5 WAYS TO PREP YOU MIND, BODY & SOUL FOR THE AUTUMN CHILL

Hello! Welcome to Halloween week … regardless of where you are in the states, it’s likely that you’ve finally experienced the first chill of the new season, foreshadowing what’s to come in the next month or two. And now that all the Halloween fun is about to wrap up, we enter into what I like to call the season of thankfulness and introspection. The days get shorter, the darkness sets in sooner, and we inevitably spend more time indoors (likely at home). It presents us with a wonderful opportunity for reflection… time to slow down, and time to savor simple comforts. So, how do you make the most of this seasonal opportunity? Read on for my five tips on how to prepare your mind and your home to take full advantage of all this magical season has to offer.

prepare your home

Without delving too deeply into the obvious, autumn is chilly … falling temperatures, swirling winds, and shorter, darker days are par for the course. Creating a comfortable environment in your home to counteract the harshness of the outdoors not only makes the day-to-day more tolerable, it actually offers up the opportunity to find joy in even the simplest of things …

Stock up on some basic essentials to make your home a welcoming place … a soft, fluffy blanket, a few plush throw pillows, a cozy pajama set, scented candles, etc. These small comforts shouldn’t be overlooked … they make your home a place where you long to be.

create an autumn playlist

Music has a powerful impact on your mood … take it down a notch and try something warm and intimate … like jazz, blues, or folk. Miles Davis, Charles Bradley, and Norah Jones all make a frequent appearance on my playlist.

start a new routine

As I said, the harshness of the outdoors can take it’s toll on your body and mind … start a new routine focused on caring for both. Take a nightly bath with essential oils, unwind every evening with a cup of tea, incorporate heavier, richer moisturizing products into your cleansing routine, bundle up and take a walk in the crisp, cool morning air, or dedicate 10 minutes each morning or evening to a simple meditation (I love the Aura app, available at the App store, for simple, short guided meditations). You can also check out a few of my favorite products below.

put down the electronic device … embrace the beauty of the season

When you’re cooped up indoors for long periods of time during the cooler months, it can be tempting to find solace in your electronic devices. Don’t fall for it. They do nothing to feed your mind, body, or soul… in fact, quite the opposite. Instead, spend your free time enjoying the beauty and spirit of the season … take a walk with family or friends through the crisp, cool air… enjoy the explosion of colors as the leaves hold on to their last bit of life … or curl up with a hot cocoa and a favorite book. Or use the opportunity to learn a new skill or hobby … take up knitting or try your hand at a more time-consuming baking project, such a croissants — something you’d never have the free time to labor over during the warmer more fast-paced months of the year.

reflect & be thankful

More than anything, this time of year is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and be thankful. If you identify with a particular faith, spend time each day in prayer. I feel most content when I regularly spend time with God in prayer. If you don’t identify with a particular faith, instead of prayer, take a few moments each day to simply quiet your mind, reflect, and be thankful … thankful for all the blessings in your life… family, friends, a home, nutritious food, a loving pet, coffee, chocolate … you get the point 🙂 There are a great many people around the world suffering, who face more hardship each day than you may ever face in your lifetime … be aware, and grateful for all the gifts you have in your life.