10 Ways to slow down in Autumn: Slow Living and serenity at home
10 Ways to slow down in autumn: slowliving
Autumn is a season that naturally invites us to turn more inward. As the leaves fall and the days grow shorter, we experience a change in the rhythms of nature. This is the ideal time to slow down and embrace slow living more. It's time to let go of our hectic lifestyle for a while and indulge in peace and coziness, both indoors and outdoors.
In this blog, I give you 10 ways to slow down for autumn so you can enjoy the season with awareness and a sense of calmness
1. Create a calming atmosphere in your home
Autumn invites you to make your home cozy inside. Use soft lighting (dimmers also work well for this), candles and a warm blanket on the couch. A warm bottle is also very nice if you are naturally sensitive to being cold. Natural elements, such as handmade tableware or a vase, will add tranquility to your interior. If you love candles check out the handmade candle holders here or this set of a tea light and round flower vase. Your home will become an oasis of calm, where you can relax after a busy day.
2. Start your day slowly
Start your morning slowly. Maybe you already have a morning ritual but starting with a quiet, nutritious meal instead of rushing makes a world of difference! Make a hot cup of tea or coffee in your favorite handmade mug and take a moment to enjoy the stillness. It's also nice to go outside after this, for a short (or longer) morning walk. The cold on your face will make you feel completely awake and refreshed for the day. Other options to include in a morning routine; writing in your journal, 10 minutes of yoga or a short meditation or just reading. These habits will help you start your day calm and focused.
3. Read a book or poem
Autumn is the perfect time to read a good book or poem. It's a quiet activity that puts you in the moment and helps you relax and slow down. Do you already have books on your wish list? Pick one and start reading. Put your phone away, that way you won't be so easily distracted and you can fully focus on reading. A nice magazine will do as well, of course. And a pot of tea and a nice mug cannot be missing.
4. Retire to a cozy corner
Create a cozy spot in your home where you can relax with a cup of tea or coffee. Maybe with a warm plaid over your legs and a handmade mug with your favorite fall drink. This quiet moment will help you come to yourself for a moment. Unwind while not doing or having to do anything and allow yourself time to recover from the daily hectic.
5. Spend time outdoors
Although autumn invites you to turn inward, it is also important to spend time outside in the fresh air. Rain or shine, take a walk in nature and let the fresh air clear your mind. If it rains, wear good rain gear and waterproof shoes or boots and go outside. Fresh air benefits a person and spending some time in nature slows your pace and connects you with the natural world around you.
6. Make autumn decorations out of natural materials
Autumn offers so many lovely natural elements. It is fun to do something creative with these. Collect autumn leaves, branches or chestnuts and acorns and use them to decorate your home. It is extra fun to do this together with children. First go to the forest, collect some materials and create something nice at home. Think of making chestnut bugs, stenciling autumn leaves, making a beautiful autumn arrangement or a mobile from natural materials. You can find many great ideas on Pinterest. This is not only relaxing and fun to do, but also a way to bring the beauty of the season inside and spend more time outside in nature yourself.
7. Cook a delicious (seasonal) meal
Cooking is a great way to slow your pace and be fully in the moment. And it's also great fun to do with someone. Choose a dish with seasonal ingredients, such as pumpkin, apples or chestnuts. For example, a delicious stew with apple. As you cook, take time to enjoy the process. One of my favorite fall dishes that I often make is this dish from The First Mess. A delicious fall/winter recipe, also suitable for the holidays. Baking is also very nice to do in autumn. Think of a delicious cake with seasonal apples and cinnamon or a carrot cake with cookie spices.
8. Meditate or do yoga
Slow living is a mindset that you can incorporate into your daily routine. If you are looking for more peace in your daily life, meditation or yoga can help you (re)find your inner peace that you may be missing in hectic life. By regularly meditating or doing yoga, you learn to calm your mind and be in the moment. This time of turning inward lends itself especially well to experimenting with this if you are new to it. There are several apps that can also help you get started.
9. Reduce digital overload
Actually always, but especially in autumn it is important to balance the hectic nature of your digital life. Especially as the days get shorter and it gets dark earlier outside, it's important to minimize exposure to blue light in the evenings as it can affect your biological clock. Put your phone on silent more often, take breaks from social media and spend less time on screens. This will give you more space for quiet moments.
10. Embrace seasonal rituals
Each season brings its own rituals. In autumn, for example, this may mean spending more time inside, spending time with loved ones and focusing more on being at home. These are the moments of connection and rest inherent in autumn. Autumn is a season of change and a perfect opportunity to embrace the benefits of slow living. By taking time to slow down and make conscious choices, you give yourself space to recover, recharge and enjoy the simplicity and beauty of the moment. When we slow down, we are more in touch with ourselves and with nature, and that's what makes this season so special.