October 10th 2024, World Mental Health Day
Wherever you might be as you read this, take a moment… unwind… reflect… breathe. Pour yourself a cuppa. Autumn is here. Instead of resisting, complaining and looking towards the summer months, let’s try to embrace the change in weather, in light and in season. Replace the takeaway cups of iced coffee with steaming mugs of tea. Ditch the light salads for warming, hearty stews and seasonal veg. Say hello to woolly layers and pink noses. Rich tones of earthy browns, deep orange and forest greens decorate the landscape. Fragrant notes of cinnamon, spiced apple, and pumpkin fill the air, as logs crackle on the fire and rain taps upon the windows. Welcome the darker evenings and the nip in the air telling us to slow down a little.
As the trees sigh a breath of relief and release their worries (and their leaves!) so should we. Nature is getting ready to nestle down and rest after a very busy year, and as the animals and plants slow down, recuperate and relax, we seem to speed up, trying to prepare for Back to School, Halloween and Christmas, and often before we even know where we are, it’s the New Year! So why don’t we take a leaf out of Nature’s book? Take a few minutes, maybe even after reading this, to plan a little or tackle that thing you’ve been putting off for a while. Do what you can in small moments to organise for the bigger moments! Christmas cards, why not write a few this weekend and put them away? Give a little thought to a few things that might help you slow down during the busy season ahead.
A time to regroup, reflect and recentre. Spending some time in the beautiful outdoors is a wonderful way to embrace this season, it is chilly, so do take care and wrap up warm! Dust off the cobwebs and clear your head, throw on an extra layer and venture out in the daylight, in between the rain showers of course! Gentle movement is key for this time of year and as we’ve decided to wind down for the Autumn and Winter, here are some low impact exercises that you might enjoy dabbling in these next few months…
Pilates is known for its ability to increase muscle strength, improve flexibility, and straighten posture. As it involves a particular breathing pattern, this low impact exercise is one of the most effective ways to calm the mind. It can also amazingly decrease stress hormones and increase endorphins, which are your body’s ‘feel good’ chemicals, providing you with a natural boost. How lovely! If you’d prefer something a little slower, yoga is a beautiful alternative, that focuses on your flexibility as well as breathing and relaxation.
Walking is a beautiful, quick and easy form of exercise that can improve overall physical health as well as our mental wellbeing. Going for a walk in the evening can help us unwind after a long day and give us the opportunity to connect with nature around us, especially if we’ve been inside all day. Alternatively, you might enjoy the chilly mornings, when layers are essential and there is a nip in the air. Whether it’s fast paced or a gentle stroll, an early morning walk is the perfect, fresh start to the day! If you’d like something with a little more activity, why not give cycling or swimming a go? They are both excellent, gentle forms of exercise that will keep you active this season!
A slow living lifestyle is beautiful in theory, but can be somewhat unrealistic in practice, especially if you lead a busy life! Setting a few moments aside at the end of the week to do something seasonal will help you feel grounded over these next few months. I find a small and simple way to spend more time in nature whilst having a busy schedule is to have a cup of tea outside! Whether your garden is big or small, have a seat or simply stroll with a cup of your favourite tea or coffee and listen to the sounds, embrace the sights and simply breathe. If you don’t have any outdoor space, don’t worry, replace the mug with a thermal flask and head off to your favourite spot! Maybe it’s the beach or a forest park, wherever it is, wrap up warm and take a few moments to be still and be present.
For more ideas on how to spend time outdoors this season, explore Hikes and Walks in Ireland for some local inspiration!
Don’t forget… take a moment, breathe and say hello to Autumn.