It’s that time of year when many animals are getting ready to hibernate. Plants are slowing down ready for dormancy over winter.
But even animals that don’t hibernate need to slow down at times, including us. When the clocks change in autumn my heart dances with joy – not just because I get an extra hour in bed (although this is good) but because it signals the start of a period of rest and renewal.
While we don’t need to stop completely, it is a good idea to make the most of the darker, colder season and get some decent time out. Then we’ll be refreshed and reinvigorated ready for spring 😁
We can’t function properly without a good rest. It was prescribed by God from the moment He’d finished creating (Genesis 2:2-3). And now we can live in His rest if we choose to (Heb. 4:9-11).
So here are some ways you can chill out this autumn/ winter and feel better for it:
- Get a bit of hygge (a Danish term pronounced ‘hoo-gah’): Shut the curtains, light a candle and make things cosy and comforting. Perhaps diffuse some scented oils with seasonal fragrances like orange or cinnamon. Play some relaxing music and snuggle up under a blanket with a good book and your favourite hot drink. Aaah… contentment
- Enjoy the great outdoors: Fresh air and natural light are both musts for renewal. There’s nothing like an early morning walk on a crisp autumn day. Or a misty amble across fields playing fetch with your pooch, cobwebs glistening and covered in dew on the grass. And an added benefit? It will help you get a goods night’s sleep later. Which brings me to the next point…
- Sleep well: The darker months are best for getting a good night’s sleep. No early morning sunlight across your pillow, no noise drifting in through your open windows. So when your body naturally feels like it wants to sleep, go with it. There’s nothing wrong with early nights and later mornings some of the time. 7-8 hours tends to be best for adults. And good sleep helps keep your immune system functioning at its best – very important when those winter bugs get going…
- Don’t diss a duvet day: Why not plan a day to allow yourself to pad around in your slippers and favourite pjs? Take a nap if you wish, read a book, slob in front of the TV. As long as you don’t do this every day it’s a great way to refresh yourself. And it can be extra special if the whole family do it together. Get takeout, find your favourite film, sit by a cosy fire and tell stories to one another
- Relax in the tub: It’s amazing how a long soak in the bath can bring warmth, comfort and contentment to your life. Lay back and relax to some music, dim the lights and light candles (warning: don’t ever leave the room while they’re burning, you never know what might happen). Pour a glass of wine or hot chocolate, grab your favourite snack and indulge. And something I love doing after a good soak is to get the foot spa out, sit a while enjoying the bubbles, then massage oils into my feet. Mmm…
Do let me know what you do to recharge at this time of year, how you like to rest. Feel free to comment below
God bless xx