· By PYM STORE
Why You Get the "September Scaries" (and What to Do About It)
Ah, September. The month when pumpkin spice reappears, school buses clog the roads, and your stress levels mysteriously jump a few notches. Even if you’re not lugging a backpack anymore, September often brings a “back-to-business” vibe that leaves you with the "September scaries".
So, why exactly does stress and anxiety increase in September—and what can you do to smooth out the jitters? Science (and a few well-chosen supplements) has some answers.
Why is September so stressful?
1. Light's Effect on Mood & Stress
One of the biggest reasons September can feel heavy is because the days are getting shorter. Your brain is wired to track light, and when that light disappears earlier in the evening, it can throw off your body’s internal clock—also called your circadian rhythm.
Deep inside the brain, a little cluster of cells called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) acts like the conductor of your sleep–wake cycle. When the amount of daylight changes, this “conductor” shifts its signals, which then ripple into other brain areas that regulate mood, stress, and metabolism. Scientists have seen this happen even in animal studies, and it lines up with what people experience season after season.
For humans, the effects are very real. A large study that tracked 428 people over time found that shorter days and cooler temperatures were linked to higher depression scores. Interestingly, many people felt their worst not in the dead of winter, but in the early autumn—right when September rolls around. This suggests that it’s the sudden change in light and weather, rather than just long, dark winters, that can push stress and mood symptoms higher.
Another group of researchers followed over 500 people using Fitbit data to measure sleep, daily movement, and mood. They found that when people’s rhythms became more irregular—things like less daytime activity or going to bed later—their depression scores were higher. And these irregular patterns were actually worse in the fall compared to winter. In other words, September doesn’t just mess with your calendar—it messes with your body clock too.
The takeaway? As the light fades earlier each day, your brain’s chemistry shifts, and that can make you feel more anxious, stressed, or low in energy. It’s not about willpower—it’s literally your biology adjusting to the season.
2. The Back-to-Reality Effect
September has its own brand of chaos. New routines, commutes, deadlines, PTA meetings—whether you’re a student, a parent, or just feeling the cultural shift, September comes with pressure.
Your brain responds by flipping on the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), the system that controls stress hormones. Cortisol spikes, your body thinks it’s in survival mode, and suddenly even minor annoyances (hi, traffic jams) feel overwhelming.
The CDC has even documented that mental health crises—especially among kids and teens—double in the fall compared to summer. And adults aren’t immune. Translation: September is officially stressful, whether you like it or not.
3. Neurotransmitters Under Pressure
Stress hits hardest when your neurotransmitters are depleted. Here’s a quick chemistry refresher:
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Serotonin (built from tryptophan) keeps mood stable.
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Dopamine & norepinephrine (from tyrosine) fuel motivation and focus.
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GABA (made from glutamate) tells your nervous system to calm down.
Under chronic stress, these systems get out of whack. Studies show that supplementing with the right amino acids can restore balance, improving resilience, reducing irritability, and supporting cognitive performance under pressure.
Best Amino Acids to Beat September Stress
When stress is running high, your brain relies on amino acids—the building blocks of neurotransmitters—to keep things balanced. These compounds aren’t just nutrients; they’re direct precursors to the chemicals that influence how calm, focused, or resilient you feel. Certain amino acids have been shown in studies to reduce stress, sharpen focus, and support a steadier mood, which is why we’ve built them into our formulas. Let’s take a closer look at how five key amino acids—GABA, L-theanine, tyrosine, L-carnitine, and taurine—work in the brain, and how they come together in Mood Chews and Attention Chews.
GABA
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the brain’s main calming neurotransmitter—the “brake pedal” that helps slow racing thoughts and ease tension. Studies show that GABA supplementation can lower markers of psychological stress and promote relaxation without sedation. Our Mood Chews contain 130mg of GABA, giving your nervous system the extra support it needs when September’s stress dial cranks up.
L-Theanine
L-theanine, the amino acid found in green tea, is famous for promoting a calm but alert state. Research suggests it boosts alpha brain waves (linked with relaxed focus) and reduces cortisol during stressful events. Unlike sedatives, it doesn’t make you drowsy—it helps you stay centered when life gets loud. Each serving of Mood Chews combines 90mg of L-theanine with GABA to double down on calm.
Tyrosine
When stress piles up, your brain burns through dopamine and norepinephrine—the neurotransmitters that fuel focus and motivation. Tyrosine is their direct precursor, helping replenish levels and sustain performance under pressure. Military studies even show tyrosine helps maintain mood and cognitive function during extreme stress. You’ll find it in Attention Chews, where it supports clear-headed focus through September’s chaos.
L-Carnitine
Best known for its role in energy production, L-carnitine also supports brain health by protecting neurons from oxidative stress. Some studies suggest it helps reduce mental fatigue and improves resilience in people with high cognitive demands. That makes it a powerful ally when you’re running on full schedules and shorter daylight. Attention Chews include L-carnitine to keep mental energy steady throughout the day.
Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid that helps regulate the nervous system and supports GABA activity, making it key for calming excitability. It’s also been linked to better sleep quality and reduced anxiety in both animal and human studies. Think of it as an internal buffer that keeps your stress response from tipping over. In Attention Chews, taurine rounds out the formula by balancing energy and calm, helping you stay sharp but not overstimulated.
Anchor the benefits of supplements with Nutrition & Lifestyle
Supplements work best when paired with healthy daily practices, such as:
- Nourishing your body and mind with mood-boosting foods
- Consistent sleep (even on weekends) to keep circadian rhythms stable
- Movement (walking, stretching, or strength training) to regulate cortisol and boost dopamine
- Downtime (yes, schedule it!) to offset the September hustle
- Sunlight exposure first thing in the morning and dimming lights at night to help regulate cortisol and melatonin
Closing Thoughts
If September feels overwhelming, you’re not broken—it’s just how your brain and body react to shorter days, heavier routines, and neurotransmitter strain. The good news? With morning light, simple lifestyle habits, and the right support from Mood Chews and Attention Chews, you can take the edge off Stress-tember and feel like yourself again.
FAQs
What are the best supplements for stress?
Evidence suggests that amino acid blends with micronutrients, GABA, magnesium, and L-theanine rank among the best. They help manage perceived stress, neurotransmitter balance, and cognitive resilience.
Do supplements for anxiety really help?
Yes—clinical trials show amino acid blends plus vitamins reduced anxiety-related symptoms like irritability, fatigue, and tension significantly over 12 weeks.
Which supplements or nootropics are best for focus under stress?
L-tyrosine is a standout: studies show improved cognitive performance and fewer errors even under acute stress. Supplementing with L-theanine can also help cognitive clarity.
Can light therapy reduce September stress?
Yes—exposure to bright morning light supports your circadian rhythm and serotonin activity, helping regulate mood and stress levels during seasonal transitions.
Why is September so stressful?
September is a month of big transitions—packed schedules, school routines, and shorter days all raise stress levels. Less daylight also disrupts serotonin and circadian rhythms, which can make you feel more tense and overwhelmed.
What are the September scaries?
The “September scaries” describe the anxious, uneasy feeling that shows up when summer ends and responsibilities pile up. It’s like the “Sunday scaries,” but stretched out across an entire month.
Why does my anxiety increase in September?
Anxiety often spikes in September because shorter days disrupt your brain chemistry while busier routines add pressure. Studies show mood dips are especially common in early fall, when both light and lifestyle shift at once.
Sources
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s44184-025-00125
- https://arxiv.org/abs/2312.02953
- https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7238a3.htm?s_cid=mm7238a3_w
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/5/551
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34562208/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10230711/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17658628/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3630960/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10479846/