Wellbeing in Autumn: How to Make the Most of Autumn and Feel Your Best

Autumn is here! Like Spring, this is a season of transformation. As the leaves turn brown, the days grow shorter and the air crisper, there’s no denying that autumn brings a unique and enchanting energy of its own. For this season of change, we wanted to create a guide for you to embrace the concept of wellbeing in autumn. By not resisting the loss of warmer days, you can make the most of autumn to better your health and well-being – in a way that aligns with the rhythms of nature and the needs of your body during this time of year.

Autumn encourages us to slow down, reflect, and nourish ourselves, all while not abandoning our goals and intentions. In this guide, we’ll explore how you can adapt your home environment, leisure activities, nutrition and fitness routine. So, put on your cozy sweater, sip a cup of warm herbal tea, and get ready to lean into Autumn like never before!

Adapt your home for wellbeing in autumn

Adapting your home for autumn is one way to lean into the season and make it as pleasurable as possible. There are so many ways to do this, and some of these tips may inspire you to start today. They’re quick, easy, and you can make the most of what you already have. We’re sure you can spruce up your home for autumn without spending a single penny if you want to! Use your intutition to do anything else in your home that you feel would make the transition into winter more comfortable.

Our tips on how to make your home more autumn-friendly

1. Warm Lighting: Replace cool, bright LED lights with warm, soft, and dimmable lighting. Consider adding table and floor lamps with warm-toned bulbs to create a cozy ambiance in your living spaces. With fewer hours of daylight approaching, it is worth making sure the lighting in your home is up to scratch!

2. Candles: Beyond lighting, candles are another way to add a warm ambience to your home. You won’t be able to help but notice the gentle flickering of a candle flame as the sun has already set outside, relaxing you! You can also enjoy scented candles in autumn-inspired fragrances like pumpkin spice, cinnamon, or apple cider. Just be sure to be safe, and don’t leave your autumn candles unattended!

3. Get your blankets ready: It may have been a while since you reached for a blanket, so let’s get them ready! Wash your blankets and make sure they’re ready for when you need them. Make the most of throws, plush cushions and cosy rugs to maximise texture in your home and create a sense of warmth.

4. Seasonal Decor: If seasonal decor is something that sparks joy for you, don’t wait for Christmas! Opt for rich, autumnal colors like deep reds, oranges, and earthy tones. Lately, we’ve seen a lot of autumnal wreaths around. You can also decorate with dried flowers in autumnal colours, and other things found in nature like conkers, pine cones, wild flowers and feathers! You can even bring in colorful autumn leaves and branches from outside to use in vases.

6. Fall Scents: Like lighting, scent is a powerful way to create ambience in. your home. As well as candles, you can use potpourri, essential oil diffusers, or simmering spices on the stovetop to infuse your home with the scents of autumn. Cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg are classic choices.

7. Home Maintenance: As the weather changes, make sure your home is ready for autumn. Check the heating system, weatherstrip doors and windows, and clean gutters. We don’t want any disasters when winter comes!

We hope you feel inspired to spruce up your home into an autumn nest. You’ll make the transition into the cooler months more enjoyable and comfortable, and celebrate the beauty of the season. If you liked our tips on decorating your home for autumn, we think you’ll like this post too – 14 ways to beautify your home for autumn!

Activities to get you in nature for autumn

Let the crisp, invigorating air fills your lungs, the dry leaves to crunch beneath your feet, and the cool air  caress your cheeks! Whether you’re strolling through a forest, hiking, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk in the park, the autumnal beauty of nature will reduce stress, boosting creativity, and help foster a sense of contentment. Make sure you take time to get out into nature so you don’t miss out.

Here are some perfect autumn activities!

1. Walking in nature: Whether that’s a forest, a park, or simple a patch of trees nearby – take time to go there and take it in. The colours, the fresh air, the crunchy leaves.. all destined to boost your serotonin levels!

2. Apple Picking: Visit a local orchard to pick your own apples. It’s a fun activity for the whole family, and you can use your bounty to make apple pies, crisps, or cider at home.

