Now that the summer has given us the last of its warmth and super long days, it can be easy to shrug it all off and slip into the stressful run up to Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas. Before we know it, it’s January again and we’re in full on winter mode. But autumn is the perfect time to pause, take a breath and embrace some new, calm habits. Here’s our top ten ideas for making your autumn as calm and relaxed as possible…

1. Instead of giving summer over to the history books, take some time to fondly recall your favourite summer memories. Smile at the thought of the kids on the beach and laugh at the BBQs you spent with friends. 
2. Make the most of the nutritious root veg that’s just coming into season. Carrots, parsnips, potatoes, swedes and turnips are perfect for batch cooking wholesome, filling meals that lend themselves well to freezing for when the evenings feel too short and you don't have time to cook. 
3. Spices such as ginger and turmeric are also perfect for this time of year, and they have powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help to protect the immune system. A healthy immune system means you’ll be less likely to succumb to cold and flu bugs. Search our recipe pages for your favourite curry - most curry powders contain these two warming spices. 
4. Indulge in some antioxidant-rich dark chocolate to help keep your immune system strong. A few squares a day is a healthy habit, or why not make your own? 
5. Discover your new favourite hot drink by trying some new sleepy teas. Night time teas often contain chamomile and other calming flowers and will help you unwind in the evening. 
6. Take mindful nature walks - wrap up if it's chilly, take some deep, crisp breaths and take note of the landscapes as they change from summer to autumn to winter.
7. Keep up with your OYG workouts - when we exercise, we feel both physically and emotionally good. Exercise helps to protect our mental health as well as our physical health, meaning that we’ll be less likely to suffer the symptoms of SAD. 
8. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep but be mindful of not having too much. It can be tempting to stay under the duvet when the mornings are darker, but try to stick to the same sleeping patterns as during the summer to keep your body clock on track. Sleeping late can mean that we put ourselves behind and rushing around does nothing for our state of mind! 
9. Try adding some mindful meditation to your mornings to help brighten your day, even if the sun hasn’t risen outside yet.