Once again, the seasons are shifting, and while the warmth of summer will be missed, there’s something truly special about autumn. The cool, crisp air, colour changing leaves, shorter days – it’s a natural invitation to slow down and relax, and to remind ourselves that 365 days of hustle is not normal. The world works in seasons for a reason and if we wish to bloom by spring, we need to take the time to nurture ourselves now.
So how do we do that? As always, it comes down to self care.
Here’s a few ways to prioritise it this autumn…
- Mental Health: Mindfulness & Taking Time to Reflect
Cooling weather and changing light can significantly impact our mental health, even if we don’t realise it. Hence, prioritising your mental health from the first turn of the season can help manage potential disorders, like anxiety and depression, from arising, or at least help highlight the signs as they set in.
Here are some ideas on how to stay mindful during autumn:
Meditation
Daily gratitude practices
Reading
Journalling
Listening to music or a podcast
Enjoying a warm bath
Shorter days also naturally bring a sense of introspection, so embrace this as a chance to check in with your emotions and mental state, especially if they’re positive!
- Skincare: Combatting Dry Skin in the Cooler Months
One thing we might know a little too well is how a change in seasons can lead to a shift in your skin. Between the cold air, lip-chapping winds, or even dry indoor heat, we need all the help we can get keeping our skin moisturised.
Consider moisturing more regularly (especially your arms, hands, and legs!) with natural products (our favourite moisturising products are linked here), adding humidifiers to indoor spaces to keep moisture in the air and protect the skin from extra dehydration, and prioritising exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and reveal the healthier skin underneath.
To exfoliate, you can use your normal cleanser with our incredible konjac sponge, or use our scrub soap, which contains lemon myrtle leaf for a gentle exfoliant!
- Boosting Immunity: Supporting Your Body in Autumn
As the colder weather often comes with an increased risk of colds and flu, it’s essential to prioritise your immunity.
To do this, stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and nourish your body with immune-boosting foods like citrus fruits, root vegetables, and herbal teas, like our lemon myrtle leaf tea. Caffeine free and rich in benefits like antioxidants, Vitamin E, and zinc, lemon myrtle is the perfect cleansing tea to drink for immune support. Add in some honey, grated ginger and/or garlic, and you have the perfect cold-fighting drink to start your autumn days with.
Still not sold? Read our blog on the 5 little known facts about lemon myrtle tea here.
- Create a Relaxing Atmosphere: Autumn Vibes at Home
Sometimes, the best thing you can do to motivate self care is to have a cosy, soothing home. Plus, autumn is the time to start preparing for a winter hibernation, so why not let yourself nest a bit?!
Warm up your home with some extra blankets, colourful candles, and low lighting to encourage relaxation during this season.
Or, want to go a step further? Incorporate some soothing natural scents into your space with a diffuser. This not only helps put you in the mood to prioritise rest, but can benefit your health if you use natural essential oils like lemon myrtle. Read more about this win-win situation in our lemon myrtle aromatherapy blog here.
- Physical Wellbeing: Gentle Exercise & Staying Active
Now, this is probably the last thing you want to be thinking about after we’ve been recommending warm teas and blankets, but prioritising some form of movement throughout autumn is essential to feeling good internally and externally.
Some autumn-friendly exercise ideas you could try out include yoga, pilates, or even just a nice walk through nature. The goal isn’t to sweat hard or grow muscles, but to boost your mood, increase energy levels, and stretch out your limbs as the temperature drops.
Autumn walks are especially beneficial during autumn, allowing you time to connect with the changing environment. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to spend time with your loved ones, keeping you connected even when you may not feel like it.
- Sleep: The Importance of Rest During Autumn
Did you know that we need more sleep during autumn and winter than we do during summer?
We are too surprised, given that’s what the rest of the natural planet needs, but it’s nice that science (and hopefully society) catches up with the fact.
As such, it’s even more important during autumn to prioritise a consistent sleep routine, even as the days get shorter. If you have trouble sleeping, try some natural sleep aids like soothing tea before bed or our calming lemon myrtle linen mist.
The world is already helping you with this, but try your best to create a quiet, cool, and dark environment for better rest.
Make autumn your season of self-care this year by following the tips above, but don’t stress yourself out trying to implement them all at once. Start small and introduce one or two self practices into your routine each month, then, by the end of the season, you should be all set for a safe and rejuvenating winter!