3. Pumpkin Patch: Head to a pumpkin patch to pick out pumpkins for carving or decorating. Don’t forget to savor some delicious pumpkin-flavored treats.

4. Bonfires and Campfires: Gather around a bonfire or campfire with friends and family. Roast marshmallows, share stories, and enjoy the warmth of the flames.

5. Baking: Use the season’s harvest to bake apple pies, pumpkin bread, or cinnamon rolls. Baking can be a delightful indoor activity, and the results are delicious.

Autumn offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from outdoor adventures in the crisp air to cozy moments indoors. Embrace the season’s unique charm and make the most of its beauty and activities.

Nutrition for autumn

Autumn is a season that brings a shift in the types of foods that are in season and often calls for heartier, warming meals.

Here are some nutrition tips to improve wellbeing in autumn

1. Warm Beverages: Create a dedicated area for hot beverages like tea and cocoa. Display mugs, a kettle, and a selection of teas and coffee to encourage cozy moments.

2. Incorporate Seasonal Produce: Enjoy the bounty of autumn by including seasonal fruits and vegetables in your diet. This might include apples, pears, pumpkin, squash, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and hearty greens like kale and Swiss chard.

3. Warm, Comforting Foods: Embrace the cooler weather by preparing warm, comforting meals. Soups, stews, and chili are excellent choices. They’re not only delicious but can be packed with vegetables and lean protein.

4. Roasting and Baking: Roasting or baking vegetables is a great way to intensify their flavors. Drizzle some olive oil and season with herbs and spices to enhance the taste. Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and parsnips roast especially well.

5. Use Autumn Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice are classic autumn spices. Add them to oatmeal, baked goods, and beverages for warm and comforting flavors.

6. Maintain Hydration: Don’t forget to drink plenty of water, even as the weather cools. Hydration is essential for overall health. You can also enjoy herbal teas, which can be soothing and warming.

7. Immune-Boosting Foods: As autumn marks the start of the cold and flu season, focus on immune-boosting foods. Citrus fruits, garlic, ginger, and foods rich in vitamin C and zinc can help support your immune system.

8. Get Creative with Leftovers: With the holiday season approaching, make the most of your leftovers by turning them into healthy, satisfying meals. For example, use turkey or roasted vegetables in sandwiches or salads.

Remember that a balanced and varied diet is key to good nutrition in any season. Embrace the flavors and warmth of autumn, but also be mindful of portion sizes and overall food choices to maintain a healthy and well-rounded diet.

Exercise for autumn

Exercising in autumn can be a delightful experience with the cooler weather and beautiful scenery. Remember to stay hydrated – don’t forget to drink lots of water because of the cooler weather! Also, keep in mind the changes in daylight. You might want to adapt your workout schedule to make the most of available daylight.

Our favourite exercises choices for autumn

1. Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of the crisp, cool weather by engaging in outdoor activities. Go for brisk walks, hikes, or bike rides to enjoy the autumn foliage. We have a post all about why you should exercise outdoors in cold weather!

2. Trail Running: Autumn is a fantastic time for trail running. The changing leaves and cooler temperatures make for a picturesque and comfortable running environment.

3. Gardening: If you have a garden or yard, autumn is the perfect time for gardening and yard maintenance. Raking leaves, digging, and planting bulbs can be a great workout.

4. Morning Workouts: The days are getting shorter, so consider morning workouts to take advantage of natural daylight. This can also energize you for the day ahead.

5. Warm-Up and Cool Down: Be mindful of warming up properly before exercising, especially in cooler weather. Cooling down with stretches can help prevent injury and promote flexibility.

Exercise is yet another opportunity to get outside and into nature this autumn. It may be slightly uncomfortable at first, but it is temporary and so worth it!

Summary

We hope you feel inspired to make the most of autumn this year! We’ve given you tons of ways you can embrace the season, improve your wellness, and have the cosiest autumn yet. From adapting your home decor, your go-to weekend activities, your diet and your exercise routine, you can give your life an autumn make0ver. Until next year – goodbye summer! We’re ready for change.