The turn of the season brings with it shorter, darker days and longer nights; in many respects, autumn brings little more than the prospect of an inevitable long, cold winter. For some, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) sets in, and it can be hard to find the motivation to do anything.
I’m a bit of a contradiction when it comes to the weather; when it’s mid-January and I can hardly remember what warmth felt like outside, there’s little better than the idea of basking under the summer sun. But, at summer’s end, after a heatwave or two, I’m more than ready to welcome the return of autumn. Although it takes a little while to get used to grey mornings again, I can’t deny that I rejoice when greeting my jumpers! There’s something about autumn that signals a warm, happy feeling in me. Maybe that’s because we’re inching closer to Christmas, perhaps my favourite time of year. Or maybe it’s the writer in me who revels in the darker days. Whatever it is, I embrace the darker season, and here’s how you can too.
Things to do in Autumn
Enjoy seasonal flavours
Indulge in cinnamon rolls, pumpkin pies and other baked goods infused with seasonal flavours (whether you bake it or buy it), or apple cider and pumpkin spice lattés (although I can’t say I’m a fan of the latter). As it’s also the season for apple picking, toffee apples can be a great idea for a seasonal treat.
Take a walk in the park
Autumn is a photographer’s dream. The season is rich in beautiful colours and you don’t have to go far to see them. A simple walk in the park is a great (and free) way of enjoying this season.
Slowing down
After a summer full of holidays and activities, autumn invites us to slow down with the dying days. The days are shorter and (if you live somewhere like the UK) especially damp, so time spent indoors can be a welcome change. It encourages us to lean into self-care, such as enjoying long bubble baths and enjoying the simple cosiness of home.
Cosy at home with a book/TV show
This more or less ties-in with above. Slowing down our days in autumn provides the chance to catch up with the latest shows and make a dent in our (or, at least, my ever growing) To-Be-Read list. There’s nothing quite like pouring rain outside with a good book and a cup of tea.
Decorate your home in autumnal vibes
Leaning into the season can look like giving your home a touch of autumn. Including warm, earthy tones or other seasonal features such as pine cones and conkers can be nice additions to your home decor, while adding fairy lights can offer a warm touch for evenings too.
Look ahead to upcoming events
With autumn comes Halloween, and before you know it, it’s time to get ready for the festive season. Look ahead to these events by preparing early, whether that’s carving a pumpkin for Halloween or picking up some new decor for Christmas (although I’m firmly an only-decorate-from-the-1st-of-December kind of person).
Pick up a hobby
With all this time spent hiding away from shoddy weather, it’s the perfect time to start a new hobby. Activities such as knitting and the like are great, and only add to the cosy factor of autumn.
Plan a short break to really enjoy autumn’s beauty
After the brightness of summer, the turn of seasons can be gloomy. Beyond the lead up to Christmas and New Year, the advent of autumn marks the beginning of the colder, gloomier months (for those in the Northern Hemisphere, at least). Planning a short break somewhere can be a great alternative to beat the blues and explore a new place outside of peak season. From personal experience, city breaks to Paris and Edinburgh are both fantastic options.
How are you planning on enjoying this season?
