As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to change, there’s a certain magic in the air that can only mean one thing – autumn has arrived. It’s the time of year that calls for cosy knits, chilly morning walks, and, of course, an Autumn bucket list filled with seasonal activities.

There’s just something about the sights, and the smells and the feel of autumn. The changing colours of the leaves, the smell of woodsmoke, and the feel of crisp air on my face, with a warm, snuggly scarf wrapped around my neck. There are so many great things about autumn.

The seasons are a cycle, one which repeats every year without fail, and, just like the ebb and flow of energy within each of these seasons [the expansion and growth of Spring/Summer, the contraction, withdrawal, and rest of Autumn/Winter] our minds, bodies, emotions, and needs also need to rest and withdraw sometimes.

Without those seasons of rest, reflection, dreaming, and recuperation we are expecting our bodies, our creative abilities, and our focus and productivity to ALWAYS be switched on, working at 100% and active.

That just isn’t realistic or sustainable.

Not if you want to protect your health and well-being and stay healthy at least… as you may already know if you are dealing with the constant company of burnout, fatigue, hormone issues or persistent illness + injury!

The toll of constantly forcing our mind and body to keep going is constant, elevated stress, and a gradual depletion of the body’s resources until it can no longer keep going….

What if, instead of always trying to push forward we actually listened to our bodies when they told us to slow down and take a break?

What if when we felt exhausted and drained we slept a little longer, did a little less, and said no a little more often?

ROUTINES + HABITS TO ADOPT THIS AUTUMN

It takes intention and will to untangle ourselves from the overproductive tendencies our capitalist culture pushes us into, but Nature is here to remind us that now is the time to find beauty in depth, in release, in darkness, in death.

Normally, our priorities change. Our motivation, productivity and energy levels are different from one day to the next, one season or cycle to the next.

The more we listen and work with those rhythms, the less we feel in battle with ourselves.

If you want to start slowing down and appreciating more of the peace and rest of Autumn (and prepare yourself for Winter too) here are some simple habits and rituals you can start incorporating into your daily and/or weekly routine to help you to slow down, create space and ease, and some mindset shifts to think about that will help you to change how you see taking time off or doing less.

Take time to plan the habits and rituals you want to adopt into your daily life and routine now, rather than regret not making time for them later….

DAILY HABITS + ROUTINES

1. As the nights get longer and the days get shorter allow your body to sleep a little more; try adjusting your routine to go to bed 10-15 minutes earlier and (if you can) wake up a little later too.
2. Prepare warming soups, roasted roots, and herbs that are seasonal and abundant through Autumn to both strengthen our bodies and help quiet our minds. Focus on eating and making warming foods for every meal; porridge or stewed apples for breakfast, soups or hot sandwiches for lunch, and stews and hearty vegetable dishes in the evening. This not only helps keep your digestive system working better through the colder months when it’s prone to become sluggish but also helps your body to keep warm through the day and makes sure you get lots of complex carbohydrates which your body needs through Winter.
3. Invite friends round for home-cooked meals, board games or deep conversation – take time to nurture + strengthen close relationships.
4. Take time to light candles and honour the shifts into darker days and longer nights.
5. Focus on restorative stretching, strength training and less intensive ways to exercise as the days get colder.
6. Decide on what you want or need to let go of. Autumn is for shedding layers, releasing the old and things you no longer need or want in your life – focus on the ways you want to improve your health and what’s standing in the way of that.
7. Increase your rest; sleep a little longer each night, go to bed earlier, plan downtime into your week or weekend where you have completely free time without any plans, distractions or pressures. Say no to plans, work or invites that aren’t with people who feed your energy and well-being.
8. Take time to journal or find ways to focus on your internal world and the transformations you can achieve through working with your subconscious and shadow self.
9. Create a calming tea or cacao ritual making warming soothing drinks that not only keep you warm, and soothe your senses, but also support your well-being with ingredients such as turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, fennel, elderberry and echinacea are all beautiful ingredients…

Instead, when we can take our foot off the gas, and learn to accept and flow with the changing energies and themes of each season, we can follow the patterns – that natural cycle of action, focus, creativity AND analysis, rest, dreaming, and planning — to not just increase our our productivity output, but more importantly to protect and support the wellbeing of our whole body, improve work-life balance, and increase our contentment and happiness too.

