Brussels,โค Belgium – A growing sentiment of anticipation for autumn is emerging, with some individuals expressing relief at the prospect of trading summer’s social pressures for the comfort and introspection the cooler season offers. this โshiftโข in โคpreference is highlighted by individuals like Charly, who, according to La โฃLibre Belgique, has declared “I can’t take it anymore on โฃthe terrace in fact, I want something hot, sweet and comforting.”
The phenomenon extends beyond a simple seasonal preference, with experts identifying a sense ofโค “sun guilt” – a feeling โขof โobligation to maximize enjoyment โขduring โthe summer months – contributing to fatigue and overload. Psychotherapist Anne-Franรงoise Meulemans, coordinator at Centeremergences, explains that “Summer may โbe a โคsource ofโค fatigue for some. The heat,the long days full of โฃsun,the disturbed sleep and the social pressure to fully enjoyโฃ the holidays’ as if it were necessary to make them profitable as much as possible,can create a stateโ of overload. We canโฃ then feel aโ form of weariness which is addedโ to fatigue.”
This contrasts sharply with the restorativeโ qualities of autumn. Meulemans notesโค the season’s impact on neurochemistry, citingโ research showing a decrease in serotoninโ and dopamine alongside an increase in melatonin,โ promoting sleep, and reduced cortisol levels due โto the calmer climate. “The nature that passes in autumn colors soothes like pre-hibernation,” she describes, adding that fall habits โlikeโ “cocooning, drink hot chocolate, curl up in front of the fire, โfind a more regular rythm” fulfillโข a need for “comfort and safety.”
The shift also reflects a move from “fomo” โค(fear of missing โout) to “jomo,” – the joy of missing out – โas described by Charly, who finds contentment in knowing friendsโข are enduring less-desirable conditions while heโข embraces autumnal comforts. for many, โฃautumn represents a natural “reset” after the demands โof summer, offeringโ a welcome period of break and refocusing.
