Chile, maybe I’m just biased, but when I read earlier this year that the majority of Americans prefer the fall season over any other one, all I thought was, “Duh.” There really is no telling just how many articles I’ve written for this platform alone that have mentioned how fond I am of autumn and especially the month of October. I like the temperatures (well, I mean, global warming excluded). I like the scenery. I dig the outfits. I like pulling out my blankets and sipping on warm cider — hell, when it comes to fall, I adore pretty much everything about it.
Know what’s wild, though? There are actually some science-based reasons why so many of us are such big fans of that time of the year — one that is steadily approaching. So, if you’ve been trying to talk yourself out of getting a new neutral-colored comforter for your bed or you’re wondering if you’ve already gone too far with the pumpkins that you’ve got on your porch — my answer would be that you haven’t done enough to officially ring fall in! I’m not the only one who thinks that, either. Quite a bit of research thoroughly agrees.
It Takes Us Back to Our Childhoods
Unsplash
It’s very common for fall to create feelings of nostalgia.For instance, even though it’s the season that technically doesn’t happen until the third week of September, many of us associate it with the first day of school, high school games, new television schedule line-ups (gee, remember that?), some of our favorite foods and drinks (like ginger snaps and hot cocoa), corn mazes, carving pumpkins, going trick-or-treating, attending fall festivals and so much other stuff that made autumn such a special time while growing up. Yeah, I bet if you thought back to what fall was like back when you were a kid right now, at least a couple of memories would immediately bring a smile to your face. (See…I told you.)
The Aesthetic Is Cozy and Comforting
Unsplash
Scented candles. Roaring fireplaces. Fresh chrysanthemums. Foliage art. Metallic branches in vases. Neutral throw rugs. Carved pumpkins. Warm hues. Big throw pills. Cable-knit blankets. All of these are things that say “fall is here” in the most cozy and comforting ways. I mean, can you think of another time of year that beckons you to stay indoors more than fall does? Yeah, me neither.
It Boosts Your Self-Image
Getty Images
Listen, if there’s one thing that I’m gonna do during the fall and winter seasons, it’s layer my outfits. That’s actually one of the reasons why I like fall so much — it’s because the fashion and style takes tend to be super on-point. And yes, based on what I’ve read, that’s another reason why a lot of people like the fall so much…since layering is about adding additional articles of clothing on, you don’t have to worry (as much) about the condition that your body is in like you do in the summertime. And when your body image is elevated, so is your confidence overall.
The Landscape Calms Us Down
Unsplash
You might’ve already been aware of the fact that when you spend time in nature, it can help to de-stress you. Well, were you also aware of the fact that the beautiful colors of fall foliage can keep you calm as well? If you know anything about color psychology, this makes a lot of sense, considering a lot of leaves are shades of red (love), orange (happiness), and yellow (hope). So, if you’ve had a really stressful day at work, take the long way home to check out some fall trees or even rake up a pile and jump into them like when you were a kid. It could end up giving you the feeling of much-needed relief that you’ve been looking for.
It Creates a “Temporal Landmark”
Unsplash
If you’ve never heard of a temporal landmark before, the long short of it is it’s moments in time that stand out to you to the point that it creates the perceptions that you currently have, plus it influences how you use your time in real-time. Since the holiday season kicks off during the fall season, activities like football games and homecomings mean a lot to people, and for some of us, the fall season marks the beginning of a new year (Rosh Hashanah), that’s another thing that makes autumn such a wonderful time of the year — we enjoy the way that we spend that season…a lot.
It’s an Unexpected Motivator
Unsplash
On the heels of what I just said, whether you observe Rosh Hashanah or the winding down of the year is simply when you choose to pause and reflect in preparation for the calendar new year that is to come, some people really like the fall season because it motivates them to set new plans and goals. In fact, when you get a chance, check out “Why Fall Is The Perfect Time To Prep For The New Year.”
Using the next couple of months to ease into the new year makes a helluva lot more sense than jotting something down on New Year’s Eve real quick and then pressuring yourself to follow through for the first month of January.
It Means More Time with Family and Friends
Unsplash
There’s probably no other time in the year when you are able to spend so much quality time with your loved ones than during the fall season, especially if they live out of town. I mean, just Thanksgiving alone proves that. Plus, winter doesn’t officially begin until December 21, which means that if you take time off leading into Christmas to visit family as well — that’s two times in less than a month that you’ve been able to get in some family and friends bonding time. If you love being around your family, fall always gives you time with them to look forward to.