This Autumn Lifestyle Guide isn’t your average bucket list. I’ve curated this bucket with activities like sipping pumpkin spice lattes, carving pumpkins and other activities that will enrich your life and make the most of what the season has to offer.

Curate an Autumn Capsule Wardrobe

Prepare your closet for the cooler weather by curating an Autumn capsule wardrobe. By creating a wardrobe with just a few versatile pieces, you’ll be able to easily put together stylish autumn looks. Start by assessing your current wardrobe, and identify any pieces that you want to wear again this season. Whether it’s a soft cashmere sweater or a flattering pair of jeans, we all have a few items that we constantly reach for when getting dressed.

Once you have determined which items you already own and love, build your capsule around these items by exploring Autumn outfits on Pinterest. Save any outfit ideas that you would be excited to wear this season. Then fill in the gaps by creating a list of the key items you need to buy to create these looks. I always know what to purchase for the Autumn season based on my fashion board.

Don’t forget to add a few Autumn wardrobe essentials to your closet to get the most out of your capsule wardrobe. You’ll be surprised how many outfits you can create when you have the right basics.

Enjoy Art & Culture

While we can admire a piece of art or attend a theatre performance year-round, there are certainly seasonal ways to enjoy art and culture in Autumn. Start by checking your local galleries, museums, theatres, etc. for upcoming exhibits or productions this season. It’s always a good idea to book tickets in advance.

Delight your ears with ‘Autumn’, one of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons concertos, or another piece of classical music inspired by autumn. Read a poem such as To Autumn by John Keats or The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. You can find several autumnal poems from The Poetry Foundation. Discover some of the best paintings of Autumn in art history with these 12 Beautiful Autumn Scenes.

For photography enthusiasts, autumn provides an ideal backdrop. Grab your camera and explore the outdoors to capture the beauty of the season. Try shooting during the “golden hour” just after sunrise or before sunset for the most enchanting light.

Create an Autumn Reading List

Autumn is the perfect time to curl up with a good book. To inspire your reading, create a reading list with autumnal books to enjoy this season. Try a scary thriller like And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie or The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. Add a horror classic to your list such as Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein or Bram Stoker’s Dracula to celebrate Halloween. If you prefer modern literature, browse new releases to discover the latest best-sellers.

Starting a Journaling Practice

Autumn allows me to pause and reflect on how the last season went and how I’d like the next one to go. Do you reflect on how things are going throughout the year? Reflection isn’t just something we should do at the end of each year when setting our New Year’s intentions or resolutions, there’s a place for it at so many other points in the year.

So that’s where I bring these autumn journaling prompts to you in the hope that they can guide and support you through this season of change, whether its promise of abundance or offering of letting go is what is calling to you.

• How do I want to FEEL in this season? And what can I do to achieve that? Whether is better organisation of your time, prioritising different things, doing less, or focusing on one goal decide what small steps you can start to use to back up and set you up for the feeling you want to create for yourself.
• What change in direction might you be about to embark on?
• What change might you not have noticed but is calling for your attention?
• What might you need to focus on within this change?
• What are the seeds of something that sits in your future that you want to focus on sowing now?
• What do you need to trust more to allow this season to unfold?
• Where do you need to practise acceptance of what is?
• How can you tend to and nurture yourself over the next few weeks?
• Which parts of yourself might you be ready to shed?
• Which parts do you want to focus on growing?
• Which parts of you carry and support you as you move through change?
• What have you been carrying this year that it’s time to harvest?
• What do you want less of over the next few months to make room for abundance?
• What do you want to make space for more of?
• What’s out of your control that you can let go of?
• What have you noticed brings you comfort through change?
• What are you quietly looking forward to?
• What have you been working hard on that you haven’t acknowledged yourself for yet?
• What does slowing down look like for you this season?
• What still needs time to transition?
• Where do you want to focus your energy for the rest of the year?
• Where are you holding onto habits, people, goals dreams or beliefs about yourself and the world that are weighing you down and holding you back?
• What activities are bringing you joy and contentment in this season?
• What are the hobbies, activities, places or people where you feel at peace, content, and relaxed? And more importantly, how can you start to prioritise more time in your week to incorporate doing these things more?
• Where can you increase flexibility in your work day? If you work for yourself this can look like starting later or finishing earlier on days you are struggling. Take a day off if you’ve had a particularly stressful week. If you work in an office try taking 1:1 meetings outside and walking while you talk. Set yourself a calendar reminder multiple time a day to (1) Look away from your screen and (2) Take 2 minutes to relax, close your eyes, and focus on breathing deeply and evenly from your diaphragm. Ask about the option of working from home, even if it’s just 1-2 days a week.

