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Hello Autumn Lovers.

Halloween seemed as good a time as any to really spend some time appreciating autumn. It's an example of the best autumn has to offer, spooky tales + Netflix shows, glowing pumpkins and black cats. Any excuse for a cosy night in, surrounded by candles and eating halloween treats!

In celebration of All Hallow's Eve, I thought it was only right to dedicate this issue to one of the scariest things I could think of, Seasonal Affective Disorder.

So what is Seasonal Affective Disorder? The NHS defines it as depression symptoms that manifest occur at one particular time of year. It's not exclusive to Autumn/Winter, but it tends to be most common in the colder months, often associated with the drop in temperatures and loss of daylight hours. It can affect anyone, even if you've never experienced depression before, and for a lot of people, it's a very real part of daily life this time of year.

We now sit on the cusp of winter, we have one precious month of autumn left. The light is already fading (the clocks changing certainly didn't help did they) and in the last few days we've seen a dramatic drop in temperatures, and a picking up of icy winds. In other words, we're primed and ready for Seasonal Affective Disorder to hit. We are sitting pumpkins, if you will.

Now don't get me wrong, most of us are affected by the change in seasons and that's completely normal. What you don't have to accept is feelings of sadness, despair, anxiety, lethargy, mood changes, struggles concentrating or a feeling of disconnect.

So what can we do to prevent SAD?

I'm encouraging you all to spend this month really prioritising your mental health. Find some time to sit down with a pen and paper and really think about what you need to feel happy. Do you need more time with family and friends, or perhaps more plan free days to rest? Do you thrive with regular exercise, or finding a pocket of time each day to be outside. Do you struggle with dark evenings and need to find ways to enjoy the dark hours? Do you want to eat better, whole, fresh food, and eat out less? Do you need to make time in your daily routine for yoga, reflection or meditation? Make a big list of all the things that make you happy, and figure out how you can incorporate these things into your daily routine.

WAYS TO PREVENT S.A.D.

Make plans to be excited about throughout the month.

Spend time outside in the fresh air, even if you're bundled up under lots of layers!

Get excited about Christmas! Throw yourself into planning, present hunting, recipe testing and decor DIY-ing.

Eat well, cook seasonal produce and try wholesome nourishing recipes.

Socialise in ways that are comfortable for you. Whether that's scheduling a girl's night, coffee dates, or just a long phone call with a friend over a cup of tea.

Talk about your feelings, with anyone who will listen. Keep an open and engaging dialogue about mental health going.

Create a good sleep and eating routine, to keep your body clock in rhythm.

WAYS TO MANAGE S.A.D.
Make the most of natural light. Sit by a window, take a walk in your lunch break.

Eat well and often.

Keep exercising.

Reduce your stress levels by minimising plans, preparing for busy periods in advance and indulging in relaxing activities.

Invest in a SAD lamp for your desk, to help your body get more daylight.

Talk to someone, a professional or an understanding loved one.

Make time for the activities you enjoy, that bring you happiness.

Practise Yoga and mindfulness regularly.

I encourage you all to really focus on your mental health this month, take time to look after yourself, practise self-care, and make decisions based on what's best for you and your health. It's easy to prioritise everything in the world above ourselves, but without our health we have nothing. Take care of yourselves this November!

And if ever you need an ear, hit reply to this email, find me on Instagram or Twitter, and let's chat.

Practical Magic - Alice Hoffman

A suitably spooky read, Practical Magic is a classic autumn read but one I'd never picked up (I still haven't seen the movie either!). Magical realism isn't normally my chosen book genre, I like my magic all singing all dancing, black cats and wands and potions, but this book certainly offers something special.

Mostly, it's a story about strong women, about their bonds and the way they effect each other. It's about sisterhood and the strength we have as women, and depsite being a story about death and fear and upset, it's an uplifting tale.

I loved the bond between the sets of sisters, and how at the end of the book Gillian and Sally's perceptions of their aunts are righted. I loved the exploration of how love looks to different people.

But mostly I loved how the magical realism elements didn't feel forced or over the top. They lent themselves to the story and only served to enhance the plot. It was a spooky, but engaging read, and I loved the way Hoffman writes, it's definitely adjective heavy, but in a way that really adds to your experience of the book.

If you haven't already, be sure to pick up a copy, it's a lovely autumnal read!

A NOVEMBER TO DO LIST TO ENCOURAGE HAPPINESS

Take time to write in a journal at the end of the day, just a line or two about how you've been feeling.
Try a new spicy autumn cocktail recipe, like Hot Toddys and Spiced Cider.
Have your friends over for a girl's night, drink wine and make nachos and watch your favourite movies.
Make the most of your lunchbreak, take a walk outside or read a book.
Start thinking about your Christmas shopping, plan out gifts and find a local independent Christmas market to visit.
Whip out the slow cooker and cook delicious soups and stews.
Treat yourself to a long hot bubble bath, whilst burning autumnal candles + sipping a glass of wine.
Try something new, a Christmas DIY, a new recipe or a new coffee shop. Break out of your comfort zones and routines for an afternoon.

#HUNTINGFORAUTUMN on Instagram

There have been so many great images on Instagram this month, it was SO hard to pick a winner! Special mentions go to Rachel's gorgeous Mother + Son pumpkin moment, Lily's enviable fireside snap, Rhianna's spooky cuppa, + Becca's cosy slow afternoon.

This month though, the winner is...

@JACLYNRUTHCRAIG

Jaclyn was one of the first newsletter followers + has been contributing such beautiful images to the hashtag since day one! Her photos are simply gorgeous, beautiful captures of her daily life. She shares motherhood moments, style snippets and life shots, and her photos are some of my favourites!

Thanks for the support Jaclyn, make sure you hit reply to this email and let me know your address + which book club book you'd like to receive!

Keep sharing your images on Instagram with #huntingforautumn to be in with the chance of winning next month!

Before you go...

Try my bonfire curry recipe, pop chicken breasts in a casserole pot, and add a carton of chopped tomatoes, half a jar of chicken tikka paste, garlic, onions, a tablespoon of greek yogurt, a teaspoon of each fresh ginger, cumin and coriander, and one chicken stock cube dissolved in 300ml of water. Bake in the oven with the lid on to seal in juices for 45 minutes at 180 degrees, then shred the chicken with a fork and serve piled over rice or a hot buttery jacket potato. Perfect easy autumn warmer.

Pick up next month's book club read! I'll be reviewing Sarah Perry's The Melmoth at the end of November, read along and send me your thoughts in reply to this email, on Twitter or Instagram!

You can buy the book in hardback here, or the kindle edition here.

A few journal prompts to try...

What do you need to be happy?
Where would you like to be in a year's time.
What do you associate with the smell of cinnamon?
What does peace look like to you?

Until next time!

Logo by @coffeescribbles_