Autumn is officially on its way! This means shorter days, longer nights, and declining temperatures!
We’re all well aware that seasonal change has a noticeable impact on our day-to-day lifestyles. However, did you know that the change in weather can have a drastic affect on our mood too, & not in a good way! A lack of sunlight can cause Seasonal Affective Disorder. Appropriately known as SAD, this mood disorder usually affects people from October through April when daylight becomes more scarce. During the summer months we are out and about with friends and family and self-care can sometimes be forgotten because we feel pretty good with all that sunshine! But, when autumn is upon us, we see less daylight and tend to spend less time outdoors. When exposed to less sunlight, your body produces more melatonin, the hormone which makes you feel sleepy. This can also lead to you feeling a little deflated and a little more down and depressed than usual.
Self-care is something that you should be carrying out all year round, Not only does it make you feel good, but it is essential for your overall health and well-being. Autumn self-care is one of my favorite things to do, when the days are getting colder and the nights are getting darker. There is no better way to lift your mood than a bit of pampering. Don’t forget, it’s not only about pampering, but also about keeping your mind and body healthy too.
So, if you want to keep happy and healthy throughout autumn, you must try a few of these autumn self-care ideas!!
Yoga
Colder mornings always leave me feeling a little sluggish and lacking energy, especially first thing. Getting out of bed whilst it’s still dark outside makes it hard to find my get up & go. I’ve taken to doing a bit of yoga first thing before Molly wakes up. It makes a huge difference to how I feel – not only does it give me a much needed energy boost first thing, it puts me in a really good frame of mind for the day. If you have any Hot Yoga classes near you, give it ago! Nothing better than some hot yoga on a cold and miserable day!
Fairy lights and Candles
I like to compensate for the darkness outside by putting on fairy lights and lighting scented candles in every room I can. We also put the main fire on in the living room to give the place that ultimate cosy, Hygge feel. That warm glow is such a great way to enjoy a little ambiance.
Cosy Up With Your Favourite Book
When you’re searching for comfort, curling up with a well-loved book fits the bill. If you don’t have the energy to take on a novel, grab a magazine you love (bonus points if it’s a autumn edition!) or even grab the kids and all read your favourite Halloween story from when you were a kid.
Enjoy an Autumn Scent
Scents can have such a great impact on our mood, and can be a great way to practice a little self-care, no matter what you may be doing. Grab a few scented candles. I got the most amazing pumpkin spiced on from TK Max and I love it! If you’re an essential oil user, bring out oils that are reminiscent of the season, like clove, ginger, vanilla or sweet orange.
Essential Oils
Essential Oils are a great way to make your home smell lovely AND make you feel good. I can’t get enough of them and have a slight addiction. Through the colder seasons I love to fill my diffuser with a autumnal blend of different oils, depending on how I’m feeling – it’s fantastic for revitalizing and uplifting your mood. I’ll sometimes add a few drops of lemon in too. Come the evening I switch it up for a bit of lavender to make me feel sleepy and ready for bed {works wonders on the kiddos too!}
Go for a walk
Yes, this means leaving the warm comfort of your home. But, a bit of fresh air never hurt anyone and some exercise will make you feel good. Wrap up warm (this is the time for twenty layers AND extra socks). Take full advantage of all those pretty colours, the crisp fall smells and the crunching of leaves beneath your feet. Enjoy the cool, crisp air and when you get back home you’ll really really enjoy your cosy house!
Watch Your Favourite Seasonal Movie
Grab a hot chocolate, a blanket and curl up on the couch and watch your favourite seasonal movie. I have some firm favorites that must be watched this time of year. You can go full blown Friday the 13th, or If you’re into something a little more festive but not scary, check out Halloweentown or Hocus Pocus.
Hot Baths
I almost turn into a mermaid through the autumn. I think if I could stay in the bath all day I would! A Lush bath bomb, a few drops of essential oils, as many candles as I can find and either a book or a show on Netflix – ingredients for a perfect evening. I can’t get enough of this coconut body wash at the moment. It smells amazing and leaves my skin so smooth! It’s so gentle that I even use it on Molly! Soaking in a bath is by far the best way to warm up, but also a great way to relax and unwind.
What do you like to do this time of year? Do you have things that you do every year without fail?
This post contains products that have been kindly gifted to me but all opinions are my own.
