The world is quite a scary place at the moment for many of us, full of the unknown. Now more than ever it is important to take care of ourselves both mentally and physically.
In this blog I have compiled a list of 10 Autumn products and routines to help you slow down, look after yourself mentally and enjoy the inevitable colder months.
By now we are all quite used to having to stay at home due to the pandemic. That’s not to say we don’t still enjoy snuggling up on the sofa in front of the fire with a good book. If this year has taught me anything it’s to cherish small moments.
So let's jump right into our top 10 autumn products to get you through the season
1 - Candles
Candles are known for their soothing and peaceful properties and are used to create a nice ambience. Part of a good self-care routine includes looking after your mind. If you are feeling anxious, then candles are a great help - they leave a cosy atmosphere in your home making it feel instantly warm and welcoming. Candles also subtly add a wonderful fragrance to your space, which can be extremely therapeutic.
On the flip-side you can create a romantic ‘date night- in’ for you and your partner, or even for a cosy night in with a few friends or family. This is why it is a go-to autumn product and why I will be filling my home with them this season.
2 - Hot water bottles
Hot water bottles have so many benefits - from helping muscle pain, treating cramps, to soothing pregnancy aches; they are also a just great source of comfort and warmth as the seasons turn colder! If you can’t quite bring yourself to switch the heating on yet, then snuggling up with a blanket over a hot water bottle is the next best thing! An old trick is putting a hot water bottle in your bed before you get into it for the ultimate night time relaxation.
Hot water bottles can improve your blood circulation helping you relax if you are feeling stressed or anxious, another small mental health supplement that can lead to a well rounded care routine. To take this one step further why not add a few drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil to the water - trust me!
3 - Throws
The next autumn product I’m going to speak about is throws/blankets. Is there anything better than snuggling up on a sofa with a good blanket when the weather is bleak outside? Whether you are curling up with a book, doing some adult colouring or watching your favourite film, a nice throw and pillows can provide you with the comfort you need. It’s not just my opinion that blankets are great at relieving stress, it is actually our natural physiological and physical response to them, stemming back to when we were children. Research has found that weighted blankets “stimulate the release of serotonin and dopamine”, two neurotransmitters that tend to make people feel more happy and relaxed. Go and snuggleit!
4 - Teapots, coffee pots and mugs
Drinking any warm liquid has the ability to calm our nerves, lower our stress and provide comfort which is why my next autumn product suggestion is tea and coffee mugs or cups. If you’re anything like me then you probably drink these year round but there's something different about drinking it during the colder months. Although tea/coffee usually contains caffeine - which is not great if you suffer with anxiety - people often say they feel calmer after having a cup. The aroma of herbal tea can be soothing and a study in MIA university found that patients with depression needed smaller doses of medications after fragrance treatment.
The world is always moving fast, so it’s nice to take a moment to slow down and what better time in the day to do that than enjoying a nice warm drink. Even if you are working from home, take some time to be mindful whilst drinking your go-to favourite warm drink and feel your stress melt away. I like to take 5 minutes every morning to drink my tea and read my favourite blog (hint hint) which sets me up for a good day ahead. Why don’t you tryit?
5 - Skin-Care Products
You know autumn has arrived when your skin starts to feel a litter dryer. A good skin care routine is essential when the weather outside is unforgiving. You could use a good moisturiser, serum or oil depending on your skin type and what works well for you. A skin care regimen can be very calming, and the physical act of a facial massage “can help lower your heart rate,” says Amy Wechser (M.D a New York physician). The sense of routine will help you feel grounded and relaxed.
6 - Wine racks
This is for all you wine lovers out there, my next top autumn product pick is wine racks. Not only are these a safe way to store your favourite wines but they are also the perfect way to showcase your collection. Turn your evening into a special occasion with your go to bottle ready on hand. Don't worry about braving the weather to go and get one, it’s all ready and waiting for you! Our wine racks can showcase up to 72 wines, are sturdy and made from high quality pine wood. Please remember to drink responsibly.
7 - Casserole Dish
Traditional comfort food is my go to in Autumn and winter and what better than a big casserole. Casserole dishes are a perfect autumn product; they are extremely versatile and can be used for a variety of dishes or even for making your own mulled wine or cider. I absolutely love cooking a big hot meal on a rainy day.
If you have a garden, then don’t let the colder weather stop you from enjoying the pleasure of being outside in it. The last few points in this blog are products which are perfect for being able to still enjoy time outdoors this autumn.
8 - Fire pit
A fire pit is perfect for an evening outside, keeping you warm and cosy. Fire pits offer excellent heat, creating the perfect space for friends and family to gather round which leads us nicely onto our next point.
9 - Garden Torches
Garden torches are another great autumn product. With the days becoming shorter and darker earlier on, garden torches offer excellent illumination whilst also adding some style points. We have a great range of Harbour Housewares fire torches which light up the night in style and set the mood whilst also ensuring safety.
10 - Lanterns
The last point I'm going to talk about is lanterns. Not only do they look aesthetically pleasing but they will create the perfect ambience for a night in at home. Our Nicola spring candle lanterns are chic and stylish, taking inspiration from the classic Moroccan lantern. So if you can’t go on holiday due to COVID-19, at least you can bring some of it to your home. These can also be used inside, when the weather is simply too cold. They can be displayed by hanging or standing. The constellation of stars design brings the beauty of the night sky to your doorstep.
Conclusion
The autumn season brings lots of change, the green leaves turn brown, the days get shorter and our clothing gets thicker. It can also bring a change in our moods and I hope the above has inspired you to spend more time looking after yourself.
Take it easy, It’s okay if the world feels a little heavier right now. Thank you so much for reading this blog post, I truly hope it has helped in some way.
Relaxinit, Enjoyit, Rinkit, Until next time…
Georgina Hannan and the Rinkit Team