The rain is still around, but things are starting to change.
That morning walk you kept postponing because of the rain, the late nights you had to push aside and settle for another cup of chai, the Pakoras, and sudden change in what you're craving to eat. Someone in the house must have caught a cold, cough, or fever, and soon everyone will start taking turns feeling under the weather.
Then there's this strange fatigue.
Not that you can't sleep for a week sort of thing. More like draining your energy and making you feel like you don't have enough.
For many, September is when this sort of thing starts.
Its the month when the monsoon starts to ease off in different parts of India, and the weather starts to shift. Your environment and your daily habits are changing. The problem is when we continue our lives as normal.
This is when the September slump can occur.
Why September Can Leave You Feeling Worn Out
September is a special month.
The heavy rains may be easing off, but we still may experience high humidity. The temperatures begin to change, with warm days and cool nights. After months of staying indoors, your activity levels may also differ greatly than before the monsoon.
All this can have an impact on your well-being.
Also, seasonal changes can often coincide with infection trends. The influenza trends in India can vary greatly by region, but many studies show that the rate of influenza spikes in and around the monsoon, and more specifically, July to September in many regions.
If you feel that September is a time when all of your close ones are recovering from an infection or complaining of fatigue, you're not imagining things.
But infections are just a part of the equation.
You May be Carrying Monsoon Habits Into a New Season
Think back to the past months.
Did you exercise less regularly because of the rain? Did your bedtime gradually get later with the passage of time? Did chai become your go-to solution for an afternoon energy slump? Did you start indulging in more fried and comfort foods because it felt like the right thing to do on rainy evenings?
None of this is bad, the problem is when these temporary habits seamlessly transition into your normal routine.
September is when your body begins to crave a new routine.
You may not need a massive change in your health status, but perhaps just start adjusting your routine again.
Go out when the weather permits. Get movement back into your life. Eat on time. Be wary of your sleep.
Small changes can produce a surprisingly positive effect when your routine has been out-of-sync for months.
Sometimes, Fatigue Has to do With Nutrition
There is another factor to consider when fatigue lingers, and that is not getting enough of certain nutrients on a daily basis.
Iron and vitamin B12 are essential to having enough energy and normal red blood cell function. Deficiency in these can cause tiredness and weakness.
This doesn't mean that every instance of fatigue is due to a deficiency, or that you should run straight to a supplement store.
Your overall diet is more important than any single nutrient. Try to get a variety of foods such as leafy greens, pulses, beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, dairy, and other appropriate sources based on your dietary preferences.
If persistent fatigue continues despite resting and a well-balanced diet, it's wise to consult a healthcare professional instead of assuming you need a supplement.
Your Routine Needs to Adapt With the Season
A common mistake we make when transitioning from one season to another is expecting our routine to stay the same.
It shouldn't.
The routine that worked well for you during peak monsoon may not work as well as the weather begins to change.
This is a great time to re-establish some consistency.
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Get some morning sunlight. Make movement a part of your routine instead of waiting for good weather. If you've been spending most of your free time indoors, start to get back outside.
You don't need to suddenly jump-start into an hour-long workout every morning.
A 20-30 minute walk is a great place to start.
The most important thing is that you stop letting the weather dictate your entire routine.
Don't Underestimate Sleep
When life can get busy, sleep is the first thing that can get compromised.
Just another episode. Another email. Another scroll.
Then morning comes.
Adults need around seven to nine hours of sleep, but consistency is key. Going to bed at wildly different times throughout the week can leave you feeling tired, even if you technically got enough hours of rest.
September is a great month to rebuild your sleep schedule.
Aim for a reasonably consistent bedtime, limit screen-time before bed, and avoid working late nights as a regular habit.
Sometimes the best way to boost your energy is to just get enough sleep.
Keep Hydrating, Even When You're Not Sweating
Summer tells us the need for hydration.
You feel hot, sweaty, and drink water.
During the monsoon and early autumn, this can disappear. The weather feels cooler, but hydration is still essential.
