As the days grow shorter and sunlight fades, many people experience the so-called "autumn blues."

For 28-year-old Londoner Lotts Dlandu, this used to mean months of fatigue, isolation, and pessimism. "I would hibernate," she recalls, "feeling low and cut off from the world."

Determined to break the cycle, Lotts restructured her life. Instead of staying indoors, she now plans her social calendar in advance, works in cafés or co-working spaces, and keeps her home bright and full of fresh air. "I try to be at home as little as possible," she says, believing that human contact helps her stay positive even in the cold.

Counsellors explain that seasonal mood changes are linked to reduced sunlight, which lowers serotonin and raises melatonin—hormones that affect mood and sleep. "It's vital to stay active and spend time outdoors," says therapist Georgia Alker. "Even a short walk in the cold can lift your spirits."

Others find comfort in embracing the season itself. Therapeutic counsellor Eden Oz suggests "romanticising" autumn and winter: lighting candles, baking, or simply enjoying a warm drink by the window.

Meanwhile, social media platforms like TikTok have turned this mindset into a trend, celebrating small pleasures—crunchy leaves, flickering lights, and the smell of cinnamon.

Whether by seeking connection or cosy solitude, people are finding creative ways to beat the gloom of shorter days. As one participant put it, "We can't live in an eternal summer—but we can learn to make the darkness beautiful."