8 ways to welcome Autumn

How to wholeheartedly embrace the equinox

Tomorrow is the Autumn equinox in the UK (similar to the Summer and Winter solstices) and the official start of Autumn, astrologically speaking.

As part of my healing process, I’m trying to acknowledge the seasonal changes as much as possible; to stop manically zooming from one thing to another, with blurred boundaries and no time to pause and reflect. To properly anchor myself in the here and now.

I don’t know about you, but I could feel Autumn on the approach this week. Trees starting to shed their leaves, a slight chill in the air, golden daylight, nighttime creeping in ever earlier.

Here are a few ways to embrace Autumn, feel free to share your own!

1. Collect a couple of conkers. Apparently, if you place them in the corners of your room at home, they scare off spiders. I’m willing to give anything a go when it comes to warding off creepy-crawlies.

2. Treat yourself to a new knit or get your old ones back out, ready for cooler climes. Don’t forget to check out charity shops for nice chunky knits – that’s where I found this baby blue fella.

3. Make your living room and/bedroom extra cosy. Think cushions, rugs, candles. Plain fairy lights add a subtle twinkle for some low-key lighting.

4. Watch the trees changing colour. A walk in the woods to observe nature’s Autumnal jewel tones. Forage elderberries, blackberries, apples and pears while you’re out and about.

5. Follow season hashtags on Instagram for all the Autumnal vibes. Try: #impressionsofautumn | #thegreatoutdoors | #autumnscenes | #autumnmood | #embracingtheseasons |#thatautumnmagic.

6. ‘Tis the season for slow cooker recipes! Or cook a casserole, or make soup from scratch.

7. Decorate your dining table with branches and leaves; maybe some of those cute mini pumpkins or some acorns and pine cones.

8. Warm your bones with a deep, steaming bath. Add a few handfuls of Epsom sea salt and a few drops of lavender or rosemary. Light some candles and play your favourite chilled tunes. Bliss.