Autumn is a warm season. Perhaps not in weather, but in colours and coziness: the oranges and reds against backdrops of lush greens that are yet to turn, the flushed cheeks upon returning from a bracing walk, the digging in the cupboard for blankets and woolly socks and the hunkering down with a hot chocolate while listening to the rain. It is a tender, loving, comforting season, but it can also be a little stressful.

In a world of Instagram-perfection, the fear of missing out is a legitimate concern. Seeing snaps of Pumpkin Spice Lattes everywhere on social-media, seeing a friend’s Autumnal walk through the woods or a celebrity’s picture-perfect cozy living room is enough to make you want it all, all at once. It irrationally makes you feel like if you can’t have a hot drink, while toasting marshmallows, while jumping in a pile of leaves, while also watching Hocus Pocus, then you’re not “living your best life”. It’s a little bit overwhelming, or at least, it is for me.

I also feel like it’s compounded this year by the fact that we’re still in Coronavirus limbo. Some parts of the country are locked-down, others are almost going about as normal. Some people can meet up with friends for a nice, spiced coffee, others have to stay home, isolated from family. The seasonal warmth suddenly feels a little bittersweet, and a little bit lonely.

In light of this, I thought I’d share some of the little ways I indulge in Autumn, satisfy my spooky cravings and feel warm and fuzzy season-round. These are the ways that I overcome Instagram-induced anxiety and ways to feel grounded when missing loved ones or just feeling a little bit glum. I think of it as my low-key Autumn self-care package. These are simple things that really add up to the autumn feel-good factor, but the idea is that they don’t have to be done all at once.

1SMELL – It sounds very simple, and perhaps a bit cliché, but I find burning a candle really soothing. The way the scents waft around the room and the flicker of the flame is perpetually calming. My two favourites at the moment are: Hygge from YR Studio and Sleep from The White Company.

2TASTE – There are some flavours that are synonymous with this season: cinnamon, butternut squash, ginger, pumpkin etc. While it would be in my nature to go full-hog and create three daily meals that appeal to the Autumnal tastes, I tend to just sporadically incorporate them into my weekly meals. Perhaps I’ll have cinnamon porridge for breakfast one morning, or a bowl of butternut squash soup for lunch another day. Nothing too mad, and easily absorbed into my weekly shop, but nonetheless warming and heartening. I’m also finding that I quite enjoy baking, and so I’ve been tapping in to my spookier side to make some novelty bakes.

3FEEL – Touch is a key part of our composition and I think it’s often overlooked. In a time of social-distancing, our element of physical feeling is being sorely underused. While I’d normally say a bear hug or a sofa-cuddle would satisfy this Autumnal need, I’m now leaning towards soft pyjamas, fuzzy socks and a chunky blanket. But it could also be a crunchy autumn walk, feeling the mud squelch and the cool breeze on your skin. Or it could be apple/pumpkin picking. Something tangible, palpable, something to feel in your hands or against your skin. Whatever makes you happy. And remember, you don’t need to do everything.

4WATCH – Watching something seasonal always makes me feel “in the moment”. I tend to go for something nostalgic. Something with fond memories, something that’s heartwarming and fairly innocuous, but still good-quality. Gilmore Girls is a go-to, as is Scooby Doo and the Ghoul School, Hocus Pocus is a new favourite and Netflix has some stellar sci-fi series, too.

5 LISTEN – I find that when I’m by myself, I begin to feel lonely if it’s too quiet. I often put a Harry Potter audiobook on for some comforting company, sometimes I listen to Taylor Swift’s Folklore for chilled background music, or sometimes I go full-out and tune into my own ‘Spooky Playlist’ which can be found here.

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All pictures are my own unless otherwise credited. Permission must be obtained before any reproduction and credit must be issued in any reproduction.

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