As the days grow shorter and the so-called ‘cosy season’ unfolds, we’re encouraged to slow down. But slowing down doesn’t have to mean putting life on hold until spring. It can be a chance to recognise how our bodies and routines shift with the seasons, and find ways to work with them, rather than against them.
“Rather than trying to maintain the same pace all year round, I like to make small seasonal shifts to my routine. Getting outside in the morning helps me catch more sunlight, but I also listen to my body and get more rest when I need to.”
Sasha Watkins, Registered Dietitian & Head of Health at Mindful Chef
Maximise the morning
It isn’t about becoming a 5am early bird or adding more to your to-do list, but finding a rhythm that works in tandem with the clocks changing. Tackling some of your usual tasks in the morning can leave more time to unwind in the darker evenings, when motivation may dwindle. That might mean a walk before work, preparing dinner or getting a few chores ticked off early.
Find joy in the little things
The perpetual dark can leave a cloud hanging over chilly days, but there are little pops of joy that can bring the colour back. Freshly cut flowers, new candles and a favourite playlist make staying home feel like a moment in itself. Even something as small as adding that optional garnish to a meal can make it feel more special.
Dust off the slow cooker
Imagine this: dinner, taken care of, so by the time the evening rolls around, it’s one less thing to worry about. That’s where the slow cooker comes in. Ideal for meals that suit the season like curries, stews and soups, which are warming and unhurried. Simply pop dinner in, then use that time saved to walk the dog, call a friend or read the next chapter.
Make space to reset
Perhaps the summer version of your life sees you rushing between holidays, barbecues and social plans, but autumn comes with the permission to dial it down. Research has suggested we may need more sleep during the winter compared to the summer, so don’t be afraid to honour that rhythm – after all, rest doesn’t need to be earned. Scaling back your schedule doesn’t mean doing nothing. Instead it can help you make room for analogue hobbies like knitting, colouring in and yoga, which may help you recuperate.
Ultimately, it’s about making space for the things that matter and finding a rhythm that feels right for you, whatever the season.
