Everyone knows the recurring hype surrounding pumpkin spiced lattes and “Ugg season.” It happens every year when fall comes around. The thing is, no one ever stops to wonder why there is such a draw to this specific season. Besides the beautiful colors, the crisp bite of the air and the cozy sweaters that make us feel as though we are wearing a blanket all day, here are a few of the psychological reasons humans love fall so much.  

First and foremost, there has been a connection to this change of scenery ever since childhood. Imagine the feeling that used to come about when scouring the store aisles in search of the best new school supplies. This is also the time of year sports and activities start up again, which means being reacquainted with old friends. Kathryn Lively, a professor of sociology at Dartmouth College, told Huffington Post that these associations are normal and much more significant than we might think. “As children, we come to associate fall with going back to school, new school supplies, seeing friends. It’s exciting, for most. We still respond to this pattern that we experienced for 18 years,” said Lively. Even if we are no longer dedicated to getting that Disney character notebook, fall is still such a great time for re-formulating goals and creating fresh routines, and what makes someone feel better than a fresh routine?

Additionally, there is also the physical change of environment that ignites something in us. For example, the romantic falling leaves or the cooler temperatures that encourage warm beverages and cozy clothing. All of these aspects attribute to an overall feeling of warmth and comfort, according to Arttherapy. Of course, we cannot forget about the fabulous scents that come along with fall. Scents including pumpkin, apples and spices are notoriously nostalgic to each and every one of us when it comes to fall. “Smell anatomically has a more direct connection to classical memory regions in the brain,” said Dr. John McGann, a sensory neuroscientist at Rutgers. 

All in all, fall is just one big ball of coziness that brings a sense of comfort with it each year. Forget the so-called basicness of this lovely season, and just embrace it for what it is. Enjoying the small moments of time spent with friends and family can make it all worthwhile. Even going back to our roots and channeling our inner child helps make fall that much better. We do not get much of it here in South Dakota, so cherish it while it is here.