Eat Seasonally

Savour the flavours of Autumn by preparing a seasonal recipe like creamy roasted cauliflower soup, rustic French apple tart, or vegetarian stuffed acorn squash.

Stock your fridge with seasonal produce like apples, green beans, kale, sweet potatoes, beets, pears and squash. Cook with autumnal spices like cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. For fresh fruits and veggies near you, browse produce guides to discover what’s in season for the month and shop at your local farmer’s market.

Leisurely enjoying a warm drink is one of my favourite comforts during autumn. Make your signature autumn beverage whether it’s hot mulled wine, creamy hot chocolate or every girl’s favourite, pumpkin spice latte. I always stock my pantry with chai tea bags so I can enjoy a cup anytime during the Autumn months. Pair your favourite drink with freshly baked goods such as cinnamon rolls, apple pie, cookies or pumpkin bread for the ultimate autumn treat.

Spruce Up Your Space

As the seasons change, so should your home. Thankfully, it doesn’t require an expensive makeover, just a few small changes to your space. Start by swapping your summer linens for cosy quilts, cushions, flannel sheets, and a warm duvet cover.

I incorporate warm colours like burnt orange, moss green or yellow ochre and plush textures like velvet and flannel. Adding a beautiful autumn bouquet, candlesticks, and a throw blanket to my space instantly makes it feel more autumn-appropriate.

Bring in the smell of Autumn with your favourite scent. Try candles with notes like vanilla, leather, cinnamon, woodsy, or amber. My go-to candle is Autumn Daydream by Yankee Candle.

Create New Routines for your Health & Overall Well-being

Autumn, with its changing leaves and crisp air, presents unique challenges for maintaining optimal health and sleep. To navigate this season with vitality, prioritise a balanced diet rich in seasonal produce. Incorporate warming foods like soups, stews, and roasted vegetables to combat the cooler temperatures. Ensure you’re staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Regular exercise is crucial for both physical and mental well-being. While outdoor activities may be limited due to inclement weather, indoor workouts like yoga, Pilates, or home workouts can be equally effective. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

To promote quality sleep, create a relaxing bedtime routine. This might involve taking a warm bath, reading a book, or practising relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool to create an optimal sleeping environment. Limit screen time before bed, as the blue light emitted from devices can interfere with your sleep-wake cycle.

Consider supplementing your diet with essential nutrients like vitamin D, which is naturally produced by the body when exposed to sunlight. As daylight hours decrease, it’s common for vitamin D levels to drop. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine if supplementation is necessary.

10 Tips for Optimal Health and Sleep

1. Prioritise Vitamin D: Ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D, especially during shorter days. Consider supplementation or limited sun exposure.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
3. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Reduce your intake of caffeine and alcohol, especially close to bedtime, to improve sleep quality.
4. Manage Stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to promote relaxation and better sleep.
5. Create a Sleep-Conducive Environment: Make your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool to optimise sleep conditions.
6. Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends, to regulate your body’s internal clock.
7. Limit Screen Time Before Bed: The blue light emitted from electronic devices can interfere with sleep. Avoid using screens for at least an hour before bed.
8. Incorporate Seasonal Foods: Enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables to boost your nutrient intake and support your immune system.
9. Stay Active: Regular exercise can help improve sleep quality and reduce stress.
10. Get Adequate Rest: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support your overall health and well-being.

Change Up Your Beauty Routine

As the weather transitions from hot to cool, consider giving your beauty routine a makeover. Start by switching up your skincare. A rich moisturiser, lip mask, body lotion and hand cream are must-haves for keeping your skin hydrated during the cooler months. Face masks can also be a handy step to add to your routine.

Don’t forget to update your makeup for autumn too. Replace powder makeup with cream formulas to ensure your face looks hydrated. Try out an autumn beauty trend whether it’s a dark lip, sapphire shadow or graphic liner.

Your hair also deserves some extra TLC during the cooler months. Maintain your lush locks using a moisturising shampoo and conditioner and incorporate a weekly hydrating hair mask into your routine.

