
08/03/2025
Only 50 days left until fall officially arrives in Michigan — and while summer heat still lingers, cooler temps, changing leaves, and cider mill season are just around the corner 🎃
While most people associate fall with chilly air and shorter days, science shows it might actually boost your mood — not bring it down. Studies have found that the cooler temperatures and lower humidity in autumn can improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, and even enhance brain function. The scent of fall — think wet leaves, apples, and wood smoke — can also trigger nostalgic memories, releasing dopamine and creating a sense of calm. In fact, “autumn nostalgia” is so common, researchers have studied how people feel more reflective and creatively inspired during this season.
And here’s something even more unexpected: squirrels in Michigan become “accidental gardeners” in the fall. As they frantically bury nuts and forget where they put them, they help plant thousands of new trees each year. It’s estimated that a single squirrel can bury hundreds of nuts in a season — and thanks to their poor memory, many of them sprout into future forests.