8 Autumn Self Care Tips For Staying Healthy and Happy

It’s Autumn, and if you’re like most of us, you’ve probably got a lot going on and need these 8 Autumn self care tips. Whether it’s back to school for your children, regular office hours, a long list of social events, or a combination of everything, this can be exhausting! Plus, it makes it difficult to get regular “me” time. Self-care is an essential part of staying healthy and happy. Here are a few ways to maintain some balance, even when it feels like you have no time to spare.

1. Disconnect From Your Digital Life for 24-Hours

Electronics are a big part of our lives. We use them to communicate, entertain ourselves and stay connected to everyone around us. But your mind and body need a break sometimes. That’s why it’s essential to disconnect from your devices for a full 24 hours at least once a month. Turn the phone off. Put away the laptop. Unplug your TV. Get your family involved so that they can have some device-free time too. 

2. Curl Up with a Book and Hot Drink

Take an hour, a night, or an entire day if you can, and find a cosy spot to read something from your favourite author. This is a great time to turn off the phone and just enjoy yourself. Even if you’re an ardent fan of reading on your iPad or laptop, there’s something about holding an actual book that takes you back to another era. Also, try having a hot drink for an extra boost of warmth and comfort. Whether it’s your favourite tea, hot cocoa, or a cup of coffee, it pairs well with a book, warm blanket, and cosy corner of your home.

3. Take a Walk as the Leaves Change

Another self-care idea adds fitness to your schedule. When you’re out and about, try taking some time to notice the leaves falling from the trees. Autumn is a beautiful time of year as nature transitions from green to yellow, orange, red and brown. It’s nice to stop and appreciate this view, even if it means going out of your way a little bit. It’s part of what makes this busy time of the year a little bit special.

4. Pamper Your Skin

You don’t have time for a spa weekend. But that doesn’t mean you can’t practice self-care with skincare. One night per week, apply an exfoliating mask, put on some soft PJs, and plan to read or watch movies for 45 minutes. After you wash the mask off your face, lather Provacan CBD Babysoft Cream on your face and body. The rich lotion is safe for sensitive skin and contains nourishing omega oils and vitamins. Pampering isn’t tricky. It just takes a little bit of time and dedication.

5. Bring Back the Sleep Ritual

When summer ends, you probably end up sleeping less. As it gets dark early, you’re more likely to stay indoors later and get less sunlight in the morning. But staying on track with your sleep schedule is vital for all kinds of reasons. Try not to push snooze when your alarm goes off in the morning and go to bed a little earlier than usual if you need an energy boost. Additionally, stick to the schedule on weekends and holidays to reduce sleep disruptions. To help get your sleep back on track try Provacan CBD oil.

6. Go to the Movies

You don’t have to go to the movies alone if you’re not in the mood. But it’s important to take time for yourself, even when you don’t know how or where you feel like spending that time. So instead of waiting for someone else to join you, grab a couple of bucks and head out on your own. If you’ve been meaning to see a movie and you don’t have anyone in mind to join you, go ahead and hit the theater on your own. You’ll be surprised by how much of a difference it makes.

7. Drive!

Whether you do it alone or with someone else, getting into the car on your own can be a form of self-care. When you feel overwhelmed, take some time to go for a drive. Pop some music in and just enjoy the open road. The fresh air will help you clear your head so you can get back to work feeling more on top of things. Plus, you’ll look forward to coming back home when you get there.

These are only a few self-care ideas. Autumn is a time to reset your mind and body for the upcoming holiday season. Take the steps you need to stay healthy and happy while you’re going about your busy day, even if that means a few minutes alone with hot cocoa and a gorgeous view or taking the time for a walk through the park.

8. Cook a hearty meal

Autumn is everyone’s favourite season to bring out the cook book and spruce up your favourite hearty meal along with some fresh baked desserts. Some ideas include Lancashire hotpot, fish and chips, haggis or perhaps a full English breakfast and for dessert apple crumble or cream team.

Here is one of our favourite recipes:

Classic Shepherd’s Pie

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 50 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins

Ingredients

For the meat filling:

1 lb. ground beef or lamb

2 tablespoons sunflower oil

1 cup chopped yellow onion

2 teaspoons dried parsley leaves

2 teaspoon dried herbs

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 cloves of minced garlic or garlic powder

2 tablespoons all purpose flour

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup broth (beef or vegetable)

1 to 2 cups mixed vegetables, such as diced carrots, corn, or peas

For the Potato topping:

3 large potatoes

8 tablespoons unsalted butter 

1/3 cup half & half cream

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

Making the Meat Filling.

Over medium heat fry the onions on a skillet for about 5 minutes.

Add the ground meat slowly breaking it apart with a wooden spatula. 

Add parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, garlic and Worchestshire sauce.

Stir well cooking for another 6-8 minutes, until the meat has completely browned.

While stirring add the flour and tomato paste until completely incorporated. 

Add the broth, frozen peas, carrots, and  corn. Once the mixture boils reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes and set aside.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Making the potato topping.

Peel and chop the potatoes into 1 inch cubes and place in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are fork tender about 10-15 minutes.

Drain the potatoes in a colander and return to the hot pot. After the potatoes are cooked, let them rest in the hot pot for about 1 minute to allow any remaining liquid to evaporate.

Add butter, half & half, garlic, salt, and pepper to the potatoes and mash until all the ingredients are mixed together.

Add the parmesan cheese to the potatoes and stir until well combined.

Now it’s time to assemble the casserole.

Pour the meat mixture into a 9×9 (or 7×11) inch baking dish spreading it out evenly. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the meat spreading it into an even later.

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes.

Cool for 15 minutes before serving.