Hello reader!
I probably don’t have to mention how much I love this time of year. I’ve already told you about it at least a hundred times in my previous blog posts. But not everyone enjoys it as much as I do. Some people who love the summer are feeling great sadness. This is also a common time for people who suffer from seasonal depression to get their first symptoms.
I can’t speak for other countries, but in Sweden we’re now preparing ourselves for about 5 months of cold and darkness. I can see how that might make one feel a bit blue.
So what can you do to perhaps feel a bit better?
There are so many things to appreciate with autumn. Today I’d like to share some of my favourites! Maybe there are a few things that you could try.
- Wear appropriate clothing
One of the things that might be difficult to handle is the fact that it’s getting cold outside. We can no longer just walk out the door in our T-shirt. Or we can, but it will not be comfortable. 🙂
Feeling like you’re freezing is both annoying and unpleasant. Therefore, it’s important to invest in proper clothing. Get yourself some warm shoes, a nice beanie, some gloves, and a comfy jacket. And remember that layering makes a huge difference!
Once you’re dressed properly, going outside won’t feel as bad. - Drink hot beverages
This one can also include eating soup. There is something extra special about soup, tea or hot chocolate on a cold day. Either bring it with you in a thermos when going outside, or enjoy it at home. If you live in the city, a café nearby might be a good choice too. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation while sipping on your warm beverage.
- Light candles and/or the fireplace
It’s all about getting cozy in autumn! If you have a fireplace, I’d highly suggest that you start using it now. There is something so comforting about a warm fire. Especially if you’ve just been outside, or in the morning right after waking up.
Lighting candles is also a great way to feel more cozy. You can either go for regular ones, or choose scented candles with a fragrance that you enjoy. Light them in the morning while getting ready for the day. It really lights up (no pun intended) the morning routine. - Take a walk and enjoy the moment
Autumn is absolutely beautiful. Dress yourself in warmer clothes, and take a nice walk in the forest (if it’s available to you). Otherwise, just try to walk someplace where you really enjoy the surroundings. When arriving at a nice spot, stop for a few seconds and take some deep breaths. Look around you. Are the colors of the trees changing? Even if you walk this path every single day, make sure to really look. Maybe you can appreciate something you usually miss.
If you’re in the forest, notice the fresh air and the nice autumn scents. Just take a moment and enjoy yourself. - Bake something nice!
Treat yourself with some home-baked goodies. Personally I like baking bread (great with soup), but different kinds of desserts are also much appreciated in this household.
A good way of making it a bit more seasonal is to use flavors that go well with autumn, for example apples and cinnamon. Maybe an apple pie? Or cinnamon buns? Baking something delicious can make a grey day feel much nicer.
If you want a couple of gluten-free options, my recipes can be found here. (Will be updating with new recipes on a regular basis.) - Music
Set the mood with the right kind of music. And what kind of music is that? Completely up to you. What makes you in a good mood? Is there a certain genre that’s more suitable when you’re spending time in nature, baking, or just relaxing with a good book?
Personally I’ve really fallen for some calm, nordic folk-ish sounding music lately. A song that I highly recommend within this category is this one:
- Lighting
When the sun goes into hibernation and darkness comes, it’s very important to compensate with other sources of light. In Sweden, we have different kinds of advent lights that we traditionally put in our windows on the first of the advent. (Beginning of December.)
However, waiting until December might not always be preferable. I and hubby have personally decided to add window lights that we can use all year around. They are more useful during the darker season though. They provide cozy lighting in the evenings.
- Start a new hobby
People who love the summer usually spend a lot of time outside with activities during that time of the year. When autumn comes, they suddenly have a lot of spare time and nothing to spend it on.
Maybe you could try a new hobby? Create something! Find something that brings you joy. Crafts, puzzles or reading are great relaxing options. You can also try baking, photography, digital creations, or learning an instrument. The sky is the limit! - Watch movies and/or series
A very nice part of spending more time inside: Movie nights!
There are certain movies and series that are more suitable during autumn and winter. At least in our opinion! For example, the Harry Potter movies (perfect to start a marathon in late October) and good ol’ Twin Peaks. Personally I also find Stranger Things to be better in autumn. There is just something about the vibe that works well for this season. Treat yourself to a cozy evening by the TV, wrapped in a blanket and with some tasty snacks. Preferably after a walk in the cold autumn weather. - Exercise
The most boring tip, I know. But it has been proven over and over again that exercise is good not only for your physical health, but your mental health as well.
Try to exercise at least 20 minutes every single day, or 30 minutes at least five days a week. If you haven’t been exercising at all before: start slow and work your way up to a daily routine. It’s not only healthy, but it feels fresh and nice to take care of your body.
Believe me, I’ve always hated exercising. But now that I have the routine, I just do it. It helps to vary a little bit: I go on walks or runs three to four times per week, and go to the gym for some weight lifting two times per week. Now it’s such an obvious part of my routine that I would feel strange if I didn’t go.
This point is even more important if you’re sitting still a lot. Get that blood flowing! Try to find a type of exercise that you enjoy. That way it’s much easier to keep the routine going.
Autumn and winter might feel long sometimes, but the summer will come again. Until then: do what you can to enjoy the small things in life. You’ve got this!
Love,
Food & baking, Hobbies, lifestyle 
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