Five Intentions I’m Carrying Into Autumn for a Healthier Season

Autumn always feels like a bit of a reset for me. Maybe it’s the back-to-school energy, the crisp mornings, or the quiet shift after the fullness of summer. Whatever the reason, it always feels like a season to gently take stock and start fresh—not in a New Year, all-or-nothing kind of way, but in a slower, more sustainable, more realistic rhythm.

This year, I’m heading into autumn with a few intentions for a healthier season. Nothing drastic. Nothing overwhelming. Just small habits and gentle rhythms that support my body, mind, and energy—especially as we head into what can often be a very busy time.

These are what work for me, in this stage of life as a 46-year-old woman with a family to take care of and a life to live. Maybe some of them will resonate with you too.

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1. Move My Body—Every Day

This one’s non-negotiable for me. Nothing dramatic or intense, but I try to move every single day. A morning walk is my anchor—ideally first thing after the school run. It helps me clear my head, settle my thoughts, and feel more grounded.

I also fit in strength training at home a few times a week—just simple routines with dumbbells and bodyweight exercises. Nothing fancy, but it helps me feel stronger and more capable. That’s really what it’s about for me: not chasing fitness goals, but simply feeling good in my body.

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2. Eat Seasonally and Nourishingly

As the seasons shift, so do our meals. Autumn is all about warm, comforting food—soups, stews, roasted veg, hearty salads. I try to keep it seasonal, simple, and satisfying. I feel better when I’m eating real food—and plenty of it.

I also try not to eat after 6.30pm most nights. I don’t follow strict rules around fasting, but giving my body a longer overnight break seems to suit me. And I continue to take a few supplements that have really supported me through perimenopause: vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and a good women’s multi.

(That’s just my own experience—always check with your GP if you’re unsure.)

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3. Stick to a Steady, Supportive Daily Rhythm

After the loose rhythms and late nights of summer, I find myself craving a bit of steadiness. Getting up before the rest of the house gives me a quiet window to gather myself. Even in the darker mornings, I love that little pause before the day begins—it sets the tone for everything.

My mornings usually go like this: get up, get dressed, drink a big glass of water, make a warm tea (lemon and ginger or turmeric and ginger are my favourites), do the school run, go for a walk, then make my coffee. It’s a small rhythm, but it works for me.

Evenings are for winding down, and I’m trying to get back to a 10pm bedtime with a book instead of a screen. That extra hour of sleep makes a noticeable difference.

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4. Protect My Energy

This one’s a biggie. I’ve realised more and more how much my energy is affected by screens, noise, notifications, and too much stimulation. I feel better when I build in pauses.

Sometimes that means no phone until after my walk. Sometimes it means leaving it downstairs in the evenings or swapping scrolling for a few pages of a book. I don’t always get it right, but I always feel better when I do.

Heading into the darker months, I know I’ll need to be even more deliberate about this. Less noise. More quiet.

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5. Make Time for Soulful Joy

Not everything has to be about wellness or productivity. Some things are just for the soul.

For me, that means reading good books. Sitting down with a cup of tea. Lighting a candle. Journaling. Going for a drive. Picking up a puzzle or a paintbrush. Watching something gentle. Writing a few thoughts by hand.

Joy doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive—it just has to feel good. And when I give myself permission to do these little things, I always feel better.

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Final Thoughts

There’s so much pressure this time of year to overhaul everything. To launch into big routines and big goals. But I’m not really interested in that anymore.

I want to feel good in my body. I want my days to feel calm and steady. I want to be well enough—in every sense—to show up for the people I love, and to live this one good life with intention.

These are the five intentions I’m carrying into autumn.

What about you? What’s one small thing you’re doing to feel a little more grounded as we step into a new season? Let me know in the comments or join me over on Instagram and join the conversation there.

With warmth from our little house to your,

Ciara x

🍂 Further Reading from the Blog

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:

• Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas: A Busy Day Favourite
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• Slow Cooker Ham Fillet with Honey Mustard Glaze
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• 10 Things to Let Go of This Summer for a More Peaceful Season
  A gentle nudge to release what no longer serves you—timeless advice for any season.