5 Low Energy Self-Care Ideas
Embracing the Seasonal Shift: Simple Self-Care Practices for Early Autumn
As the days grow shorter and the air becomes crisper, the seasonal shift from summer to autumn presents a natural opportunity to slow down, reflect, and nurture ourselves. While self-care can sometimes feel overwhelming or costly, there are simple practices that make the most of autumn’s gentle changes—requiring little energy or expense. Here are five low energy, low-cost and accessible self-care ideas for this time of year, grounded in both creativity and well-being.
1. Spend Time in Morning Light
With the sun rising later in autumn, it becomes easier to soak up morning sunlight, even if you’re not an early riser. Exposure to morning light helps regulate your circadian rhythm, enhancing mood and promoting better sleep patterns. Simply sit by a window with your morning tea or step outside for a short walk. Studies show that natural light exposure supports serotonin production, boosting feelings of well-being .
2. Practice Grounding Meditation
As the energy of autumn calls for grounding, meditation is an excellent practice to settle into the season. Find a quiet spot outdoors or near an open window and focus on your breath, imagining roots growing from your feet into the earth. Grounding techniques like this have been shown to reduce anxiety and increase a sense of stability .
3. Create a Seasonal Altar
Bringing elements of the changing season into your home connects you to the natural world. Gather leaves, pinecones, or acorns from a walk in your local park, and arrange them as part of a simple seasonal altar. This practice fosters mindfulness and reflection, offering a tangible way to honour the shift in nature. According to ecotherapy research, surrounding yourself with natural elements can enhance feelings of calm and clarity .
4. Indulge in Warm, Nourishing Teas
As the temperature drops, herbal teas such as chamomile, ginger, and peppermint can offer comfort while supporting digestion and relaxation. Warm beverages help the body transition into cooler weather, and the act of sipping tea can provide a calming ritual to punctuate your day. Research suggests that the ritualistic nature of tea drinking itself promotes mindfulness and reduces stress .
5. Engage in Gentle Creative Practices
Autumn invites reflection, making it a perfect time to engage in gentle creative activities. Whether it’s journaling, doodling, or starting a seasonal craft project, these activities allow for self-expression without the pressure of perfection. Creative practices have been linked to improved mental health and a reduction in stress, as they stimulate the release of dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical .
By tuning into the subtle shifts of the season, these low-energy, low-cost practices offer a way to nurture both body and mind, helping you to transition into autumn with ease. Which one will you try this week?
Let me know!
Love
Kuhla
Sources:
- Light and circadian rhythm – Mayo Clinic, 2020
- Grounding techniques – Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2018
- Ecotherapy benefits – American Psychological Association, 2019
- Benefits of tea drinking – National Institute of Health, 2017
- Creativity and mental health – American Art Therapy Association, 2020
