How to Change Your Morning Routine to Reflect the Season: Autumn and Winter Edition
-
At the time of writing, this week marked the Autumn Equinox, a gentle reminder that the seasons are changing. For those who aren't familiar, the Autumn Equinox is the moment when day and night are almost perfectly equal in length, symbolising balance and the shift towards longer nights and shorter days. It marks the official start of Autumn—a time for harvesting what’s been sown and preparing for the restful months ahead.
As we transition from the warmth of Summer into the cooler months of Autumn and Winter, it’s the perfect opportunity to take stock of our routines and adjust them to reflect the new season that awaits. This is where seasonal self-care comes into play.
Up until now, I was unaware of how the seasons changed and how these shifts affected me throughout the year. Living in London, there were simply two seasons for me—Summer and Winter. Summer meant dresses, and Winter meant long coats and boots. But when I moved to Bath and started enjoying a slower pace of life, I began to notice the beauty of seasonal living.
I became more attuned to the small changes in nature—like waking up to the morning chorus in Spring, the apples growing in abundance in Autumn, and the gradual shift to darker evenings and mornings. Living in a new city inspired me to research and live in tune with the seasons—and ultimately, to launch Bundle & Beau and create the wellness gift boxes we sell today, with a goal to help others see the benefits of embracing each season and all the wisdom it holds.
In this week’s journal post, I’ll share how you can adjust your self-care routines to reflect the season, with a particular focus on Autumn self-care and preparing for the quieter, more reflective months of Winter.
The Importance of Seasonal Self-Care
It’s not just folklore—there’s science behind why we feel different during Autumn and Winter. Our bodies respond to the shorter days and longer nights, and for many, the lack of sunlight can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It's estimated that around 1 in 15 people in the UK will experience some form of SAD each year. But the good news is that adapting your self-care routines can make a big difference. Simple grounding rituals, mindfulness practices, and slowing down as the seasons change are powerful ways to stay balanced during the colder months and make the most of them.
Winter wellness is all about creating warmth, both physically and emotionally. This is where grounding rituals for Winter wellness come in—whether it’s enjoying a spiced chai, practicing breathwork, or incorporating slow living elements into your day. Aligning with the natural rhythm of the season and giving yourself space for rest and introspection can improve well-being and help maintain a positive outlook throughout the year.
How to Change Your Morning Routine for Autumn and Winter
Adapting your morning routine for Autumn and Winter doesn’t have to be complicated, but it can be transformative. Here are some grounding rituals and tips I personally recommend:
-
Start with Grounding Morning Rituals
Autumn and Winter are seasons for grounding. When you wake up, spend a few moments in quiet reflection—practice simple breathwork or slow stretching with a candle lit. Journaling is another great way to ground yourself—set intentions for the day, write down what you're grateful for, or reflect on how you feel in the moment. If you're new to journaling, take a look at my guide to journaling for mindfulness. The most important thing is to take things slow—Summer is about bouncing into the day, whereas Autumn is all about easing in.
-
Prioritise More Sleep
As the nights grow longer, your body naturally craves more rest. More sleep is natural in the wintertime, according to the National Sleep Foundation. The normal range is an extra 1.75 to 2.5 hours per night. In Winter, I prioritise longer sleep and a peaceful bedtime ritual. Aromatherapy can be incredibly helpful—lavender, for example, is proven to improve sleep quality. Other calming scents like chamomile and sandalwood are also great options. I always reach for my weighted lavender eye mask and aromatherapy sleep room spray, both included in our Sleep Gift Bundle, to help me relax and rest more deeply.
-
Warm, Nourishing Breakfasts
Swap out light Summer breakfasts for warm, comforting meals in the cooler months. Think porridge with seasonal fruit like blackberries—you could even make a spiced compote (I love using this recipe)—or chai tea to start your day with warmth and nourishment. These small seasonal shifts remind us to honour the changes happening around us and within us.
-
Mindfulness with Warming Scents
Aromatherapy is one of my favourite ways to bring Winter wellness into my mornings. Scents like cinnamon, clove, and orange can create a cosy atmosphere that invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment. Our Cedar & Juniper, Christmas Tree, and Hygge Aromatherapy Candles are perfect for this. A simple mindfulness practice while sipping a warm drink can set a positive tone for your day.
Embrace Wintering and Grounding Rituals
Recently, I finished reading Wintering by Katherine May, a beautiful exploration of “Wintering”—a time for rest, reflection, and stillness. It resonated with me deeply and helped me see Winter as a time to retreat inward, take stock of the year, and reconnect with myself. Wintering isn’t about hibernating; it’s about honouring the slower pace of life and embracing the quiet moments.
In November, we will be launching our Grounding Gift Bundle, inspired by the powerful art of Wintering and seasonal living. This bundle includes a selection of UK-made artisan products, designed to help you create grounding rituals during the colder months. From Sticky Chai, to alpaca wool socks, to Deep Forest Pulse Points Roll On, everything in this box is chosen to bring a sense of grounding and well-being to your Winter routine.
Stay tuned for the launch of our Grounding Gift Bundle in November—it’s a little secret for now, but these items will help you establish or deepen your self-care rituals for the season.
Final Thoughts
As Autumn unfolds and Winter approaches, take time to reflect on how you can align your routine with the changing seasons. Embrace the slower pace, build grounding rituals into your day, and allow yourself to rest, reflect, and channel your energy inward. Whether it’s through journaling, warm breakfasts, or aromatherapy, small changes to your routine can have a profound impact on your well-being.
Remember, the more you rest and reflect during Autumn and Winter, the stronger you’ll be when Spring and Summer arrive. It’s a time to plant the seeds for future projects and growth, giving you the energy to take on the challenges and opportunities of the brighter seasons.
To support your seasonal self-care journey, I invite you to explore our range of self-care gift bundles for Autumn and Winter. Each bundle is designed to bring intentional living into your daily routine, helping you stay grounded and connected through the colder months.
Explore our gift bundle collection and bring a little warmth and calm into your world this season.