Autumn is just around the corner, and after a busy summer spent juggling plans, trips, childcare and work, it’s the perfect time to refocus on your wellbeing
While the summer months draw us all outdoors to make the most of the warmer weather, long hours of daylight, school holidays, far-flung destinations or staycations, festivals and myriad other events, the autumn, by contrast, invites us to retreat back inside.
This applies both literally and figuratively – during September, as the nights noticeably lengthen and we feel that freshness in the morning air, our thoughts begin to turn to enjoying cosy evenings in. This is also a great time for looking inward, reflecting on our own needs and prioritising self-care.
And that can be in whichever way is appropriate for you – there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to self-care. It could be a beauty treatment, a wholesome meal, a yoga, Pilates or gym session, crystal or reiki therapy, time spent in nature, a full-on spa weekend or simply an hour to yourself with a favourite book and an aromatic tea or a long, hot bath. The commonalities, however, are undoubtedly peace, pampering and the time and space to recharge those batteries.
Here are a few suggestions to get your season of self-care off to a strong start…
Meditation
Meditation has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. A practice that involves focusing the mind and using the breath to enter a state of calm and clarity, it’s recommended by the NHS and other health organisations for improving wellbeing. Indeed, it offers huge benefits for mental health, helping reduce stress, manage emotions, release tension and sleep better. It needn’t have a spiritual element if you’re not so inclined (though this is a key aspect for many) and you can try it at home, in the garden or at a favourite beauty spot, such as the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. For a guide, head to the wellbeing tips section at this link: nhs.uk/every-mind-matters
Wild swimming
Early autumn is a great time for wild swimming as the water’s had all summer to warm up, so you can avoid having an ice bath experience while still reaping the benefits of an energising dip.
Meanwhile, the freshness of the air and changing colours of nature around you will clear the mind and restore the soul. Cambridge has several outdoor swimming spots, including Grantchester Meadows and Waresley Park, as well as Jesus Green Lido for those who prefer a slightly more controlled environment. Do take care when swimming in open water though, especially if you’re new to it. The RNLI has some great advice here: rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/open-water-swimming
Beauty treatments
How we feel on the inside has a lot to do with how we feel on the outside, and beauty treatments can be a great way to not only take some time out for ourselves, but also boost our self-confidence.
At Bush Beauty, a boutique home-based salon in Bottisham, founder Libby’s goal is to help you relax, recharge and reclaim a sense of calm through bespoke one-on-one treatments, with evening and weekend appointments available to ensure you can fit some much-needed me time into a busy schedule.
Specialising in precision female and male waxing using premium Lycon products, Bush Beauty also offers medical-grade Elim pedicures that combine results-driven foot care with spa-like indulgence, as well as tension-melting hot stone massages with Neal’s Yard Remedies oils.
Elim pedicures, comprising a luxury foot soak, exfoliation, massage, plus a nail shape and polish, are also available at House of Beauty on Victoria Road in Cambridge. In addition, this salon offers self-tanning, hydrating anti-ageing facials, reflexology and a full range of massage treatments including aromatherapy and Indian head massages.
Gresham House Wellness, set within the peaceful gardens of The Gonville Hotel in Cambridge city centre, is perfectly placed for an after-work or post-school-run treat or a regular routine. Using luxury Germaine de Capuccini products, the menu here covers everything from deep-tissue massages to results-driven facials, neatly polished manicures and pedicures and indulgent full-body rituals that exfoliate, nourish and hydrate, leaving your skin feeling soft and revitalised. Visit bushbeauty.co.uk, cambridgebeauty.co.uk and gonvillehotel.co.uk/wellness
Heads up!
The grand opening of Townhouse Nail Salon in Grand Arcade is taking place on 11 September.
Comfort food
Visit a farm shop for organic and locally grown veg and meat from high-welfare farms to create healthy, hearty stews and casseroles that will make you feel good inside and out. Pick apples for pies and crumbles and make the most of the array of richly coloured winter squashes that become available at markets, shops and pumpkin patches around this time of year.
Try visiting Bury Lane Farm Shop in Melbourn, The Milton Maze Pumpkin Patch in Milton or Pumpkin Jim’s in Ickleton for the latter, while The Gog Farm Shop is on hand for essential slow cooker and casserole ingredients. thegog.com
Spa escape
The ultimate me-time indulgence, a spa day or weekend is one of the most popular ways to invest in oneself and fully unwind.
At Sandpiper Pool and Spa in Somersham, you can even enjoy private use of the facilities! Bookable for parties of two to eight people, it provides a plethora of opportunities for relaxation, including an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, rainfall shower, menthol steam, ice, snow and treatment rooms, a chill-out lounge and spa garden.
Launching this month over in north-west Norfolk is a new spa destination with a modern twist. Ffolkespa is a sensory-led thermal experience complete with salt and herbal saunas, heated cabanas, a plunge pool, mist showers and more. Here, communal experiences are favoured over silent solitude, as evidenced by the Ibiza zone, which features a 14-person hot tub with disco ball and access to the spa’s own cocktail bar! Visit ffolkes.org.uk and sandpiperpoolandspa.co.uk
Embrace the dark
Many of us dread the drawing in of the nights, but nowadays we’re rarely in true darkness, which can play havoc with our sleep-wake cycles and have a negative impact on our health.
So, as we enter the darker half of the year, why not take this opportunity to reduce your exposure to artificial lighting in the evenings, ramp up the cosy factor with candles or lamplight, wrap up warm and venture outside to appreciate the awe-inspiring majesty of the night sky.
Naturally dark environments have also been proven to boost creativity, enabling new ideas and ways of thinking, so who knows where your new autumn routine could lead!
Find more ways to prioritise yourself in our 2024 wellness guide.
