Last week’s heatwave is already a distant memory, the mornings are dark and gloomy, and I’m almost ready to become reacquainted with our central heating system.

Autumn is well and truly upon us and no amount of pumpkin spice in my latte can make me feel better about this fact.

As I mentioned in this post, I find the tail-end of the year pretty tough. Aside from the cold weather and extreme lack of sunlight, November brings the anniversary of my dad’s death followed swiftly and painfully by his birthday a few days later. Is it any wonder I feel so bleak?

Experience has taught me that I need to be proactive about surviving the winter months and September is a great time to lay some groundwork. With a bit of luck, a few positive changes now should see me through till spring.

Here’s how to prepare for autumn and hopefully avoid the winter blues…

• Cosy Up Your Home

If you happened to tune into my Instagram Story over the weekend, you might have noticed I’m currently nesting in a pretty big way. As I mentioned here, I’m always hyper-sensitive to my surroundings, but never more so than during the colder months when we naturally spend more time indoors.

As well as purging unnecessary possessions, I’m focussing on a few simple additions to make our home feel even more inviting as the nights draw in. Scented candles, soft blankets, fresh bedding and a new rug for the living room floor have all been purchased, along with an abundance of house plants to keep things looking fresh and green.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be paying particular attention to our bedroom and hopefully furthering its gradual transformation into a haven of tranquility and calm! The Lumie Bodyclock I received for my birthday will take pride of place on my new bedside table. I am SO ready for this bit of tech to change my life! Have you tried it?

• Plan Your Winter {Loungewear} Wardrobe

I like thick tights, winter boots and a damn fine coat as much as the next blogger, but its loungewear that I obsess over at this time of year. I favour hibernation, so comfy, cosy clothing is always a priority. Think stylish PJs, a super fluffy robe and slippers you never want to take off.

I love nightwear from Next {primarily because many of their pyjamas are available in a longer length} and Rosie for Autograph at M&S is pretty hard to beat. Cashmere socks from The White Company are also high on my current wish list.

• Make ‘Me Time’ a Priority

I have to be kind to myself at this time of year and practicing self-care is a must. I’m determined to actively carve out time for myself and enjoy activities that force me to slow down.

I’ll be taking myself to bed early with a good book as often as I can and I’m also planning lots of long, luxurious baths and. Getting my nails done once a fortnight is a complete indulgence, but it keeps me smiling and costs a lot less than therapy!

• Make Plans and Book a Trip {or Two}

Do some research and figure out how you want to fill the long, dark evenings and chilly weekends. Just make sure you don’t overcommit. There’s nothing worse than flicking through your diary and feeling overwhelmed by everything you have to do.

I need things to look forward to at this time of year, so I’m planning plenty of day trips and lots of quality time with family and friends. This weekend, we’re heading to the Watershed for a free family model making workshop as part of Encounters, the UK’s leading short film and animation festival. I also plan to purchase tickets for The Spooky Ship, a cool collaboration between Bristol Old Vic and the SS Great Britain.

Big adventures are a good idea too, which is why I recently booked four flights to Amsterdam. Our trip isn’t until May next year, so I can spend the winter months plotting and planning the perfect itinerary.

• Eat the Season

Although I struggle with autumn and winter, I do appreciate the cyclical nature of the seasons. The earth needs to replenish itself and without this fallow stage there would be no spring. Luckily, nature seems to offer up exactly what our bodies need at this time of year, filling our plates with brightly coloured fruit and veg that’s full of flavour.

Nourishing comfort food is what I crave when the temperature starts to drop. Soup, cake, crumble or a steaming pot of delicious beans is a good place to start. Make a list of everything you’d like to eat in the coming weeks and start collecting your favourite recipes.

• What coping mechanisms do you have for the winter months?

Love Audrey xxx