10 Simple Ways to Look After Yourself This Autumn

There is something about autumn that makes you want to slow down a little.

The mornings are cooler, the evenings are darker and suddenly we are reaching for jumpers, cosy socks and the heating again. After the rush of summer, it can also be a good time to reset some of our everyday routines.

Looking after yourself doesn't have to mean completely changing your lifestyle or spending lots of money. Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference.

Here are 10 simple ways to give yourself a little extra care this autumn.

1. Give your skin some extra hydration

Cooler weather, wind and indoor heating can all leave skin feeling drier than usual.

You may notice tightness, flakiness or that your usual moisturiser doesn't feel quite enough.

Try applying moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp after cleansing and don't forget areas that are easily overlooked such as your neck and hands.

2. Keep using SPF

Just because summer is over doesn't mean your skin no longer needs protecting from UV exposure.

Make SPF part of your daily routine throughout the year, particularly if you are spending time outdoors.

It might not feel like a priority when the sky is grey, but your skin doesn't take the season off!

3. Show your hands and cuticles some love

Hands can really notice the change in temperature.

Keep a hand cream nearby and make a habit of applying it after washing your hands and before bed. A little cuticle oil can also help keep the skin around your nails comfortable and moisturised.

Think of it as a tiny two minute ritual rather than another job to add to your list.

4. Be kinder to your nails

If your nails have had a summer of holidays, swimming, sunshine and plenty of wear and tear, autumn is a good time to give them some attention.

Avoid using your nails as tools, don't pick or peel products from the nail and keep them at a practical length for your everyday life.

Remember, healthy looking nails don't have to be long or complicated. Neat, well cared for natural nails can look just as beautiful.

5. Don't completely overhaul your skincare routine

When the seasons change, it's tempting to replace everything in the bathroom cabinet, but your skin may not need a whole new routine.

Instead, pay attention to how your skin is actually behaving. Is it feeling dry, dehydrated, congested or more sensitive?

Make small changes where needed rather than changing everything at once. Your skin will usually tell you what it needs.

6. Give your lips some extra attention

Dry, chapped lips are a classic autumn and winter problem.

Keep a nourishing lip balm handy and remember that licking your lips can actually make dryness worse.

A gentle lip exfoliation occasionally can help remove flaky skin, but don't overdo it. Sometimes simple and gentle really is best.

7. Don't ignore those tense shoulders

Back, neck and shoulder tension can creep up on us, particularly when we are spending more time indoors, working at desks or curled up under blankets.

Try taking regular breaks to move your shoulders, stretch gently and change position throughout the day.

Even five minutes can make you feel different.

8. Give yourself permission to rest

This one might be the most important.

When life is busy, rest can feel like something we have to earn.

You don't.

An evening with your phone put away, an early night, reading a few pages of a book or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea all count.

Rest isn't being unproductive. Your body and mind need it.

9. Create a little evening ritual

Autumn evenings are perfect for creating small routines that help you wind down.

It could be skincare, putting on your favourite hand cream, making a warm drink, lighting a candle, getting into comfy clothes or simply spending ten minutes without a screen.

It doesn't have to look like a picture perfect self care routine on Instagram.

It just needs to make you feel good.

10. Do something simply because you enjoy it

Finally, don't make every bit of self care about fixing something.

You don't need to wait until your nails are damaged, your skin is dry or your shoulders are aching before you look after yourself.

Paint your nails because you love the colour.

Take a walk because the autumn leaves look beautiful.

Book time for yourself because you enjoy being pampered.

Meet a friend for coffee.

Have a quiet afternoon.

Whatever makes you feel more like yourself, make a little room for it.

A little reminder for autumn

Self care doesn't need to be complicated, expensive or another thing to add to an already overflowing to do list.

Sometimes it's simply noticing what you need and giving yourself permission to do it.

So as the season changes, perhaps don't focus on doing more.

Focus on doing a little more of what makes you feel good, comfortable and cared for.

If that happens to involve a cosy blanket, a cup of tea and absolutely no one asking you where something is for five minutes, I think that is perfectly reasonable.