Nurturing Yourself with Autumn Self-Care

Slowing Down, Setting Boundaries, and Listening to Your Needs.

As we move towards autumn and the leaves begin to fall, there’s a natural invitation to slow down and reflect. Autumn is a season of change, both in nature and within ourselves. It’s a time when we’re reminded that, just as trees shed their leaves, we too can let go of what no longer serves us. But I know from my own experience and with clients that many of us struggle to create the space for ourselves and the self-care that we truly need. We’ve been conditioned to believe that more is always better- that doing more, achieving more, and hustling are the only paths to success and happiness.

But what if the key to feeling more balanced and connected isn’t found in doing more? What if, instead, we actually need to do less? This autumn, let’s embrace a season of nourishing self-care that allows us to rest, reflect, and listen to our deeper needs.

The Power of Doing Less

For many of us, the idea of doing less can feel uncomfortable. We’ve been taught to believe that our worth is tied to how productive or busy we are. But the truth is, constantly pushing ourselves without taking time to just 'be' can lead to burnout, stress, and disconnection from what truly matters to us.

In autumn, nature slows down, and we can take a cue from that by embracing moments of stillness. Slowing down is not lazy, in fact it can make us productive! When we slow down, we create space to listen to our bodies and our hearts. We become more attuned to what we actually need, whether that’s more time for oursevles, our families, or for nature. By doing less, we can realign ourselves with what feels good and true in our lives. Then we come out the other side more rejuvenated and more ready to take aligned action towards the things that truly matter to us and light up our lives.

Setting Boundaries

One of the most powerful ways to create more stillness and space for self-care is through setting boundaries. This can mean saying "no" to obligations that drain your energy, or simply carving out moments of quiet in your daily life. Setting boundaries isn’t about pushing people away- it’s about being intentional with your time and creating space in your life for the things you truly need to thrive.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stretched too thin, autumn is the perfect time to reassess where your energy is going. Are there commitments you’ve taken on that aren’t serving you? Are there moments in your day when you can step back and simply be? Reflect on where you can say "no" more often and set limits on how much of yourself you give to others, so you have more left for yourself.

Tune Into Your Body’s Needs

As we move towards the darker months, our bodies naturally crave warmth and comfort. But many of us were never taught to listen to our bodies and what they truly need. One of the most nurturing things you can do this season is to slow down and tune in to what your body is asking for. This practice has honestly changed my life. For years I didn't even know that my body was sending me messages as I was too busy, and I definitely didn't know how to actually listen to them!

Your body is always sending you signals, whether it’s the need for rest, movement, nourishment, or something deeper. Take a few moments each day to check in with yourself. How are you feeling physically? What do you crave? Do you need more rest, more time outside, or perhaps more nourishing food? When you start listening to your body’s signals, you’ll find that taking care of yourself becomes much more intuitive and effortless. I actually love listening to my needs now and it doesn't feel like a chore, because I know how good it feels to truly meet them!

Create a Slow Morning Routine

One of the easiest ways to introduce more calm and balance into your day is by creating a slow, intentional morning routine. Autumn mornings can feel particularly cosy and soothing if we allow ourselves time to savour them.

Try starting the day with gentle self-care rituals. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Sip a warm cup of herbal tea or coffee mindfully, taking time to appreciate the flavours and warmth.
Do a few light stretches or a gentle yoga practice to awaken your body.
Write in a journal, reflecting on what you’re grateful for or what you want to focus on for the day.

Even if you only have 10 minutes, these small rituals can help set a calm, grounded tone for the rest of your day.

Embrace Rest as Self-Care

Autumn is a season that naturally encourages us to slow down, but often, we resist the urge to rest. Many of us feel guilty when we aren’t constantly productive. But resting is not only a form of self-care- it’s necessary for us to thrive and do all the things that we want to.

Allow yourself to embrace rest this autumn. And remember that rest doesn't need to be about sleep or taking a nap! Indulging in a slow, peaceful walk through the falling leaves, doing something creative or curling up with a good book are all forms of mental rest that help restore our energy and balance.

If you find yourself struggling with feelings of guilt or anxiety around resting, be kind to yourself and remember that rest is not a luxury- it’s essential in order to feel at your best. The more you allow yourself to rest, the more refreshed and energised you’ll feel to take on the rest of life’s challenges.

Five Autumn Self-Care Rituals to Nurture You

There are so many ways to embrace self-care this autumn, but if you are looking for some inspirtion, here are some of my favourites...

Yoga Nidra for Deep Rest: Yoga Nidra, or "yogic sleep," is a deeply restorative practice that helps you relax on a physical and mental level. It’s perfect for autumn evenings when you’re looking to unwind and reset. My absolute favourite teacher is Hilary Jackendoff on the free Insight Timer app. She has the perfect autumn themed yoga nidra practice called 'Yoga nidra to honor the inward energy', which you can find here.
Light Essential Oil Candles: I love essential oil candles (think cinnamon, clove, or orange) and they are a great way to embrace self-care in autumn. I love the brand Self Care Company as they only use clean ingredients and have wonderful values around self-care!
Autumn Walks to Connect with Nature: Take slow walks outside to observe the changing leaves and colours. This is my absolute favourite way to spend autumn days! I like to take photos, collect leaves, and draw autumn scenes.
Homemade Chai Latte: Make yourself a warm, nourishing chai latte with cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. Or a healthy hot chocolate with cacao. The act of making this warm, soothing drink is a lovely way to slow down and indulge this season.
Journalling for Self-Reflection: Autumn is a season of reflection, and journalling is a powerful way to process your thoughts and emotions. Ask yourself: What am I ready to release? What am I welcoming in? How can I create more space for peace and joy in my life this season?

How Reiki Can Support Your Autumn Self-Care Practice

If you’re looking for additional support to help you slow down and reconnect with yourself, Reiki can be a deeply nourishing practice. Reiki is an energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and creates balance and harmony between your mind, body and soul. It can help you feel more grounded, aligned, and attuned to your body’s needs. This healing practice can be a restorative addition to your autumn self-care rituals, helping you create a deeper connection with yourself. You can learn more about Reiki and the benefits of this therapy here.

So, as we move deeper into autumn, let this season be an opportunity to slow down, tune into your needs, and embrace the power of doing less. By setting boundaries, resting more, and creating nourishing rituals, you can nurture yourself from the inside out. Self-care isn’t about adding more to your life, it’s about creating space and honouring what you truly need in the moment so you can find more balance, joy and peace in your daily life. Be kind to yourself this season and if you need further support, I'd love to connect with you.

Wishing you a peaceful and nurturing autumn.

Ashley x