From the moment autumn arrives, there’s a shift you can feel in the air.
It’s a gorgeous time of year, there’s no denying it. The evenings come sooner, the mornings grow darker, and the trees quietly let go of their leaves. Nature tells us a story of release and rest, of conserving energy before the cycle of growth begins again in spring. Animals hibernate, hedgehogs curl up in nests, plants retreat beneath the soil. Everything is slowing down.
And yet, as humans, we often do the exact opposite. Or at least - we feel like we should.
From autumn onwards, life seems to gather speed. It’s somewhat chaotic. Halloween, Bonfire Night, Black Friday and finally Christmas - the season brings with it an endless list of events, expectations, and to-dos. Even more so if you have children in school!
Instead of taking cues from nature, we push harder, stretching ourselves across work, family, and social commitments. For many of us, and particularly women, the mental load grows heavier at exactly the time our bodies are longing for a break.
That’s why this season can feel overwhelming.
Our senses are constantly stimulated - the bright lights of shops, the noise of celebrations, the pressure of planning. It’s easy to forget that we are not designed to keep going at the pace of summer. Autumn and winter invite us to embrace a different rhythm.
So what can we do about it?
Well, sometimes it’s the little things. It can be as simple as the way you light your home; harsh overhead bulbs (or the Big Light as we often call it) can keep us alert and wired... while softer lamps and the warm glow of candles invite us to slow down.
Candlelight doesn’t just change the look of a room, it changes the way you feel within it - calmer, more grounded, more at peace.
Choosing fragrances that support your mood is another gentle act of care. Do you need something soothing to help you unwind, or a bright, uplifting scent to carry you through a busy evening?
Routines matter too.
Autumn is the perfect time to create little rituals that signal rest. It might be making a hot drink and curling up with a book, or simply taking ten quiet minutes before ed without a phone in your hand. Those screens, always attached to us, tell our bodies to stay alert... when what we really need is a reminder that it’s time to switch off!
Sleep itself becomes an anchor in the darker months. Just as nature sleeps more, we should be giving ourselves permission to do the same! Earlier nights, slower mornings where possible, and treating rest as something to be honoured rather than squeezed into the grind of daily life.
Self-care doesn’t have to mean elaborate routines or hours of free time we don’t have. It can mean being kind enough to yourself to pause, to say no, to take just wenty minutes that are yours alone. It can mean adjusting expectations, reminding yourself you don’t have to do it all, and choosing softness over speed.
So as the world outside begins to rest, perhaps the kindest thing you can do is follow its lead.
Let this be your season to hibernate a little, to restore your energy, and to create a rhythm that feels more human, more sustainable, and more you.
At Soul, we understand how overwhelming this season can feel...That’s why every fragrance we create is about more than just scent. It’s about supporting your wellbeing, helping you set the tone for calmer evenings, softer spaces, and moments that are yours alone. However busy life feels, Soul is here to remind you that rest is not a luxury - it’s essential.