15 Slow Living Habits for Autumn & Winter to Help You Thrive | English Countryside Life Inspiration

The wheel of the year has turned again and we have now reached the autumn equinox, marking the beginning of the darker and colder part of the year. This is not a time to fear but an opportunity to surrender ourselves to the natural rhythm of the seasons. In the coming months I invite you to embrace slow living, making space for reflection, gentle self-care and the nurturing of good habits. The last large piece of furniture we bought for our new house has arrived. As the days are getting colder and shorter, I appreciate more than ever the warmth and coziness of my new home. This leads me to the first good habit worth nurturing this autumn and winter. Cultivating gratitude for things already present in our lives. It's especially beneficial to you if you struggle with the dark months, as it will help shift the negative narrative in your head. Appreciating the simple joys of everyday life can change your perspective. From seeing winter as hard to seeing it as nourishing and cozy. There is a good chance you are watching this video on your phone. In the coming months stay mindful of how much time you spend online, especially on short-form content designed to pull you in for hours. When you are online, choose creators who make you feel uplifted and inspired. And don't hesitate to block anyone who does the opposite. Your mental well-being comes first. Spiritually autumn is a time of reflection and looking within. As the trees let go of their leaves, you too should spend some time taking internal stock and working with your shadows. Reflecting on the years so far and letting go of things and people that no longer belong in your life might not be easy, but it's vital for your well-being. There is much more to say on this topic, so I'll link a blog post for those who want to go a little deeper. Autumn brings the end of the growth cycle and in winter nature rests. Trees draw water and energy back into their roots, reminding us that the next few months should be a time of stillness. The modern push for constant self-improvement isn't realistic and can harm us in the long term. Remember that every period of growth requires a time of regeneration. The dark long evenings are the perfect time to rediscover slow hobbies. Reading and writing are my favorites, but of course there are so many other ways you could occupy your mind and hands that will give you a sense of achievement and joy. Another good habit worth nurturing in the coming months is prioritizing yourself. You can't pour from an empty cup and filling yourself up first will make you a better mom and wife. Remember it the next time you feel guilty for resting or spending time on self-care. Prioritizing yourself also means learning to say no to people or events that don't align with you. Don't overstretch yourself for anyone who wouldn't do the same for you. And don't let the fear of missing out guide your choices. Late September mornings in the English countryside are beautiful, but positively cold, and even the sunny days carry a chill. Slow living also means taking care of your body, so as the weather grows colder, dress appropriately. As the British say, there's no bad weather, only the wrong clothes, so layer up and don't let the chills stop you from spending time in nature. Time outdoors is an essential part of the slow living lifestyle. The winter months are especially tempting for becoming a couch potato, speaking from my own experience. Instead, try to move your body in ways that feel good. I choose yoga, but you might also enjoy pilates or aerobics. Your body will thank you when spring arrives. Another thing I can share from my own experience is the importance of staying mindful about food and snacks during the comfort season. With the fridge and biscuit tin so close at hand, it's all about finding a balance between enjoying life and avoiding overindulgence. As often as you can, choose homemade meals made with seasonal vegetables and warming spices to nourish your body and support your immune system. As we head towards the end of the year, nature slows down, but our human world often does the opposite, gaining speed in the run-up to Christmas. If you can, plan ahead for the busy season so you don't find yourself overwhelmed or stressed. Especially if work gets hectic or you expect lots of festive engagements, make sure to prioritize rest whenever you can. Rather than seeing autumn and winter as something to get through, you can embrace them as a time to recharge and gather strength for the seasons ahead. They remind us that rest is just as important as growth. I've shared all 15 points in my latest blog post if you'd like to read them in full. Thank you for watching and I hope to see you over on the blog.