Autumn Self-Care Tips
Dark nights have rolled in, and autumn is officially here. Along with the change of seasons, you might also notice a change in your mood.
In the summer, you might wake up raring to go due to lighter mornings. Whereas, in the autumn months, it can be more tempting to hit snooze on your alarm.
We’ve rounded up our top self-care tips to make sure the weather doesn’t take its toll on your well-being this autumn.
Prioritise yourself
This time of year can leave you thinking, how is it almost Christmas again?
Queue the Christmas shopping panic and festive catchups with friends and family. In the excitement, it’s all too easy to forget to make time for yourself.
But, during these dark months, it’s important to prioritise yourself. Whether it’s reading a book, lighting your favourite candle, or taking a long bath.
Whatever helps you relax and unwind, be sure to make it a regular thing.
Get enough sleep
A good night’s sleep is important to set you up for the day ahead. It’s recommended that you get at least eight hours of rest a night and wake up at the same time each day – even at weekends.
If you do struggle with sleeping, there’s a few things you can do:
- Avoid screens and bright lights at least an hour before bed
- Calming scents such as lavender can help you drift off easier
- Enjoy a hot drink to wind down
Enjoy time outdoors
Ever find yourself hibernating throughout the colder months, in favour of cosying up on the sofa? Don’t we all?
But just 30 minutes of exercise a day can be a huge mood booster. When we exercise, our brain produces feel-good chemicals called dopamine and serotonin. The effects of these can be felt even after you’ve finished exercising.
By getting out in the fresh air, you will also boost your Vitamin D levels, which is even more important in the darker months.
Head to your local park for a walk, run, or even just a hot drink in the fresh air and you will reap the benefits!
Make seasonal foods
Soup season is officially upon us, and there’s nothing more comforting than a warming bowl of soup. During this time of year, there’s plenty of seasonal foods you can enjoy in your meals.
These include betroot, swede, turnip, winter squash, and pumpkins. Not only providing one of your five-a-day, but some can also reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Seasonal activities
While the air might be colder and rainier, there’s still plenty of seasonal activities you can enjoy around this time of year.
Get your bake on
Whether you prefer to bake alone or get the family involved, baking treats is a great mood-boosting activity.
It’s the perfect activity to switch off from busy life as it requires a lot of concentration and time depending on the recipe. There’s tonnes of autumn recipes including pies and cakes, which incorporate seasonal foods to choose from.
For an extra mood boost why not share your baked treats with a neighbour and feel the instant serotonin?
Use your creativity
Keep busy on rainy autumnal days by getting creative. Carve a pumpkin, create an autumn wreath, or learn a new skill. You won’t be short on choice for seasonal materials with leaves, berries, and conkers all readily available outside.
These activities not only boost your mood but can help you enjoy a break from smartphones. It’s important to take regular technology breaks to be more present.
Head out for an autumn drive
Scotland is home to stunning natural landscapes that make for an unforgettable autumn drive. Enjoy the beauty of the National Parks or drive up the North Coast 500 for a longer adventure.
Fancy yourself a film buff? Take our Scottish filming locations road trip. The road trip covers filming locations from Harry Potter, Marvel, and DC movies.
Is your Motability car ready for the new season? Read our article on autumn driving.
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