The October Flare

Do you notice that every October, your energy drops?

You catch a virus “out of nowhere,” or your chronic symptoms flare up? You’re not crazy — and you’re definitely not alone.

Every year, thousands of people report feeling run-down, foggy, and inflamed around October. I used to think it was just me — until I realized the October Flare is actually a real, physiological response to seasonal change.

What’s Really Happening to Your Body in October?

October brings dramatic environmental shifts that your body feels — even if you don’t consciously notice them.

Here’s what’s going on:

• Rapid temperature and humidity changes challenge your immune and nervous systems.
• Barometric pressure fluctuations can affect pain, fatigue, and inflammation.
• Indoor air exposure increases as we close windows and turn on heaters, stirring up dust, mold, and allergens.
• Harvest dust, pollen, and leaf mold trigger histamine and immune activity.
• Less movement and sunlight lower dopamine, serotonin, and vitamin D levels.
• And yes — it’s officially sugar season, which adds more stress to your metabolism and immune defenses.

Individually, each is a small stressor. But stacked together, they can overwhelm an already taxed system — leading to what many people call a “flare.”

How to Know If You’re Experiencing the October Flare

If October hits you hard, you might recognize some of these signs:

• Fatigue or burnout that seems to come out of nowhere
• Muscle and joint aches
• Brain fog or dizziness
• Hair shedding or dry skin
• Longer recovery after workouts
• Heart palpitations or racing pulse
• Digestive changes
• Sinus congestion or headaches
• Low mood or irritability
• 
  

Your body isn’t broken — it’s doing its job. These are signs of your system trying to rebalance under seasonal stress.

How to Support Your Body Through the Seasonal Shift

Here are simple, affordable ways to stay grounded and resilient through October:

1. Hydrate smarter. Add trace minerals or electrolytes to water for better absorption.
2. Move gently. Choose walking, stretching, or light strength training instead of high-intensity workouts.
3. Soak up light. Catch sunlight at sunrise and midday, or use red light therapy (660 nm + 830 nm) if you’re indoors.
4. Rest intentionally. If your body says “slow down,” listen. You’re recalibrating, not failing.
5. Skip the sugar trap. Your immune system is already working overtime — don’t add more strain.
6. Clean your indoor air. Change HVAC filters, dust surfaces, and check for mold if symptoms persist.
7. Nourish with broth. My friend Liz’s “Bring You Back from the Dead Elixir” is a mineral-rich broth that helps support immune recovery (avoid if you have severe allergy symptoms).

What Research Says

Several studies support the idea that environmental changes in autumn can stress the body and immune system:

• Humidity & Temperature Drops: Research in Environmental Health found that falling humidity and temperature increase respiratory virus activity, including influenza. (Ehjournal, 2014)
• Weather Shifts & Immune Activation: A 2025 Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health study confirmed that lower humidex levels (temp + humidity index) correlated with higher flu rates in Japan. (Springer, 2025)
• Barometric Pressure Effects: Changes in barometric pressure are associated with neurological and inflammatory flare-ups such as Bell’s palsy and migraines. (PubMed, 2021)
• Seasonal Immune Load: The CDC notes that abrupt shifts in temperature and indoor heating patterns increase viral persistence in the air. (CDC/PLoS ONE, 2015)

Together, these findings highlight how environmental stress during fall directly affects immune response, inflammation, and fatigue — validating the “October Flare” phenomenon.

Get Ahead of the Holidays

Your body’s not failing you — it’s communicating. The best thing you can do right now? Support it before holiday chaos sets in.

💛 Let’s create a personalized Fall Health Reset plan so you can glide through the holidays with steady energy, balanced hormones, and a calm nervous system.

👉 Book a Free Call With Us Today
👉 Or start small — Download my Free Stress Guide for tips to keep your body resilient under stress.

Final Thoughts

October isn’t just pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters — it’s a biological turning point.
Your body feels the shift in the environment, and it’s asking for gentleness, nourishment, and balance.

Listen to that wisdom. Support it.
And when you do — you’ll enter the holidays grounded, not exhausted.

References

1. Jaakkola, K. et al. (2014). Decline in temperature and humidity increases influenza occurrence. Environmental Health.
2. Sakamoto, M. et al. (2025). Association between humidex and influenza incidence in Japan. Journal of Epidemiology & Global Health.
3. Kim, J. et al. (2021). Seasonality and weather impact on Bell’s palsy: Korean population study. PubMed.
4. CDC (2015). The Role of Temperature and Humidity on Seasonal Influenza. PLoS ONE.