What is an Autumn Reset?

The minute the heat of the summer dies down and the light drops to a more autumnal glow, I usually feel the urge to do a kind of Autumn Reset.

I like to take stock of the year so far, work out if there’s anything that I’d like to stop doing to make space for stuff that I do want to do and create a list of the kinds of things I’d like to invite into my life during the autumn and winter months. 

This doesn’t have to be a hard and fast to-do list to get stressed out about. It is simply an indication of the things I’d like to explore further. Sometimes I have to permit myself to try something new, or to stop doing something that no longer sparks joy! 

If you fancy doing an autumn reset, here are some things you could consider.

Learning something new (or improving something you’re already doing) 

Maybe you want to learn a new language, or take up art. Or learn to play a new instrument, or to dust off one that you’ve already got stashed in a cupboard somewhere.

Maybe you want to make a start on that book, or blog that you always talk about starting.

Or to write songs, create a YouTube or TikTok account and make some videos.

It could be to take up Yoga or Pilates or to join a Zumba or strength-building class.

Or it could be simply to tackle the pile of books you’ve bought but never quite found time to read.

Delving deeper into your spirituality.

This could be something as simple as looking for signs of something bigger than yourself (the wonder of the changing seasons, seeing stars shining brightly on a dark night), finding a new place of worship, or even prioritising deep rest. Or you could create a meditation area or quiet corner so you can simply sit in silence for a while.

Make a list!

Create a list of events you’d like to explore, be it concerts or workshops, films or plays, new coastal areas you’d like to explore, shops or restaurants that you’d like to visit, and any city breaks you’d like to book or any mini adventures you’d like to go on! Book tickets. 

Prune your life! 

Is there anything you need to let go of in order to make space for having an enjoyable autumn? 

Sometimes we need to make space for the stuff we do want to include more of by getting rid of ‘dead wood’ out of our lives. This may include getting rid of commitments that no longer spark joy, creating systems that work and save time (so you have more time to do the things you love doing), employing a cleaner, buying a dishwasher (so that you’re not spending time on boring tasks when you could be doing something nice!)

As you pack away your summer clothes, consider if any of them need to be sold on Vinted, donated to a charity shop or popped in the bin if they’re unsalvageable. This should free up space in your wardrobe for things you love so you spend less time each morning ploughing through a heap of clothes and less time washing and ironing them! 

Anglo Doorstep Collections will collect bags, clothes, accessories, electricals, shoes, boots, books, and bric-a-brac without you having to take it anywhere. Go to https://anglodoorstepcollections.co.uk/ to book your slot

Introduce a little hygge into your life

If you’ve not heard of Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga or hou-gah) let me explain. It’s the Danish art of cosy simplicity where you spend the cooler winter months enjoying simple pleasures like freshly baked cookies, soothing hot chocolates, with candles lit, fairy lights twinkling, maybe a warm blanket, a good book, good friends, board games, snuggly jumpers, cosy socks, and informal suppers cooked with your friends. It brings light and hope into the darker days, and is based on the simple pleasures of life. 

There are lots of books available on the subject  https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/sarahcooper you can find some of them by clicking this link. Any purchases made will give me a small commission fee. 

Further Reading

https://www.sarahcooper.co.uk/7-fabulous-things-to-do-this-autumn/ 

https://www.sarahcooper.co.uk/autumn-self-care-tips/ 

https://www.sarahcooper.co.uk/useful-things-ive-learned-this-year/ 

https://www.sarahcooper.co.uk/sunday-reset/