How to De-Stress this Autumn ...

 

I love Autumn its my favourite season! 

The darker nights are here, the days are getting cooler and we're in the middle of a busy term with the children. You may be finding yourself feeling sad that 'summer's over' but I want to show you some simple ways you can feel hygge to de-stress this Autumn. 

The Danes are great at slowing down and finding the greatness that each season brings. 

1. Plant Tulips

Plant some tulips, daffodils and other spring bulbs in a pot and daydream about the happiness and beauty they are going to bring to you early spring next year. Each spring its joyful to see the bulbs you have planted open up - especially if you have forgotten which type you planted!

Working in the soil will also make you feel happier too as scientists have shown us that powerful feel-good hormones (Endorphins) are released when working with the bacteria found in soil. Plant yourself happier!

2. Make some comfort food

Stews, chilis, goulash and slow cooker meals, it's your chance to shine and make our stomachs feel cosy happiness! 

The art of chopping up vegetables and preparing meals can be very therapeutic. When trying a new recipe it involves concentration and busy hands which stops you scrolling on your phone and really being in the moment. Tuning into your senses as you smell the delicious aromas or perhaps see the bubbling away of your recipe as you can see it's ready to eat!

Why not begin by searching for some slow cooker recipes and start to create a delicious collection/recipe book for you and the family.

Once your meal is made, get together with others and enjoy a relaxed dinner. 

3. Go leaf peeping!

This involves travelling to see the seasonal foliage in an area to view and photograph it. It involves living in the present moment and spending time in nature seeing the beauty of all the colours. 

Why not head into your local area and spend time observing the trees and their changes? If you have children why not pick an area or favourite tree and document the changes to the tree over the months of September and October? You could collect and press some leaves, take photos and do your own nature observations.

4. Create a nook 

Set up a cosy nook and enjoy re-reading your favourite book or perhaps head to the library to try something new. 

5. Decorate a candle

Decoupage some fancy bits of paper napkin (using mod podge) onto a plain candle to create your own personalised candle. Add some hessian ribbon.

For more ideas to support your wellbeing and to find more 'Hygge', check out the Hygge in the Early Years Accreditation - Contact me for further details.