It’s that time of the year where the sun goes down earlier and there is a slight chill in the air. Although many people cling onto summer for as long as possible, the changing of seasons brings new possibilities. Autumn is the season where you can get cozy with a mug of hot chocolate, go for brisk walks among nature and enjoy hearty meals made with seasonal ingredients. Here are a few ways you can embrace the new season.
Introduce Autumn Scents into Your Home
One way to truly feel in season is to introduce autumn scents into your home. Think toffee apples, pumpkin spice, roasted chestnuts and fragrant bonfires. The simplest way to make your home smell like autumn is with baked goods. Throw together an apple pie sprinkled with cinnamon and let the warming scent waft through your entire home. Alternatively, an essential oil diffuser or scented candles can help make your place smell homely.
Make the Most of Daylight Hours
As the season changes we lose an hour of daylight. So, make the most of your days and enjoy natural light as much as possible. Studies show that cortisol, the stress hormone, in the human body peaks during the morning which means that light exposure early in the day can make you feel brighter and more alert. Furthermore, enjoying more sunshine in the morning will release melatonin in your body which can help you sleep better in the night. Even if the sun isn’t shining, a short walk around your local area can do a world of good to your mood.
Source Seasonal Ingredients
Autumn is a celebration of harvest, which means it is a great time of the year to explore farmers’ markets. There is a huge array of delicious home grown produce all year round, and autumn is no different. This season, look out for juicy apples, ripe pears, and sumptuous plums. When it comes to vegetables, parsnips, pumpkins and leeks are all in season now. Shopping local isn’t just about enjoying flavorful produce, you will also be reducing CO2 emissions.
Get Creative in the Kitchen
With so many local ingredients to choose from, there are plenty of ways you can get creative in the kitchen. Autumn is a great time to experiment with seasonal flavors and create new dishes that you have never tried before. While you’re at it, why not extend this creativity to beverages and see if you can create your new favorite autumn drink? Recreate the ubiquitous pumpkin spice latte at home or get adventurous with liqueurs made out of plum, apricot and other autumnal fruits. You can try your hand at mixology by using fruity and smooth Oxton Liqueurs as a base for homemade cocktails.
Get Cozy
With shorter days and a drop in temperature, autumn is a fantastic time to get into hygge mode. Whether that means putting on a cozy jumper and enjoying your favorite hot beverage at a cafe or simply curling up under a blanket and watching your favorite series, do whatever makes you sigh ‘ahh’.
