Whatever your situation is as a mum, whether you go out to work or stay home with the children, if you’re one done or are juggling 3 under 5, whatever it is your dealing with, it can feel really hard at times. So it’s really important to make time to just focus on yourself for a bit now and then.
Taking that bit of time to do something you enjoy or just to be by yourself without someone needing you can make a huge difference to how well you can cope with all the demands of being a parent.
So here are 5 things you can do this autumn for a little bit of self-care:
1. Bake something seasonal
I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels the pull to do some baking at this time of year. And I know that a big part of that is probably down to Bake Off being back on, but still, getting in the kitchen and baking something is a great way to get in a bit of self-care this autumn. Especially if you make it something seasonal.
If you want something to take your time over then cinnamon buns are possibly the most perfect thing to make. But if you need something a bit quicker then try something like these carrot and apple cakes, or some cinnamon roll pancakes.
Look for recipes that have autumny spices like cinnamon, ginger, and mixed spice, or have a play around and see if you can put a seasonal twist on your go-to recipes by adding some of those spices. These Welsh Cakes, for example, already have some mixed spice in but I think they’d also taste really good with some extra cinnamon in the mix.
2. Watch your favourite autumn film or tv show
Once the kids are in bed grab a snack and cwtch up on the sofa to watch one of your favourite autumn films or tv shows.
Classic films to watch this time of year are things like Practical Magic and The Craft, which are perfect with Halloween just around corner. But if you’re not in a spooky mood you could go with a romcom like When Harry Met Sally or You’ve Got Mail.
And as far as tv shows go you can’t go wrong with another rewatch of Gilmore Girls!
3. Get out for an autumn walk
Getting outside for even just a short walk can make a huge difference to how you feel. There are tons of benefits to getting out in the fresh air, getting some daylight on your face, and being out in nature, so heading out for a walk either by yourself or with your family is worth doing whenever you have the time.
And autumn is a great time to go out for a walk in your local park, with the leaves changing colour and that slight chill in the air that helps wake you up when you’re feeling a bit meh.
A great way to add even more of a self-care element is to head out on a photo walk. Take your camera or your phone with you and go on an autumn photo walk. Looking out for autumny things like conkers and colourful leaves, and finding creative ways to photograph them adds an extra bit of mindfulness to your walk that is brilliant for helping you feel calmer and happier.
4. Treat yourself to a seasonal drink
Take a bit of time out for yourself and treat yourself to your favourite limited-edition hot drink. Whether you go for the classic pumpkin spice latte or try something new like the maple hazel hot chocolate from Costa, enjoying something a bit special can add that extra little bit of joy to your day.
If you do like to treat yourself to a Costa now and then it’s well worth downloading the app and scanning your code each time you go because for each drink you buy you get a ‘bean’, and when you have 10 ‘beans’ you can cash them in for a free drink.
As a member you also get a free piece of cake for your birthday as well as regular offers through the year for things like money off food.
And if you pop in my referral code TW6HL when you sign up you get 5 ‘beans’ with your first order, so you’ll be halfway to that freebie already!
5. Change up your skincare routine
Adding in a bit of pampering is a classic way of getting some self-care, but you don’t have to spend hours on it to feel the benefits.
Just picking out a new shower gel and body moisturiser with a scent you love can make your regular shower routine feel a bit more special. Warm scents like vanilla are really lovely for autumn, and you can’t go wrong with Palmers cocoa butter to really treat your skin afterwards and leave you smelling gorgeous.
Need a few more ideas for adding some self-care into your life? Then take a look at this list of 20 quick self-care ideas for busy mums.
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