This autumn, let the love affair with your home bloom as vibrant as the changing leaves. It can be a little sad to see the end of the summer, the start of autumn, back to school atmosphere, the falling of the leaves from the trees, the start of shorter hours of day light and longer nights (SAD’s is a real thing, seasonal affective disorder).
But it doesn't have to be all doom and gloom, we can use the changing of the season as a time to come home to ourselves and reflect and give thanks for all the special moments of the summer, while also preparing our mind, body and homes for the coming of winter.
Here are some of our top tips on how to come back home to yourself, and fall back in love with your home this autumn....
Deep clean your home
As autumn's golden hues sweep in, so does the perfect opportunity for a deep home cleanse. Beyond the cozy aesthetics, a thorough fall cleaning offers a range of benefits that go beyond the surface. Bid farewell to summer's dust and debris, welcoming in crisp air and a sense of renewal.
Set the mood, a deep clean declutters not only your physical space but your mental space too, setting the stage for a more organised and stress-free season. It's like giving your home a warm, comforting hug, creating an inviting haven for those snug evenings and gatherings with loved ones. Plus, as you tackle forgotten corners and clear out expired items, you're effectively preparing your living space for the colder months ahead. So grab that duster, embrace the task, and relish in the rewarding transformation that autumn's deep clean can bring to both your home and your soul.
Improve your Circadian Rhythms
As autumn arrives and daylight hours shorten, the importance of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) lighting becomes ever more evident. The diminishing natural light can often cast a shadow on our mood and energy levels, but SAD lighting steps in as a guiding beacon.
With its gentle glow mimicking the sun's rays, it helps regulate our circadian rhythms and boosts the production of serotonin – the "feel-good" hormone. It's like a pocket of sunlight on command, dispersing the gloom and invigorating our spirits. SAD lighting isn't just a luxury; it's a lifeline to combat the autumn blues, rekindling our vitality and ensuring that even in the midst of shorter days, our inner sunshine remains aglow.
A sunlight lamp, also known as a light therapy lamp or light box, is a device designed to mimic the natural sunlight spectrum and provide a source of bright light. These lamps are commonly used as a treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other mood-related conditions. SAD is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, usually during the fall and winter months when sunlight exposure is reduced.
Here are links to some of our favourite SAD light brands:
Philips sleep and wake up light
Create comfort with fragrance
Ah, autumn – a season that dances on the breeze with its captivating scents. To uplift your mood and infuse your surroundings with a touch of cozy magic, look no further than the power of fragrance. Embrace the warm embrace of cinnamon and nutmeg fragrances in your at home candles, letting their spicy notes wrap around you like a comforting hug, our personal favourite for autumn is The Home Moment Earth fragranced candle.
Consider diffusing essential oils like sweet orange and vanilla – their aromatic symphony is an instant mood-lifter, chasing away any autumn blues. And let's not forget potpourri or simmer pots, where cloves and citrus peel simmer together to create an aroma that's as delightful as a crisp morning walk.
Take care of your mental & physical health
Have you ever heard of infrared light? Infrared light is a type of electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than visible light. It falls within the spectrum of light that is not visible to the human eye. Infrared light is commonly referred to as "heat radiation" because it's associated with the warmth we feel from sources like the sun, fire, or heated objects.
Infrared light therapy, is used in medicine to promote healing and reduce pain. It's often used to treat conditions such as muscle pain, joint pain, inflammation, and certain skin conditions. Infrared light can penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular processes, which may lead to improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and accelerated tissue repair.
Certain types of light therapy, including exposure to natural light or bright light, have been shown to have positive effects on mood and stress levels. While infrared therapy doesn't directly affect mood, the relief of physical discomfort through pain reduction could contribute to reduced stress and improved mental well-being.
Here are some links to our favourite infrared brands:
Insulate your home
Spend a little time getting your home ready for the colder months with some simple tips and tricks to make your home feel cozy, while also reducing your energy bills.
Curtains and Drapes: Thick, insulating curtains or drapes can help keep cold drafts from entering your home through windows. Choose curtains with thermal lining to provide an extra layer of insulation. Open them during the day to let in sunlight for natural heating, and close them at night to trap warmth.
Draft Stoppers: Use draft stoppers or door snakes along the bottoms of doors and windows to prevent cold air from seeping in and warm air from escaping. You can purchase these or make your own using materials like fabric and rice.
Rugs and Carpets: Placing rugs or carpets on floors can add an extra layer of insulation. They help prevent cold air from coming up through the floor and can make your home feel cosier.
Embrace the harvest season
As autumn ushers in its bountiful harvest, maintaining a balanced diet is key to keeping your health on track. Embrace the season's vibrant produce like apples, squash, and dark leafy greens, which pack a punch of essential nutrients. Incorporate hearty soups and stews loaded with colourful veggies to nourish your body and warm your soul.
While the allure of comfort foods is strong, opt for whole grains like quinoa and brown rice to fuel your energy levels steadily. And don't forget the importance of hydration – swap out cold drinks for soothing herbal teas to keep your body refreshed.
Here are some of our favourite nourishing autumn meal recipes:
Instant pot veggie white chilli
We can look forward to spending the cooler months wrapped up at home, carving out a little time now to prepare yourself and your home for autumn. As you immerse yourself in the simple pleasures of home, you'll discover a renewed connection with your surroundings. Your home becomes a sanctuary where you can find solace, creativity, and cherished moments with loved ones. Here’s to a happy and healthy autumn together at home.