Before October Arrives, Take a Moment To Check In Yourself

September can be a funny old month, can't it?

One minute we are enjoying the lighter days of summer, and the next we are trying to remember school routines, finding jumpers that have somehow disappeared and wondering how the evenings are suddenly getting darker.

It can feel like the year is quietly changing direction. The pace of summer starts to fade, plans shift and those small signs of autumn begin to appear.

Rather than treating September as another month to catch up, perhaps it can be a chance to notice what you need as the seasons change. Maybe your skin has felt the effects of summer, your hands and feet could use a little care, or your shoulders are holding more tension than you realised or perhaps you have simply been putting yourself at the bottom of the list for a while.

It's easy to overlook those things when life is busy. Often, we only notice how much we need a break once we finally have one.

A little check in can be a good place to start.

Take a few minutes to think about how you are feeling physically, mentally and emotionally. Are you sleeping well? Have you had any proper time to yourself? Are you drinking enough water, getting outside or making time for things you enjoy? You don't need to change everything at once. Simply noticing what might help is a positive first step.

If your skin feels dry or unsettled after summer, you might benefit from simplifying your routine and giving it a little extra hydration. If your hands, feet or nails have been neglected, a nourishing treatment can help bring some care back into your routine. And if your shoulders are feeling tight, even a short walk, a few gentle stretches or some uninterrupted time to relax may help you feel more comfortable.

That is where a little time for yourself can make such a difference.

It doesn't have to be anything dramatic. You don't need a complete lifestyle overhaul or a long list of things to change. Sometimes it is simply booking an appointment, enjoying a quiet cup of tea, going for a walk or allowing yourself an hour where nobody needs anything from you.

As September comes to an end and October begins, consider this your reminder to make space for something that helps you feel more like yourself. You deserve to be included in your own plans too.

So, before the next month gets underway, ask yourself: What would feel good for me right now?

Perhaps the answer is a little beauty treatment, a moment of calm or simply some time to yourself.

Whatever it is, I hope you make room for it.