Along with taking amazing supplements like probiotics, turmeric, omega oils like fish oils, echinacea, olive leaf, zinc, vitamins B, C, and D, and eating a daily dose of garlic, there is loads you can do to thrive in autumn. Building resilience and staying positive as the seasons change can feel a challenge after the gorgeous summer months, but the trick is to get excited about the cosy goodness of the cooler seasons.

We’re talking soups, warm baths, layering up the blankets on the couch, and any excuse to binge watch Netflix while the weather goes a bit bonkers outside from time to time. Plus, with taking the necessary precautions around coronavirus, now more than ever it’s important to create joy in every moment.

So we thought we’d share 10 cute ideas to get you inspired about autumn and keep you healthy, vibrant and invigorated.

1. Get your vitamin D – autumn is the perfect time to take a walk around the block at lunch time without worrying about getting fried in the process. Even those in self-isolation are encouraged to take walking breaks in areas that are not populated. Definitely wear a daily SPF all year round, but do get outdoors to enjoy a short burst of sunshine rays. To know when the best time to get imbued with the most potent dose of vitamin D, download the Dminder app and get alerts direct to your phone. Easy!

2. Ditch the jandals – and swap out for cute slippers or Uggs. While you’re at it, give yourself a post-summer pedicure. Buff the heels with a piece of pumice or a cool tool like the Scholl Velvet Smooth Express. One of our team swears by it! Then rub with coconut oil or your favourite moisturiser and luxuriate in cosy slippers.

3. Do a wardrobe cull Marie Kondo styles – and take everything you don’t need to a charity shop, or find your local contact for Women’s Refuge or Dress for Success who may appreciate your good quality clothing and accessories. The KonMari Method comprises six simple rules to decluttering including committing to the tidying process, imagining your new reality (or in this case, wardrobe), removing all the unwanted items first, focussing on all the clothing in your house (not just your own wardrobe), work your way down the KonMari checklist and keeping only the items that spark joy! And if you are having to spend more time at home, this might be the perfect time. This Declutter Your Home guide written by Lauren Schneider is packed full of useful tips and inspiration and will steer you through even your biggest decluttering project!

4. Eat seasonally – Our bodies are designed to eat the locally grown, in season fruits and vegetables that correspond to the weather outside. Thankfully this list is vast. Think carrots, butternut squash, pumpkins, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, celery, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, pears, leeks and kale. Mmmmm!

5. Discover your new “thing” – like meditation, listening to podcasts, dance class, trying a new yoga class, breathing workshop, or a new hobby, like knitting for Make Give Live, or volunteering at a Foodbank. Of course, if you are spending more time at home, YouTube and apps are the best source of so much content so yoga, meditation and dance can be done in your lounge.

6. Get creative about staying connected – get together with friends and family and do something that is both memorable and helps your community. Like planting trees, cleaning up our coastlines or helping to make lunch at Eat My Lunch, serving meals and doing dishes at Everybody Eats, or something similar in your community. f events are on hold, grab a rubbish bag and do your own beach clean up. It’ll feel good to be out in nature and the fresh air while doing something great for the community! Or stay connected using Zoom, Skype or Facetime.

7. Celebrate how beautiful autumn is – the golds, yellows, reds and oranges of the autumn leaves is simply breathtaking and a reminder of how clever nature is! Autumn is cooler too, so perfect for an invigorating, brisk walk in the morning or evening to feel the fresh cool air on your nose and cheeks. Parks like Auckland’s Cornwall Park, Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park in Christchurch and more are spectacular in autumn. Plan a picnic or take a walk and enjoy nature’s seasonal show.

8. Pop the fan away until spring – and enjoy the cooler nights and sleeping better. Get the duvet dry-cleaned, wash your favourite duvet cover – or treat yourself to a new one – and make up your bed for cosy nights in. It’s the perfect time to choose new books to read, too.

9. Dust off the slow cooker – and get excited about slow cooker recipes again – the ultimate convenience food. Like this heavenly Slow cooker butter chicken recipe – with vegan option. Invite friends around to join you, or if you know someone is stuck at home, drop of a meal to them. Sharing great food will make someone’s day!

10. Treat yourself to new winter warmers – you’ve done the cull now might be time to treat yourself to a fabulous new cosy cardigan, jersey or and warm pants. It could be a grand dad jumper from an op shop or at the other end of the scale, some lifetime-lasting cashmere. We love Elle + Riley and while an aspirational treat and not for everyone, how gooooood would these make you feel as you cosy down wearing this this autumn? Exactly!

The Golden Smoothie

Grab the recipe here!