usual for your travel plans. Popular travel destinations, such as those with foliage or seasonal attractions, can also be overcrowded and expensive.
Loss of Summer Produce
This season marks the end of peak availability for many summer fruits and vegetables, meaning you have less variety and face higher prices for fresh produce. This can also limit your options when it comes to cooking, meaning you need to adjust your normal meal planning to suit the season.
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