Autumn Wellness"Autumn is a season of transition and a time to let go, find a slower pace to reset in readiness for Winter. Connect to the beauty and rhythm of the season and explore ways to give yourself the support you need to adjust your wellbeing with holistic treatments, relaxation and yoga." 
I love Autumn's glorious colours and natural textures as Summer fades, and adore the seasonal faire and country walks, but mostly for the opportunity to go a little deeper into the inner cosy space, the Danes call, Hygge!
But it isn't everyone's favourite season. Shorter, darker days can add to a seasonal depression, known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) experienced by many in the Northern hemisphere. What can we do to improve our wellbeing and adjust our internal rhythms to that of the season? See a few suggestions below, or get in touch with me. 
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Autumn
As days shorten, we can take cues from nature to help adjust to seasonal change.
Are you getting enough sleep?“In a recent study, researchers at King’s College, London show that more than half the UK population has struggled with sleep during the lockdown.” BBC June 2020 We spend approximately one third of our lives asleep, yet many of us struggle to get the rest we need on a regular basis. According to The National Institute of Health, roughly 30 percent of the population suffer with sleep disruption.
If you suffer with insomnia, restlessness, broken night’s then you already know the havoc it can create with your sense of wellbeing. Left unchecked, sleep deprivation can lead to depression, increased stress levels, feelings of anxiety, even premature aging and ill health. By putting simple steps into practice it is possible to create new sustainable habits. I'm sharing my own tried and tested methods here and hope you find them as effective and sustainable as I have ... Sleep well and stay well! |
Tips to sweeten your slumber ...Create your perfect bedroom space
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Go tech-free in your bedroom (leave IT gadgets in another room at night, preferably turned off). This is my number one piece of advice and a good starting point. I hear of so many people who sleep with phones by the bed and wake in the night to check email or social media - it's no wonder they don't rest! Also, best to stay off IT at least an hour or so before turning in - earlier if possible.
Create ambiance, with colours and fabrics that enhance mood, well-being and rest. Hues of green, soft blue tones, warm or neutral tones are especially calming. It's so important to love the room you sleep in, so have a good look around and see how you can improve environment and create ambience. Remove clutter; items that activate the brain; books, work papers; the more clutter you remove, the better you will sleep
Use pillows that support your head well - memory foam pillows can be good Candlelight and soft lighting create ambiance. Himalayan salt candleholders produce a beautiful natural glow Refresh your bedding often, using essential oils and other natural fragrances keep the air clean. Always ventilate your bedroom at bedtime |
Pre-sleep Activity
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If you prepare for bedtime well and you are more likely to sleep better. Use a step-by-step approach;
Get ready for bed earlier than usual to give your brain the message that your body is slowing down and getting ready to rest. Take a warm bath or shower, yoga or simple stretches help unwind the day and let the tensions go. Cover your eyes, use an eye mask, lavender bag or if you don't have either, use a small flannel or scarf. Nest, breathe in for 4 counts, exhale 8. Slow down your thoughts, notice your body, where you hold tightness, tension and stress. Breathe into tight places and let it go, sink deeply and relax. Stay vigilant about watching late night films or TV programmes that create strong emotions or contain violence or just those which may upset your equilibrium. Watching late night news may disrupt the body's natural balance and affect how well you sleep. Our brain and body pick up on these emotional disturbances and of course this may plague your dreams or even cause nightmares. Gentle recreational activities will positively enhance your mood and set the scene for a good night's rest. |
BREATHE WELL Take a moment in your day to stop and breathe. In this breathing gap take 3 deep rounds, breathing deeply into your abdomen and breathing out fully. Breathing well improves digestion and energy levels. Listen to a 10 minute recording below. To find out more about how breathing exercises can affect your wellbeing, please get in touch with Brita. |
Diet and nutritionEat simply
It takes about 3 hours to digest your evening meal, so try to eat foods that are easy to digest so your system can relax. Remember: your organs also want to relax at night Refrain from drinking caffeine, excess alcohol, sugary products or acid fruit after 6pm Stay hydrated Drink plenty of water during the day to keep your body hydrated (6-8 glasses are recommended) Eat your greens Leafy greens, oily fish, green salads, foods rich in Vitamin B, and almonds are all good foods for aiding sleep Herbs Calming herbs such as camomile, vervain, fennel and liquorice will aid sleep - drink a cup of herbal tea before bed Lavender essential oil: add 2-3 drops onto your pillow to help sedate your thoughts |
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