It Means More Fall-Themed Sex
Wavebreakmedia/Getty Images
When you get a chance, check out “Here's How To Have Some Really Great Fall-Themed Sex.” A part of the reason why I wrote it is because, did you know that late fall/early winter are the best times of the year to get some nookie? If you don’t believe me, also read “Did You Know Fall & Winter Are The Best Times To Have Sex?”
Between it being darker for a longer period of time, science saying that rainy weather actually makes us hornier, and pumpkins being an aphrodisiac (among other things) — if fall wasn’t your favorite time of year before you read this, maybe it will convince you to change your mind. Enjoy your fall season, everybody! Oh, and read up on what the combination of pumpkin and lavender scents can do for your boudoir experience. Thank me later. #wink
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by FilippoBacci/Getty Images
RELATED
And that reminded me that I should share a list of them, en masse. Because, even though it is warming up outside, that doesn’t mean that you can’t turn your hot cup of herbal tea into a tall glass of iced herbal tea, right? I mean, especially since cool temperatures actually help to restrict your blood vessels which, in turn, can reduce swelling and inflammation.
Anyway, if like her, your allergies have you feeling some type of way and it ain’t very good, here are 10 teas that might make it easier to adjust to the pollen that, like clockwork, the spring season has to offer.
Unsplash
1. Peppermint Tea
If you enjoy the taste of mint, treat yourself to some peppermint tea over the next couple of weeks. Peppermint tea will bless you on a few different levels because it contains properties that will help to bring relief to gas and bloating; can give you an energy boost; help you to lose weight; help you to sleep more soundly, and peppermint tea can even help to ease menstrual pain discomfort.
The reason why you should try it for your allergies is since peppermint is able to relax your muscles and reduce pain, it may be able to soothe headaches and migraine tension that may be associated with them. Not only that but peppermint also contains antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, has menthol in it that can help to clear up your sinuses and, some studies even say that peppermint may assist in suppressing seasonal allergy-related symptoms like itchy eyes and sneezing.
2. Ginger Tea
If your palate prefers tea that is on the spicy side, go with ginger. It’s also a tea that has quite a bit of health benefits including the fact that it eases nausea and morning sickness; can help to reduce the risk of heart disease; helps to regulate blood sugar; contains cancer-fighting properties; reduces oxidative stress, and it can bring relief to menstrual discomfort too.
And just how does ginger tea help on the allergies front? For starters, the compounds gingerol and shogaol help to reduce inflammation within your system. Also, one study revealed that ginger has the ability to decrease certain cytokines (proteins that are secreted by your immune system’s cells that monitor inflammation within your body) so that you don’t have to deal with things like having a runny nose or an itchy throat. Another perk that comes with ginger is it can help you to sneeze less. Interesting.
Unsplash
3. Lemon Balm Tea
What if something citrusy is more your thing? Lemon balm can (pardon the pun, considering the topic) scratch that itch, especially if you also have a taste for a tea that has a hint of sweetness to it. Health-wise, lemon balm tea is good for you because it helps to put you in a better mood; boosts cognitive function; helps to reduce anxiety and depression-related symptoms; improves your quality of rest; soothes indigestion, and contains pretty potent antiviral properties as well.
Another thing worth noting about lemon balm, is certain studies have revealed that by using it topically, it can reduce breakouts that are directly related to herpes (check out “If You Have Herpes, When Should You Reveal It To A Potential Partner?”).
Allergies-wise, lemon balm tea can be good for you because it is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which tend to work together to decrease symptoms that are associated with having allergies. However, it should go on record that if you happen to have some sort of thyroid issue, you should speak with your doctor before consuming lemon balm. Some studies say that high amounts of lemon balm can throw your thyroid hormones off a bit.
4. Green Tea
If any tea tastes kind of grassy or like a plant, green tea would be it — not really in a nasty way…it’s just kind of bland; however, it’s not anything that a teaspoon (or two) of honey can mask. Besides, the health benefits that come from green tea make it worth every sip because green tea can do everything from boost brain power, burn fat, and improve your oral health to lower your blood sugar levels, decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer and reduce your signs of aging.
The antioxidants in green tea can help to keep your immune system strong, which again, is always a plus as far as battling allergy symptoms are concerned. Green tea also has anti-allergenic agents in it that bring relief to sneezing, coughing and watery eyes.
