Embracing Autumn Evenings: Wellbeing Tips and a Cosy Cottage Escape in Northumberland

Autumn has arrived, soon the landscape will be painted with golden leaves and crisp, fresh air. But along with the beauty of the season come shorter days and darker evenings. For some, this shift feels cosy and comforting; for others, it can feel heavy. The reduced daylight can affect mood and energy levels, sometimes leading to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

If you find yourself struggling as the nights draw in, you’re not alone. The good news? There are plenty of ways to ease the effects and even learn to enjoy the darker evenings.

Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder is more than just the “winter blues.” It’s linked to reduced exposure to sunlight, which can impact sleep, mood, and overall wellbeing. Here are some practical steps to help:

• Seek the Light – Get outside during daylight hours whenever you can. Even a short walk at lunchtime can make a big difference.

• Try Light Therapy – Many people benefit from using a light therapy lamp, designed to mimic natural sunlight and boost mood.

• Stay Active – Exercise is a natural mood-lifter. Whether it’s yoga, a brisk walk, or a workout, moving your body helps release endorphins.

• Stay Connected – Shorter days can make us want to hibernate, but keeping in touch with friends and family is important for emotional wellbeing.

• Seek Support – If symptoms are persistent or severe, speak with a GP or healthcare professional. Support is available.

Embracing the Darker Evenings

While darker nights can feel challenging, they also open the door to new, slower rhythms of life. Here are some uplifting ways to enjoy the season:

• Create a Cosy Atmosphere – Think blankets, candles, and warm drinks. Embrace “hygge,” the Scandinavian art of creating comfort and joy at home.

• Cook Seasonal Comfort Foods – Autumn is the season of hearty soups, baked treats, and slow-cooked meals that fill the house with warmth.

• Discover the Stars – Darker skies are perfect for stargazing. With little light pollution in the countryside, autumn and winter evenings reveal breath-taking constellations.

• Start a New Hobby – Use the longer evenings as a chance to learn something new—painting, knitting, writing, or even puzzles.

• Practice Mindfulness – Slow down and embrace the stillness. Meditation, journaling, or simply sitting with a cup of tea can help ease the transition into the season.

A Cosy Autumn Escape in Northumberland

Sometimes the best way to embrace autumn is with a change of scenery. Our cosy couples’ cottage at Barmoor Castle Country Park, set within a peaceful 200-acre, owners only holiday home estate, is the perfect place to unwind and recharge. With very little light pollution, you can enjoy star-filled skies, quiet evenings, and the kind of calm that helps you reset and reconnect.

Finding Balance in the Season

Autumn reminds us that change is natural—and often beautiful. By taking steps to care for our wellbeing and finding ways to celebrate the season, we can transform darker evenings from something we dread into something we look forward to.

So, wrap up warm, light a candle, and let the slower pace of autumn evenings become an opportunity to rest, reflect, and reconnect—with yourself, with others, and with the beauty of the season.

Autumn – photo credit @darrensphotos