3 Routines to Transition from Summer to Autumn

Have you found yourself moaning about the shift into autumn yet?

Because I have.

It’s not that we should stop moaning about shorter days, chillier air, and the dying breaths of summer. We can be sad about it if we want to, for sure. Here’s your permission to feel a bit gloomy (not that you need it, but you know…).

But I want to remind you of the loveliness of autumn and how you can shift into a different rhythm with the shift in season. So here’s what I’ve got going on and my favourite little rituals to embrace autumn:

1. Waking up

You’re probably not like me. Someone told me I’m very special once (thanks, mum), but seriously, I’m a freak and don’t mind early mornings. But most folk I know really struggle with this, especially as the mornings are darker. My best tip for you? Set an alarm at a time that gives you some you-time, and schedule in something lovely and calming before chaos ensues.

Maybe it’s just ten minutes of breathing along with our Jungle Thunderstorm Soundscape, or a half hour Morning Meditation Flow. Maybe just light a candle and drink tea while the day gets a little lighter.

Make a ritual of your morning, and I promise you’ll see a massive difference to your day.

2. Daytime focus

Let me be the first to remind you that working non-stop doesn’t do anyone any good, especially as the energy of summer time starts to ebb. Being productive means scheduling in time to not work. And by ‘not work’, I really mean not work. Watching Netflix and checking your emails, or eating lunch at your desk really doesn’t count.

My solution: set an alarm again and take some time out to appreciate the ending of summer.

My favourite thing to do mid-work? Rolling out my mat for some gentle movement. Maybe it’s a luxurious hour for a class like Feel Alive Flow where we challenge our balance and work on breath. Sometimes it’s more like a half-hour with Love Your Back to reset any spine niggles, or 7 minutes for this Mini Stress-Less session. Maybe it’s just a walk down the lane and back.

Movement, space, and time away from your work will help you find more clarity and more productivity. And not to mention you’ll get the time and space to really appreciate the changes happening around us. Once we do that, we can get way more in-sync.

3. The evening routine

The trick here is in making a routine. Going to bed the same time each night will really help your body-clock get into it’s rhythm. Rule number one? Make winding down a priority. That means turning off social media, emails, TVs…

Before I switch off entirely though, I’ll light a candle (I love these from Chapter Organics pictured above – members check your perks pages for a discount), and grab a meditation like this Gratitude Meditation or one of our Big Calm restorative, calming yoga sessions – you can do a live class every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with Kat or Sarah, or do what I do and grab one from our library. This Equinox Big Calm with Sarah was filmed on last year’s Autumn equinox, so it’s perfect.

After I’ve practiced or meditated and turned off the tech (alarm set!), I add some lavender drops to my pillows, grab a good book (Harry Potter is one of my favourite bedtime reads. Please don’t judge me), and read until I can’t keep my eyes open.

Then, just rinse and repeat

The more you can mindfully set a rhythm to take time out, notice, move, breathe, and be still, the more connected to this change in season you can be. You’ll be more productive, more compassionate, a better parent, partner and friend. You’ll just feel better. And what else is there?

Hope this helps you refine your routine, friend. Or maybe you’ve got suggestions for me? I’m all ears! I love talking about this stuff, just leave a comment below.

If you want to check out all the cool classes I’ve mentioned above, become a member and start your feel-better journey. Or, get a free class by taking the quiz: What Kind Of Yoga Rockstar Are You?

Here’s to soups, knitwear, and great big piles of leaves.