Unsplash
5. Rooibos Tea
Sweet. Nutty. Woodsy. Earthy. A hint of vanilla. When trying to describe what rooibos tea tastes like, all of these things can certainly apply. Personally, I like rooibos tea because it has no caffeine while being high in antioxidants. Some of its other benefits include the fact that rooibos can help to lower your cancer risk; reduce symptoms that are related to diabetes; it helps to bring down your cholesterol levels; it helps to fade the appearance of wrinkles (over time), and is also good for your heart.
Rooibos can make your allergies easier to bear because it contains a flavonoid called aspalathin which helps to reduce the symptoms that are associated with having allergies including nasal congestion.
6. Nettle Tea
“Sweet and earthy” is how a lot of people describe the taste of nettle tea. If you’ve got a urinary tract infection (UTI), it can help to flush out the bacteria that causes it. If you have arthritic pain, it can help to bring you some much-needed relief. If you’re trying to keep your blood sugar levels under control, nettle tea can help with that as well as keeping your cholesterol levels where they should be; it even contains properties that can help to heal acne and eczema-related symptoms.
Your allergies won’t like nettle tea very much because it also works as a natural antihistamine; this means that it reduces symptoms that are associated with hay fever including sneezing and itchiness.
Unsplash
7. Chamomile Tea
There honestly aren’t too many things that chamomile tea can’t help to improve (check out “8 Teas That Are Really Good For Your Vaginal Health” and “Got A Killer Cold? These 10 Hacks Will Help You To Sleep Better.” and “10 Teas That Are Great For The Fall Season — As Far As Hair Growth Is Concerned”). Taste-wise, it’s mild, floral, and a little bit sweet. Health-wise, it reduces PMS symptoms, regulates blood sugar levels, and helps to keep your skin healthy, thanks to the properties in it that reduce breakouts and increase hydration.
Chamomile is also loaded with anti-inflammatory properties that help to bring relief to allergy symptoms. Chamomile also has anti-allergy properties in it that can block histamines and keep your eyes from watering up and your nose itching (although if you are allergic to daises, it’s best to avoid this tea because it belongs to the Asteraceae family…like daisies do).
8. Licorice Tea
To me, licorice tea is definitely reminiscent of black licorice although some people say that it’s a mixture of sweet and bitter flavors. And since licorice tea is basically made of licorice root, licorice root is good for you because it provides digestive support; can reduce acid reflux; helps to speed up the healing process of peptic ulcers; will fight reduce the bacteria that cause cavities, and it can even help to ease perimenopause/menopause-related symptoms.
The reason why licorice root can help you with your allergies is it contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help your respiratory system in top shape. Also, it helps to soothe a sore throat, prevent a runny nose, reduce sneezing and nasal congestion and licorice can bring relief to itchy and watery eyes.
Getty Images
9. Black Tea
Black tea? Black tea is pretty robust with a smoky flavor and, if you’re looking for a coffee alternative, while it doesn’t have as much caffeine in it as java, it does contain more than green or white tea does. Moving on to how black tea can help out your health, it helps to strengthen your heart; lowers your risk of having a stroke; decreases your cancer risk; makes you more alert; reduces stress, helps your body to burn more fat, and even increases longevity.
Black tea may help to ease allergy-related symptoms because it has the flavonoid quercetin in it. Quercetin is great at fighting allergies because it hinders the release of histamines which helps to keep you from having a runny nose, hives, watery eyes, and face swelling. As a bonus, black tea contains anti-inflammatories and antioxidants too.
10. Yerba Mate Tea
This tea here has a bit of a unique flavor because it’s kinda smoky, kinda earthy, and kinda bitter — but again, if you add some honey to it, it could become a tea that you grow to really like; especially since it is able to do things like increase the quality of your workouts; help you to lose weight; give you more energy; lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels; improve the quality of your skin; make type 2 diabetes more manageable, and it can increase bone density too (which is important as you age).
Yerba Mate rounds out the list of teas that are wise to consume during allergy season because it reduces inflammation and it helps to fight off free radicals as well.
____
As the weather starts to heat up, it’s always a good idea to stay hydrated. And if you want to do so while being outdoors, now you have some teas that can help you to take in the sun without dealing (so much with) seasonal spring allergy symptoms. Drink up!
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Tempura/Getty Images