Is your glass of spiced pumpkin latte half-empty or half-full?
We don’t have to be clinically diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder to feel apprehensive at the thought of being plunged into shorter days and endless evenings.
But is your glass of spiced pumpkin latte half-empty or half-full?
There are certain things we cannot control, such as the economy and weather. How we deal with negative influences and our overriding attitude makes a difference. It’s perhaps more important than ever, for our mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing, to offer seasonal gratitude.
Today I want to share with you some tiny things that you can do this Autumn to romanticise this season and bring you all the vibes to ensure you don’t stop be-leafing in the goodness of life (lolz).
1. Indulge in some autumnal baking
Make cinnamon rolls, pumpkin flavored muffins or anything that falls under the umbrella of baking. There is nothing better than grabbing a warm cup of coffee/tea and indulging in some sweet treats when the weather starts to get colder.
2. Light an Autumn scented candle
Getting a festive candle is such a simple yet beautiful way to get into the spirit of the season. Anything cinnamon, pumpkin, sandalwood, or apple scented are recommended for this season.
3. Have a self-care day in cozy pj’s
Put on a hydrating face mask, use some body oils or a scrub, take a bubble bath, journal, meditate, watch your favourite movies. Truly take some time to focus on yourself and the things that make you feel your best.
4. Get involved in some Autumnal crafting
Find your flow state and unleash your creativity in some seasonal crafting. Here are some ideas below:
· Dip leaves into wax and make a garland. Melt some soy/paraffin/beeswax on the hob. Dip some colorful leaves into the wax and hang the leaves from a string (over some newspaper) and let it dry. String the leaves together to make a colorful garland.
· Make a dried orange and grapefruit garland. Slice oranges/grapefruit ¼” thick using a sharp serrated knife and pat slices dry with paper towel. Place in a single player on a baking sheet and bake for roughly 2.5 hours. Flip the slices over after about an hour. Leave to dry and then use scissors to poke 2 holes in the oranges about ½” apart on the orange/grapefruit slices. Thread oranges onto twine. It’s helpful to wrap the twine end with a piece of tape to prevent unravelling.
5. Go to a coffee shop and treat yourself to a seasonal hot drink
Hot drinks are another seasonal lifesaver. In autumn, my tea palette shifts from fresh herbs to spice-based brews. Pukka Three Cinnamon and Celestial Bengal Spice are delicious but making your own with cardamom, allspice, cinnamon, cloves and ginger is more satisfying. You can also settle for a day of work at the coffee shop instead of working from home for a change of scenery.
6. Cook with seasonal ingredients
Soups and stews is a permanent fixture in my kitchen from September onwards. Last week, I made a celery, leek and apple soup and it was delicious! This week, it’s butternut squash, kale and chickpea flavoured with paprika. ‘One Pot’ cooking generally scores high this time of the year and there’s nothing better than being greeted by a Moroccan tagine or traditional stew/curry when you come in from the cold.
7. Listen to the rain and read/watch some scary tv shows/movies
Ok, confession time: I live for the spooky season. I can spend hours looking for spooky books to read/tv shows to watch etc. If horror isn’t your thing, you can indulge in some light spooky stuff like Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown, Practical Magic etc. Cosy murder mysteries are also a nice way to participate in Halloween vibes without the scares.
8. Play some board games
When its too rainy or cold to go out, there's no better time to indulge in a good board game with friends or family. Grab a cosy drink or order some pizza and whip out a game of Monopoly for the ultimate cosy night in.
9. Wrap up warm and take a walk in nature
Feel the leaves crunch underneath your feet, no better way to welcome in Autum. It’s one of the privileges of autumn and winter, as are the awe-inspiring canopies of changing leaves, extraordinary cold weather skies and warm/cosy layers of knitwear.
10. Do nothing
Finally, let's not forget how nice it is sometimes to just do nothing. It's one of those things that is so underrated especially in a society where being busy is glamorised and glorified. This season goes by so quickly and before you know it Christmas will be here! So take these next few weeks to slow down and enjoy the simplicity of a day without plans.
We’re already losing an hour, so let’s not waste more precious time in mourning. Instead, let’s celebrate the dark months and all the pleasures they bring.
Hope you have a wonderfully cosy and enjoyable season ahead.
Tash x