How to de-stress this Autumn

The darker nights are here, the days are getting cooler and we're in the middle of a busy term with the children. You may be finding yourself feeling sad that 'summer's over' but I want to show you some simple ways you can feel hygge to de-stress this Autumn. 

The Danes are great at slowing down and finding the greatness that each season brings. 

1. Plant Tulips

Plant some tulips, daffodils and other spring bulbs in a pot and daydream about the happiness and beauty they are going to bring to you early spring next year. I love flicking through the bulb catalogues each year and taking the time to look for unusual bulb types. Each spring i'm always filled with joy when I see my bulbs open up as i've often forgotten what i've planted and they are a wonderful surprise. Last year my favourites were the Tulipa 'Angélique' and I planted these in a spot by my front door for the whole family and visitors to admire!

Working in the soil will also make you feel happier too as scientists have shown us that powerful feel-good hormones (Endorphins) are released when working with the bacteria found in soil. Plant yourself happier!

2. Make some comfort food

Stews, chilis, goulash and slow cooker meals, it's your chance to shine and make our stomachs feel cosy happiness! 

I always find that the art of chopping up vegetables and preparing meals can be very therapeutic. When trying a new recipe it involves concentration and busy hands which stops you scrolling on your phone and really being in the moment. Tuning into your senses as you smell the delicious aromas or perhaps see the bubbling away of your recipe as you can see it's ready to eat!

I've started a bookmarks tab on safari of all the delicious seasonal recipes i've found. Why not begin by searching for slow cooker recipes and begin saving your own!

Once your meal is made, get together with others and enjoy a relaxed dinner. 

3. Go leaf peeping!

I first discovered the term 'leaf peeping' while on an Autumn break in Canada a couple of years ago. It involves travelling to see the seasonal foliage in an area to view and photograph it. It involves living in the present moment and spending time in nature seeing the beauty of all the colours. 

While travelling around Algonquin Provincial Park we loved taking hikes above the tree canopy and enjoying the view with a well earned picnic and hot chocolate. As we moved through Canada and ended our trip in Mont-Tremblant we noticed that were was such a difference in the colours seen and the types of trees observed.

Why not head into your local area and spend time observing the trees and their changes? If you have children why not pick an area or favourite tree and document the changes to the tree over the months of September and October? You could collect and press some leaves, take photos and do your own nature observations.

Here are some great photos taken by Emma’s childminding services who does exactly this.

4. Create a nook 

Set up a cosy nook and enjoy re-reading your favourite book or perhaps head to the library to try something new. One of my favourite easy hygge reads last winter was A Wedding In December by Sarah Morgan.

5. Decorate a candle

Decoupage some fancy bits of paper napkin (using mod podge) onto a plain candle to create your own personalised candle. Add some hessian ribbon.

For more support and ideas on bringing hygge into your teaching and personal life check out my Hygge in the Early Years Online Training here