5 Ways To Be Happy This Autumn

Clodagh McKenna / Short Read

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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. 

Making Soup

For me, autumn happiness always begins in the kitchen with a pot of soup simmering on the stove. There’s something so grounding about chopping seasonal vegetables - squash, parsnips, leeks, or carrots - and letting them bubble away with warming spices or fresh herbs. The rhythm of cooking slows us down, fills the house with comforting aromas, and nourishes us in the most simple way.

Soup is also wonderfully versatile: make a big batch, enjoy a bowl straight away, and keep the rest for easy lunches during the week.

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.