5 Great Ways to Hijack Feel-Good Fall Hormones in Illinois

As the air gets crisper and the days shorter, it's time to harness all the cozy, feel-good vibes that fall has to offer. But why settle for a simple walk in the park when you could hijack your brain’s feel-good chemicals in hilarious and questionable ways?

Here are the best strategies to soak up those happy hormones and survive the fall season in Illinois with your sanity (mostly) intact.

Jump in a Pile of Leaves Like You’re Five Again

MORE: 28 Things People of Illinois Look Forward To Most In the Fall

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What better way to boost your serotonin than by pretending you don’t have adult responsibilities?

Sure, you could rake the leaves into a neat pile and leave them alone. But no. You’ll dive right in because the thought of sitting at your desk staring at Excel spreadsheets is too depressing. Who needs dignity when you’ve got crispy autumn leaves in your hair and down your shirt?

Eat Pumpkin Spice Everything

There’s nothing that says "I’m hijacking my brain’s feel-good chemicals" quite like guzzling pumpkin spice lattes like you’re trying to win a marathon. It’s pure serotonin in a cup.

And if you’re feeling extra spicy, grab a pumpkin spice muffin, donut, or candle to sniff for that extra dopamine rush. Who cares if it's 90% sugar? Your brain doesn’t know that.

Get Lost in a Corn Maze – On Purpose

If you haven’t wandered aimlessly in a corn maze until you’re slightly panicked but secretly exhilarated, you just haven't lived.

The ‘World’s Largest Corn Maze’ in Spring Grove, Illinois just revealed the theme For 2024.

There’s nothing like the rush of oxytocin when you and your buddies band together to escape the maze before it gets dark. Or, if you’re feeling brave, stick around and embrace the adrenaline that comes with being lost in the dark surrounded by creepy corn. Because that’s what fun looks like in Illinois.

Pick Apples While Feeling Like a Pioneer

Ever want to live like Laura Ingalls Wilder but with Wi-Fi? Apple picking is your answer. There’s something about clutching a basket of overpriced apples that just makes you feel like you’ve got it all figured out.

Plus, biting into one straight from the tree might trigger some long-forgotten evolutionary endorphins. Maybe. Probably not. But hey, at least you’ve got a cool Instagram post.

Here are 5 must-visit apple orchards around northern Illinois. This orchard in Waterman, IL is considered one of the best in the US for apple picking.

Warm Up by a Bonfire – With S’mores, Obviously

Nothing beats a good bonfire for releasing a flood of feel-good hormones. Bonus points if you pretend the marshmallows are your problems and set them on fire.

Toast those bad boys up while sitting around with friends who are also procrastinating the impending doom of another frigidly cold Illinois winter.

LEEF PEEPING ALERT!

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