As the Evenings Begin to Draw in :

As the Autumn days become noticeably shorter, evenings and early mornings darker and cooler it becomes all the more important to find ways to make our homes feel warm, cosy and welcoming.

- If you're spending time at home alone why not use the time to enjoy a long leisurely bath with those special scented candles and beautiful oils or catch up on your favourite films, curl up and read a cherished book or revisit your music collection. 

Treat yourself to a lovely bunch of flowers and put them somewhere unexpected like your hall, bathroom or kitchen, so they'll make you feel good every time you see them.

- As the evenings begin to draw in they can provide the perfect opportunity to spend time with friends and play board games or cards, perhaps sharing a relaxed supper together. 

Many people are surprised at how enjoyable these games nights are, so much so that they often become an eagerly anticipated part of the social diary. 

Or arrange a safari supper, where each course is eaten at a different house, providing a fun yet relatively inexpensive evening's entertainment as everyone shares the cost and effort.

- Make clever use of fabrics and textures to support a luxurious feeling in your home. Warming colours like red, gold, burnt orange all add homely touches when used for cushions, rugs and throws whilst thicker Autumnal curtains make your home cosy and inviting so you can relax and enjoy your evenings indoors.

- Lighting has a major bearing on our mood, good humour and stress levels. Harsh light can cause stress and tension so lighting at home really needs to be softer and more focussed on creating a comfortable, calming atmosphere. 

Lamps, side lights and candles can all be used to good effect in creating a softer glow. Outdoor lighting can enable you to continue using your garden over the Autumn months whilst keeping your windows clean means that they continue to let in as much light as possible.

- Exercise is important during Autumn months as is using each opportunity to get as much daylight as you can. A brisk walk in the countryside or the local park can provide quality time with family or friends. 

Wrap up warm then afterwards enjoy a mug of mulled wine, hot chocolate or a nourishing casserole that's been simmering slowly all day.

- Don't forget to prepare your garden for Autumn and remember that it's possible to incorporate some flowering plants into your garden to enjoy over the Autumn and Winter months.

A little forethought, preparation and organisation invested into your home, exercise and nutrition can ensure that Autumn is a cosy, relaxing and lovely time. As the evenings begin to draw in decide to use your home, time and friends to accommodate positive change as you move on from your Summer approach to life.

Susan Leigh is a Counsellor and Hypnotherapist who works with stressed individuals to promote confidence and self belief, with couples experiencing relationship difficulties to improve communications and understanding and with business clients to support the health and motivation levels of individuals and teams.

For more articles, information or to make contact please visit http://www.lifestyletherapy.net

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