Seasonal Self-Care: Your Autumn Well-being Tips
- Autumn brings about a number of changes each year. From shorter days and darker nights, to clocks changing and the holiday season starting.
- All this change can often leave us feeling overwhelmed and lower our mood at times.
- With our helpful guide, you can make sure to look after both body and mind, and make the most of one of the best times of the year.
Ever noticed your mood change with the season? It’s perfectly normal. You might feel more energised and motivated in the summer and more sluggish or low in the autumn and winter months.
Autumn is a season that typically brings about a lot of change. The days are shorter, the nights are darker, the clocks go back one hour, and the busy holiday season is on the horizon.
Together, this change can be a lot to process and can impact our mood. That’s why we’ve put together a handy guide to self-care this autumn – so you can beat the blues and make the most of this wonderful vibrant season.
Slow down
Once autumn begins, we can often find ourselves looking ahead. The weeks on the calendar seem to go by faster than ever, and it can be hard to keep up with our busy day-to-day lives.
One of the best things you can do for yourself at this time is to slow down. Aim to focus on one thing at a time and take things day by day. Practicing mindful habits like meditation or going for a long walk can be helpful.
These not only encourage good health for the body, but also the mind. Walking has long been considered a good way to keep fit. Plus, there are plenty of autumnal road trips across the UK to help get you outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature.
If you find there’s a lot on your mind, try writing to-do lists to get everything out on paper, and this should help to clear your head. Not to mention that crisp autumnal air on your walk!
Spending time away from your phone with family and friends is also a great way to be more present and make memories with loved ones.
At the same time, taking some me-time to enjoy yourself is also a good idea. Cosying up with a good book or enjoying a hot bubble bath is sure to help boost your mood.
Don’t forget to exercise
As the dark nights cut in, it can be harder to keep active as we choose the warm comfort of home over going out in the cold.
Exercise is important though, and the health benefits – both physical and mental – of keeping up your exercise far outweighs a bit of cold.
Going out for a walk or jog, or to an exercise class regularly will keep you fit meaning you’re less likely to catch colds or the flu. It’s also great for the mind and can help you unwind after a stressful or challenging day.
If you can, try exercising with a friend which may be more of a motivating factor. You’ll feel more energised and also have a bit of fun.
Vitamin D is known to have a great effect on well-being - and where do we get it? From the sun! Another reason to get outside for 30 minutes or so each day and boost your mood.
Get creative
When the weather is particularly unyielding with long rainy days, this can often leave us feeling a bit gloomy.
Though there are plenty of things you can do indoors to make the most of the season. Whether that’s making a delicious homemade soup to warm you up or baking an autumnal treat to enjoy.
You might also want to use this time to catch up some of those older to-do list items you’ve never gotten round to. When was the last time you cleaned out your wardrobe or organised your storage?
Sorting tasks provide great distractions for the mind. You’ll enjoy the sense of accomplishment from doing something productive too!
You could even try taking up new hobbies or learn something new, whether that’s origami, embroidery, painting, Pilates, or yoga. These are all mindful activities that will help you relax and enjoy the smaller things in life.
Eat healthy
Eating healthy is something you should do all year round, no matter the season. But in the autumn and winter months, it’s especially important when the weather gets colder and there are more germs about.
You should aim to incorporate regular vitamin C into your diet as this is one of the most effective vitamins for boosting your immune system. There are plenty of foods that are naturally high in vitamin C like oranges, kiwis, and broccoli – so get these added to your shopping list.
There are plenty of autumn superfoods you can buy as well to make something more seasonal. Things like pumpkin, butternut squash, chard, and beetroot will add a vibrant colour to your meals. Not to mention a tasty flavour!
On the whole, you should aim to eat a balanced diet that gives you a bit of everything you need. A healthy diet will feature equal portions of carbohydrates, protein, dairy, fruit and vegetables.
Let’s not forget hydration! Drinking between six-eight glasses of water should be a part of your daily routine. It’s what helps keep us going and can actually improve concentration.
If you struggle to remember, buy a water bottle with time stickers on it and fill it up every day. Then, just work your way down!
Prioritise sleep
A good night’s sleep is vital to prepare both body and mind for the next day. You should aim to get a good eight hours of sleep each night.
It’s also recommended to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day – even at weekends – to maintain a healthy routine.
If you struggle with sleep, there are some things you can do to help relax your body before bed:
- Dim the lights an hour before you go to bed to help boost melatonin release
- Avoid looking at any bright screens before sleeping
- Try meditating before bed to help clear your mind
- Try pillow sprays with calming lavender scents, which can help you drift off to sleep
Try a seasonal activity
In the autumn season, there are lots of activities you can enjoy that could help boost your mood, such as:
- Pumpkin patches
- Autumn wreath making
- Autumn festivals
- Apple picking
- Farmers markets
- Autumn flower arranging
- And many more!
These are perfect activities to enjoy with friends and loved ones, and a great way to help you enjoy the autumn season in all its colourful glory.
Your Motability journey at Bristol Street Motors
Now you have all the tips you need for self-care and well-being this autumn, why not take a look through our autumn driving tips? We’ll take you through all you need to drive safe this season in your Motability vehicle.
Due for a new lease? Now is a great time to start looking for your next vehicle. Head to our Motability car search and see what takes your fancy. If you’re thinking about switching to an electric car, we’ve rounded up the top vehicles with an Advance Payment under £1,000. Handy!