5 Ways To Be Happy This Autumn
Clodagh McKenna / Short Read
Glow
5 Ways To Be Happy This Autumn
Forest Bathing
I think we can all agree that at the moment it’s incredibly important to leave the house and get back to nature. Forest Bathing, which is originally a Japanese practice, means immersing ourselves in the calming atmosphere of the forest to de-stress and boost our overall well-being. All you need to do is find a forest (there are lots to choose from in the UK), turn off any devices, stretch out on a blanket or yoga mat (the warmer you wrap up the longer you can enjoy this), look up to the trees and take 20 minutes to take in the beauty, and breathe in all the beautiful pure air – you’ll be amazed by the relaxing effect it has.
Mushroom Hunting
This time of year is perfect for wild mushroom hunting because they tend to flourish in moist, damp and humid weather conditions. If you’re lucky enough to have the expertise then I would encourage you to hunt for any edible mushrooms but if you’re new to fungi foraging then I would recommend going with an expert on one of the many guided walks across the UK.
Kindling Collecting
If you’re lucky enough to have a real fire or wood burning stove in your house, then you’ll undoubtedly need a good supply of kindling for the colder months. Instead of buying kindling from your local supermarket you can save money (and tidy up your local forest) by collecting any small branches or twigs that are on the ground. Before you burn them, make sure they are dry, and that you’ve removed any greenery. If you can find them, then the best woods to burn are Beech, Ash, Oak and Hawthorn.
Star Gazing
When you spend so much time in towns and big cities, it’s easy to forget that the sky is actually full of stars. You don’t have to be an astronomy expert, you just need to find an area with very little light-pollution and you could see thousands of stars sparkling above you. You’ll be able to find places across the UK that are recommended for star gazing - just don’t forget to take a flask of hot chocolate to keep you warm!
Outdoor Autumn Aperitif
Create an outdoor aperitif set up for after a long walk. Blankets on chairs, light a fire pit if you have one, and dot warming candle lanterns around your aperitif area. Make a delicious Mulled Apple Juice by heating 1 litre of apple juice with a few strips of orange peel, a cinnamon stick and three cloves. Serve with a splash of brandy for the adults.
