15 Slow Living Habits for Autumn and Winter to Nurture Body and Mind

As we move past the Autumn equinox, the light begins to wane and we have officially entered the darker part of the year. In the months ahead, the nights will only grow longer, with each passing day bringing fewer daytime hours and longer evenings.

This darker and colder part of the year is not a time to fear, but an invitation to surrender ourselves to the natural rhythm of the seasons. Every cycle of growth requires a period of rest and regeneration. Nothing in nature grows all year round and we, as humans, shouldn’t be expected to either.

The modern world has taught us to always chase sun, fun and pleasure. Somehow Summer has become the “good” time of the year, while the cold and darkness of Autumn and Winter (especially once the Christmas lights are taken down) are seen as “bad.” It’s an incredibly short-sighted way of looking at life, one that leaves many people spending months each year in misery.

  Get inspiring blog posts straight to your inbox  
  Join Adriana's Slow Living Newsletter HERE  

The truth is, all four seasons are part of one continuous cycle, each playing an essential role in keeping life balanced and in order. No matter how much you dislike Winter and the cold, I’m sorry to break it to you, but skipping this one season would mean catastrophic consequences for the entire world, the kind of thing we only see in Hollywood films. Thankfully, it’s not possible :) Instead, I’m here to help you shift the narrative in your mind and embrace this beautiful, quiet and reflective time of year.

Here are 12 mindful and nourishing habits for body and mind to carry you through the dark and cold days of late Autumn and Winter. These practices will help you make these months count, nurture good rhythms and gently reset your body and mind in preparation for the coming of Spring.

1. Prioritise rest

Winter in nature is a season of rest and restoration, and we should lean into that rhythm too. Honour your need for earlier nights, unhurried mornings and slow afternoons doing things that soothe and nourish you.

2. Spend time in nature

As the British say: there is no bad weather, only the wrong clothing. Layer up, put on waterproof boots and go out - even on gloomy days. Time in nature heals body and mind, reminding us that we are part of the natural world. Don’t let the weather be an excuse to skip a walk outside. I personally find the most peace among the grey and barren Winter forest, when the trees are asleep and there is a sense of stillness and calm.

3. Dress for the weather

Am I getting old? Or maybe just wiser :D My mum was right all along – staying warm during the cold weather really does help our immune system fight off any viruses that might sneak in. Viruses thrive in cold, dry conditions. A 2022 study from Harvard and Northeastern University found that cold air reduces the immune response inside the nose, making it easier for viruses like rhinoviruses and coronaviruses to take hold.

Shop our “Cosy Reads” Pomegranate & Wood candle

4. Eat seasonally to support your immune system

Another “stay healthy” tip: eat your veggies to support your immune system. Root vegetables, leafy greens and squashes are full of vitamins and micronutrients. They’re hearty, nourishing and help the body stay strong.

And don’t forget the natural medicine cabinet: garlic, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and other warming spices. Garlic is well known for its antimicrobial properties, while turmeric and ginger bring anti-inflammatory benefits. These spices add flavour and comfort to Autumn and Winter dishes, while giving your immune system an extra boost.

5. Practice mindful eating

Spending more time at home makes it easy to snack without much thought, with the fridge and cupboards so close at hand.

This dark season, try not to cure boredom with mindless snacking. And while Autumn and Winter are certainly the seasons of comfort food, that doesn’t mean we need to indulge in an unhealthy diet all day, every day. There are plenty of nourishing dishes that are just as comforting - think soups, chillies, curries and many more. Just make sure to include a healthy dose of vegetables with every meal.

6. Keep moving

As we’ve already discussed - don’t skip your nature walks, but also add some gentle, regular movement like yoga to keep your body flexible and your joints moving. It might feel tempting to become a couch potato over the Winter, but your body will thank you in Spring if you keep moving now.

7. Take time to reflect

During the long, dark evenings we tend to spend more time at home in our own company, which often prompts reflection and introspection. It’s the perfect time to think through the things that might feel uncomfortable and to face any disappointments or failures.

Although this kind of shadow work may not be the jolliest, it can free you and help you emerge stronger.

Read more about The Spiritual Meaning of Autumn in this blog post

8. Work on your roots

Trees draw water and energy into their roots in Winter, regenerating themselves for the coming Spring and Summer. It’s a beautiful example for us humans, too - to spend some time tending to our inner world, caring for and nourishing our bodies and minds and doing the internal work that may not be visible to others but is essential for our own well-being.

9. Put down the phone in the evenings

It’s easy to fall into mindless scrolling when the evenings are long. The endless feed, full of entertainment and emotions, can pull us in for hours, but it rarely leaves us feeling refreshed or nourished.

This Autumn and Winter, be mindful of how much of your free time you give to those little apps on your phone. And each time you do, take a moment to notice how it actually made you feel. Was it worth it?

10. Rediscover slow hobbies

One of the best alternatives to scrolling is to embrace gentle pastimes that can fill your evenings and leave you feeling uplifted, with a sense of accomplishment.

Knitting, baking, writing, painting and many other slow hobbies engage both hands and mind, helping to keep you rooted in the present and forget your phone.

Here are some ideas for feminine slow living hobbies and grandmother-inspired pastimes you might enjoy exploring.

11. Plan ahead for busier times

Although nature is slowing down for Winter, our human world does the opposite. Plan ahead for all the festive social engagements, extra workload, children’s Christmas plays, and so on, so you don’t find yourself overwhelmed. Let the “frazzled English woman” remain just a Pinterest aesthetic - we don’t need to be walking examples:)

12. Learn to say no

This connects directly with the point above - say no to anything that feels like too much or simply doesn’t fit into your calendar. Don’t overstretch yourself for people who wouldn’t do the same for you and don’t let FOMO (fear of missing out) dictate your choices.

13. Create nourishing rituals

One of my favourite ways to celebrate life’s simple joys is to create little Winter rituals that feel good and nourish the soul. A gentle evening yin yoga practice, a midday tea poured from a pretty teapot with biscuits, a coffee date with your husband or a dear friend – all these small, simple things can have a big impact on our mood and our day.

Lighting YR studio candle can turn an ordinary evening into a cherished ritual, adding warmth, symbolism and a touch of seasonal magic. If you follow the Wheel of the Year, the next festivals are Samhain and Yule and if you’re simply seeking homely cosiness, our Autumn and Christmas collections are perfect for this time of year.

14. Cultivate gratitude

Take a moment each day to notice something you’re grateful for. This can be an especially beneficial practice if you’re someone who struggles during the darker part of the year. Find something positive to look forward to every day and each evening reflect on one thing you’re grateful for.

Appreciating simple joys - like a delicious meal at the end of the day or the warmth of a coffee on a cold November morning can help shift your perspective from seeing Winter as hard to seeing it as nourishing and cosy.

15. Prioritise yourself

It’s not selfish. By being well-rested, happy and relaxed, you’ll be a much better mum, wife, daughter, friend, employee and more. You can’t pour from an empty cup. By taking care of yourself, you’re really offering the best version of yourself to others. Remember that next time you feel guilty for putting your needs first.

A few closing words

The darkness of late Autumn and Winter offers us shelter and protection, like a seed resting deep in the soil. There is no need to fear this time of year. Instead, we can use it to our advantage - building healthy habits and shedding any layers we no longer wish to carry.

The internal work you put in now will be rewarded in Spring. With the arrival of sunshine and colourful flowers, you too will be blooming among them.

Thank you for reading,
Adriana x