How to practice self care at this time of year! #Blogtober22

I am taking part in Blogtober 2022 and will be writing posts with various themes/prompts throughout October. Today's prompt is: How I practice self care!

Autumn is the season of change. The kids are back at school, the weather is getting colder, the darker nights are coming and it just feels busier! Self care is important as it is beneficial for our physical, emotional and mental well being but I always feel I need a little bit more self care at this time of year.

Here are some ideas of how to look after yourself in the colder months.

Light a scented candle.

Bring a little warmth, light and cosiness to your home now that the days are getting shorter. I love the winter scented one's like cinnamon or gingerbread.

Get outside.

Go for a stroll outside and splash around in the puddles and swish through the leaves. As you pass the trees, take note of their changing colours! Walking has many health advantages, is cheap and simple, and is especially pretty at this time of year making it a great activity.

Decorate your home.

Be inspired by your outdoor stroll when choosing colours for the Autumn! Without breaking the bank or creating more clutter bring in some seasonal changes in your house. Replace a couple of cushion covers, add a candle or pumpkin or a blanket or two.

Keep drinking plenty of water.

Just because it's not hot outside doesn't mean you should skip out on staying hydrated and drinking enough water. Water is fantastic for your skin, hair, and pretty much the entire body. We will be putting the heating on soon if you haven't already and that will dry you and your skin out.

Do some baking.

Baking has been proven to be a therapeutic activity guaranteed to give you that pick me up feeling instantly. I love the smell of freshly baked bread, cakes and cookies and it's sure to cheer me up. I like to bake on a Tuesday so we have something yummy to eat while watching The Great British Bake off.

Enjoy a warm drink.

Since the weather is cooling off, you can enjoy warm drink without breaking a sweat. Try that drink you have been wanting to try from a coffee shop or try making a new one at home.

Have a pyjama day.

If you don't have to why bother getting dressed in proper clothes, stay in your pj's. Find a book to read, play board games or watch your favourite movie. Treat yourself to some yummy food and drink as you curl up with a blanket.

Plan for Christmas now. 

Why wait until November or December when things start to become stressful, get ahead with the planning now even if it's just by organising the decorations or making lists of what gifts you are going to buy people.

Treat yourself to some seasonal flowers.

Flowers aren't just a summer thing. Treat yourself to a beautiful bouquet of seasonal Autumn flowers, you don’t need a reason, just do it. Flowers can instantly lift your mood, they’re pretty to look at, smell great and they can brighten up your home. 

Cook up some comfort food.

Take advantage of the cold nights with some delicious comfort foods. Stews, casseroles, soups and I have found anything with mashed potato goes down well here.

How do you look after yourself at this time of year?