Make drinking water a part of your routine instead of waiting for when you feel thirsty.
If you feel that water gets monotonous, soups, buttermilk, and water-rich foods can also be a source of your overall fluid intake.
Just remember that tea and coffee shouldn't become your sole sources of hydration throughout the day.
What You Eat In September Matters Too
Seasonal changes aren't the time to rely on tea, biscuits, and whatever snacks you can find between meetings.
Keep your meals simple and diverse.
Fresh vegetables, fruits, pulses, whole grains, nuts, and seeds are the basis of a balanced diet. Make sure you get enough protein and avoid making highly processed or excessively fried foods a daily habit.
This doesn't mean you can't have your Pakoras.
The goal is not to make September into a month of restricting, but to restore some of the balance lost during the more relaxed eating habits that come with the monsoon.
A few indulgent meals are part of life, but having every meal be an indulgence is a different matter.
Support Your Immune System With the Essentials
We often talk about immunity as if there is a certain food, drink, or supplement that can boost it.
The reality is much less exciting.
Everyday habits play a huge role in immunity.
Getting enough sleep, eating a variety of foods, getting active, practising hygiene, and staying hydrated are all crucial to maintaining normal health.
This is especially true during seasonal changes, when people often find themselves getting exposed to more infections due to work, school, travelling, and social interactions.
You don't need a complicated immunity routine. What you need is consistency with the basics.
When Tiredness Is More Than Just Tiredness
There is a difference between feeling tired after a busy week, and feeling fatigued over no clear reason over weeks.
If you find yourself consistently tired despite getting good sleep, or have fatigue that impacts your work, exercise, or daily life, don't just blame the weather.
Chronic tiredness can have a number of causes, including poor sleep, stress, nutritional deficiencies, infections, and other health issues.
Sometimes, the most sensible thing is to not look for another 'wellness trick' and figure out what's actually going on.
A Simple Reset For September
You don't need a complicated detox routine or a strict new routine.
Start with some simple changes :
Go to sleep at the same time.
Get moving as a routine.
Make sure you drink enough.
Eat proper meals, not just incessant snacking.
Diversify your meals with vegetables, fruits, pulses, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and other nutritious foods.
Get out in the time-permitting.
Be wary of how you actually feel.
September is a transitional month, so let your routines transition as well.
Feeling tired in September isn't just about the month itself.
It can be due to everything that preceded it, such as disrupted sleep, altered activity levels, changes in eating habits, monsoon infections, stress, and weeks living differently than normal.
The good thing is that you don't need to change your life entirely to feel better.
As the season changes, reintroduce some structure into your daily routine. Eat well, sleep properly, get moving, drink enough, and let your body recover from the new season.
Sometimes, regaining your energy is less about adding something new, and more about going back to the basics you may have quietly neglected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I feel more drained in September?
September brings changes in weather, routine, sleep, activity levels, and seasonal infections, all of which can contribute to feeling more fatigued than usual.
Is seasonal change responsible for low energy?
Yes, seasonal changes can have an impact on sleep, activity levels, eating habits, and exposure to infections, which can affect your energy levels.
How can I boost my energy naturally?
Start with the basics : get enough sleep, get regular movement, eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, and have a consistent daily routine.
What should I eat when I'm feeling tired?
Opt for balanced meals that include vegetables, fruits, pulses, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and adequate protein instead of heavily-sugared or processed foods.
Can lack of sleep make me feel fatigued all day?
Yes, not enough sleep or an inconsistent sleep schedule can make you feel drained.
How much water should I drink daily?
Fluid needs vary from person to person, and depend on your weight, level of activity, and diet. It's a good idea to drink regularly throughout the day, instead of waiting for when you feel dehydrated.
When should I take persistent fatigue seriously?
If you feel fatigued for several weeks, your fatigue worsens, or it's starting to impact your daily activities despite getting enough rest, it's wise to consult a healthcare professional.