Outdoor gorgeousness

It’s great to get outside at any time, but I think Autumn days can be some of the most spectacular of the year. Beautiful brown, gold, red and green foliage contrasted against a deep blue sky. Leaves swirling and falling around you as the breeze blows, then crunching underfoot.

Go for a walk and tune into your senses – what can you see, smell, hear?

You don’t need to go for a massive hike (though if you’re up for it, yeah why not!). Just a short walk around the block or through the park will do wonders for your spirit.

Follow up your walk with coffee, tea or hot chocolate, and, if it’s your thing, cake (Me?…Cake is my thing!). A hot drink and something sweet taste all the better for having been out in the fresh air.

Indoor cosiness

You’ve probably heard that great Norwegian saying “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing” (if you say it in Norwegian it rhymes “Det fins ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlige klær”.

While for the most part, I believe this is true, (and have embraced it with a fabulous collection of hard-core, Scandi-brand jackets, merino thermals, base layers, scarves, hats, gloves, and boots) sometimes the weather is just really, really bad. At those times there is nothing better than getting cosy inside.

And let’s face it, sometimes it’s just nice to be indoors.

Here are some ideas to get cosy indoors:

• Snuggle up with a blanket and watch a film or episode of your favourite series.
• Get cracking on the book you’re reading, or start reading that book you’ve been meaning to get to for ages…(reading a good book is my absolute favourite thing to do at any time of the year, but snuggled in a cosy blanket makes it feel extra-special)
• Light candles
• Play cards, or a board game, or do a jigsaw puzzle
• Get baking – fill your house with wonderful baking smells – bread, cake, cookies, brownies, muffins
• Invite friends round for coffee and cake, or a casual meal – such as a potluck

Hygge

The Danish word “hygge” has taken the world by storm over the last few years.  Wherever we are in the world though, I believe it’s a concept that most of us know instinctively is good for the soul, whether we use the word ‘hygge’ or not.

The fresh-start feeling

September is often called the other January. This time of year can generate a wonderful fresh-start or clean-slate feeling as we mark the end of summer by turning our attention to getting back to or creating positive habits and routines. It’s that new notebook and fresh pencils ‘back-to-school’ type of feeling. 

At this time of year, we are more likely to be feeling optimistic (rather than exhausted or depleted after the festive season) – the perfect state of mind for creating positive changes in our lives!

By getting a head start on our resolutions we can sail into January feeling happier and healthier, with our good habits already established.

Wrap up warm and get outside, get cosy indoors, embrace hygge, look forward to the festive season, and enjoy a fresh start!

AUTUMN BUCKET LIST IDEAS:

1. Go for a walk in your local country park, forest or open space
2. Try a new, autumn-inspired recipe
3. Build a blanket fort or cosy tent indoors
4. Visit your local pumpkin patch
5. Start a family diary of what you’ve seen/done this season
6. Go on a nature scavenger hunt
7. Make leaf prints to decorate your kitchen
8. Go puddle splashing
9. Make your favourite pumpkin bake or recipe
10. Visit friends or family you haven’t seen in a while
11. Take some seasonal family photos
12. Go on a bike ride
13. Do something crafty with pine cones
14. Spend a few hours exploring nature and wildlife
15. Capture memories of the changing leaves
16. Make a seasonal soup recipe
17. Visit a pottery centre and paint a new mug
18. Create a scrapbook of your favourite Autumn memories
19. Go foraging or apple-picking
20. Make fun plans for Winter
21. Decorate Your Home with Autumnal Flair
22. Update Your Wardrobe for Autumn
23. Drink a Pumpkin Spice Latte
24. Go to a Harvest Festival
25. Roast Marshmallows or Make S’Mores
26. Snuggle Up Around a Fire Pit or Campfire
27. Visit a Corn Maze
28. Go to a Farmer’s Market
29. Burn Autumn Scented Candles
30. Go on a Scenic Drive
31. Walk Along the River
32. Watch a Seasonal Movie
33. Have an Autumn Picnic
34. Do an Autumn Clean and Dust Away the Cobwebs!
35. Go Stargazing
36. Get an Autumn Manicure
37. Visit a Nature Reserve
38. Watch Fireworks
39. Carve a Pumpkin
40. Celebrate Halloween

Wishing you a peaceful and cosy autumn season x

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