BLOG 342: HOW I’M EMBRACING AUTUMN (WHEN I’M A SUMMER PERSON!)

Even though I’m definitely a Summer person,give me sunshine, long days, and the feeling of lightness any time, I’ve found myself slowly falling in love with the cosier side of Autumn this year. There’s something about this season that invites a slower pace, deeper rest, and more nurturing rituals.

Instead of resisting the shift, I’ve been choosing to lean into it, and I wanted to share a few simple things that are helping me embrace Autumn with a little more joy and balance (plus connect this with Face Yoga too).

Hot Chocolates and Cosy Rituals

I’ve always believed that self-care can be simple, and one of my favourite rituals has been making hot chocolate with my Velvetiser. I use almond milk and 85% cocoa flakes from Hotel Chocolat, and it feels so comforting, like a hug in a cup. I’ll often wrap up in a chunky scarf or a big cardigan and take it outside for a few quiet moments. The air is crisp, the light is golden, and it feels so grounding to pause and breathe.

It’s amazing how a small ritual can set the tone for the day. This is something I often talk about in Face Yoga too, when we take even a few minutes to tune in, whether through facial massage, gentle breathwork, or just enjoying a mindful drink, our whole nervous system responds.

Early Nights and Restorative Routines

Autumn seems to naturally encourage more rest, and I’ve been really embracing that. As a Mum, an early bedtime fits perfectly with family life, and since I had my eldest daughter 13 years ago, I’ve completely retrained my body clock to actually crave winding down earlier. Some evenings I’ll be in my pyjamas or a cosy dressing gown by 5pm, and I absolutely love it!

Over the years I’ve realised that sleep is one of the most underrated parts of wellness and beauty. When we rest deeply, our body and skin have the chance to repair and renew.

I often do my main Face Yoga routine before bed too. A few minutes of gentle facial massage to release tension and soften my expression. And then some lifting and firming facial exercises followed by some soothing acupressure. It’s such a lovely way to let go of the day and signal to the body that it’s time to rest.

Seeing Beauty in Nature

This year I’ve made a conscious effort to really see the beauty in nature. I’ve been soaking up the colours of the leaves, watching the light change, and letting myself feel that sense of wonder. Autumn is such a sensory season, the smell of wood smoke, the crunch of leaves, the coolness in the air.

I find that Face Yoga and mindfulness go hand in hand, and being present in nature feels like another form of that practice. When I go on long walks surrounded by trees, I can feel my whole body relax. It’s a reminder that slowing down doesn’t mean stopping, it means aligning with the rhythm of nature.

Embracing Change

Autumn has this beautiful energy of transformation. The trees let go of their leaves, the days shorten, and we’re invited to do the same, to release what no longer serves us. I’ve been using this time to reflect on what I want to let go of and what I want to welcome in.

Journalling really helps me with this. I’ll often write down what I want to leave behind, habits, thoughts, or even small things that don’t feel aligned anymore, and then note what I want to bring in for the new season. It’s such a powerful reset.

Just like we gently let go of stress and release tension with journalling, we can also bring this into our Face Yoga too. Let go of the blocked emotion and negative energy that our faces can hold.

Saunas and Warmth

While some people love the cold plunges and ice baths that are so popular right now, I’m all about the warmth! I love doing two or three sauna sessions a week, ideally infrared. That deep, grounding heat feels so nourishing and helps me release physical and mental tension.

Heat therapy also supports circulation, something that’s key for glowing skin and a healthy complexion. Just as facial massage boosts blood flow and oxygen to the skin, saunas do the same for the whole body. After a sauna (and Face Yoga!), I always notice my skin looks brighter and my mind feels calmer.

Warming, Nourishing Foods

Food has such an emotional connection to the seasons. This Autumn, I’ve been leaning into warming, grounding meals, soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and it’s been so satisfying. A bowl of homemade pumpkin soup reminded me how good seasonal eating can be.

In traditional wellness philosophies, Autumn is the season of grounding and nourishment, so warm, cooked foods are perfect for supporting digestion and energy. I’ll still enjoy salads, but I balance them with something warming and earthy.

Just like Face Yoga supports your skin from the outside in, the food we eat supports our glow from the inside out too.

Letting Go

One of the most powerful lessons Autumn teaches me each year is the art of letting go. Whether it’s a project that’s run its course, a thought pattern that feels heavy, or simply clutter around the home, releasing creates space. I find that when I clear physical and emotional space, new opportunities start to flow in naturally.

Sometimes I’ll even combine this idea with a Face Yoga session, gently releasing tension from my face while reflecting on what I’m ready to let go of, often through affirmations. It’s such a lovely way to align body, mind, and energy.

Wool Socks and Simple Joys

It’s funny how something so small can make such a difference. I was gifted a pair of beautiful wool socks in Iceland last year, and I’ve been wearing them non-stop this month. Keeping my feet warm helps me feel relaxed, grounded, and connected to something natural.
It’s a reminder that self-care doesn’t always need to be elaborate. Sometimes it’s as simple as warmth, comfort, and being fully present in the moment.

Finding Balance in the Season

All these small shifts, the slower mornings, the mindful walks, the nourishing foods, the cosy routines, have helped me feel more balanced and connected this season. I may always love Summer, but there’s something deeply healing about Autumn’s calm energy.

If, like me, you’re learning to embrace Autumn a little more each year, remember that this season is here to support you. It’s a time for grounding, reflection, and gentle renewal and it can be a beautiful opportunity to rest and let go.

Ready to Embrace the Season More Deeply?

If this resonates with you, I think you’ll love my Face Yoga Retreat Bundle. It includes four online Face Yoga and wellness retreats, one for each season, including a gorgeous Autumn-focused retreat to help you slow down, restore balance, and feel radiant from the inside out.

You can enjoy it in your own home and do each retreat at your own pace. It’s such a beautiful way to honour the energy of each season and nurture yourself throughout the year.

Discover the Face Yoga Retreat Bundle here.