“There is something so special in the early leaves drifting from the trees – as if we are all to be allowed a chance to peel, to refresh, to start again.”
Pic credit: Martha Stewart
Saying farewell to summer is bitter sweet – all good things must come to an end with the promise of a comforting new season and the treasures it brings. After the frenetic pace of the summer season, Autumn can be a time to slow down, get cozy and take a deep breath. It’s an evocative time of year that assaults the senses with a changing landscape of colour, mouthwatering new culinary delights and fragrant aromas abounding. The transition in seasons can have huge impact on our mental health, attitude and general energy.
Here are some inspiring ways to embrace the new season energetic shift.
Prepare for cosy
The drop in temperatures can take us by surprise, so start to plan to avoid being caught off guard. Pull out the blankets for the living room, get heavier doonas ready and get out your cosy knits to have on hand for the crisp mornings and cool evenings. Purchase a new autumn-inspired scented candle that incorporates spicy comforting scents of sage, ginger, cinnamon and fig.
Pic credit: Zenj Australia
Get close to nature
It’s important to keep moving and motivated to get fresh outdoor air and connect with nature. Regular daily exercise is vital at this time of year to recharge the body, mind and to get your Vitamin D fix. Take a sensory walk, hike or bike ride.
Beauty overhaul
Cooler temperatures require a beauty shift, integrating formulas and products to nourish the hair, skin, body and nails. Frequent dry body brushing will slough away pesky dry skin build up and allow moisture to penetrate into the skin, plus improve overall circulation in the body. Now is the time to treat the effects of summer on the skin and consider having consistent professional facial treatments to support the skin. If you are tired of your summer hair, consider a colour refresh using a natural, warmer hair colouring solution. Using natural pigments free from nasty chemicals can provide you with the perfect soft, yet vibrant, hue to complement the leaves outside.
Pic credit: Sveikatos Pasaulis
Food switch
Mother nature knows best, so shop for fruits and vegetables in season that will deliver the nutrients your body needs during this time. Shop local and organic with as many whole foods as possible. Switch from salads to roasted root vegetables, cold smoothies to warming quinoa porridge and BBQ’s to slow cookers. Take time to create a new meal-plan that includes plenty of warming, hearty recipes. Integrate a variety of spices into your cooking, to not only add flavor but come with a range of health benefits too.
Pic credit: delicious. Australia
Slow down
Just as trees shed their leaves, it’s time to slow down and get rid of summer’s busy pace, returning to more simple, grounding routines. Make time for meditation, prayer and mindfulness. Enjoy a cup of tea while reading or treating your nails and hands. Autumn is a great season to start a gratitude journal, reflecting on the season that was and that is still to be. Love your pets and invest time cuddling with them to release mood-boosting hormones like oxytocin.
Pic credit: Upper Buddy
