Creativity and Nature

I love Autumn. So much so, I even created an autumnal printable last year to celebrate it's arrival.
Needless to say, I was thrilled to find a way to combine my September resolution and my love of the season this week.

'Mindfulness and the Natural World' by Claire Thompson celebrates the positive effects of the outdoors on our mental health. But not only that, she also believes that immersing yourself in nature can also spark creativity.

"The natural world can invigorate our minds."

Spending time in nature is well known to boost mental wellbeing. It  gives us fresh air, exercise (even if it is just a leisurely stroll), and a sense of calm.
It also gets us away from the routine of everyday life and technology; giving our minds the freedom to expand.

Thompson argues that nature is conducive to creativity; cultivating curiosity in the process.

Autumn Reading List

I'm a read-aholic. It's something I've noticed lately. I race from one book to the next often forgetting to contemplate what has happened in the book I just finished. I also have the compulsion to finish every book I start; even when it's awful (like Miranda Hart's 'Is it just me?' I mentioned in my Summer Reading List). 

However, I am yet to finish Miranda Hart's bio, it remains on my shelf for when my current book supply runs out. In the meantime, here's what I've been hooked on this season:

The Girl on the Train - Paula Hawkins

I feel like this book has been around for ages because I've been seeing it and wanting it for so long. Although I am always skeptical of really popular fiction books - as if they may not be worth the hype; Boy was I wrong to be skeptical with this one. Told from three points of view the story is immediately gripping, because it could be about any of us and the day-to-day lives we witness and play a part in. It's intense and thrilling. 

Autumn Mental Health Update

Today is World Mental Health Day, and the theme of the day is dignity. It's a perfect time to reflect on my mental health during the last month and a half.

Back in early September, I made and shared with you all an Autumn to-do list! My history with ‘lists of things I want to do’ isn’t very good. In the Summer I misplaced and failed to complete a ‘How to Summer’ list. I felt like a failure and it took some time to get over.

However, my significantly shorted Autumn to-do list focused on attainable and achievable goals. From embracing the Pumpkin Spice Latte to baking, I was quick to get my tasks ticked off.

The season had me kept busy with my work commitments, but the list reminded me to take time out and do some things for me.

The result is a huge feeling of achievement. I look at that list and the silly things I could tick off (the Pumpkin Spice Latte) and the parts that required effort and commitment, like crafting and painting my tights, and I feel pride.

Hello Autumn

Hello folks! Now that we're settled into September, Autumn is finally here. For me, this is a good thing. I quite like the chill in the air, the leaves on the ground, the run up to Christmas (no, too soon?). As most of you know, August was a test-run for my Autumn. With September, the schools start back and I return to working two jobs. It can be stressful at times, and the last two weeks have been extremely busy. And that's what my August was all about. I tried to build up my defenses, practice self care everyday, compile a list of stress reducing activities, and learn to love myself that little bit more. August was a good month. I came into September feeling ready for whatever life may throw at me. I feel mentally strong, not a phrase I have ever used before, but I feel like I know the value of my own self worth. It might sound silly, but I've never known that before. And it feels like a huge thing.

Autumnal Feelings

I love autumn. I love the colours. I love the falling leaves and the chill in the air. I love how images of nature (especially foxes and owls) are suddenly everywhere. I love that it's almost Winter.
(Plus it helps that all the good TV shows are starting up again after the summer break!)

So I have found myself in Autumn and appreciative of what the season brings.

So here are some of my favourite Autumn things: