We can still smell the sun cream on our skin, and we’re making the most of the last long evenings outdoors. But shorter days loom large, and the carefree weeks of summer are drawing to a close.

For some, this time of year is filled with excitement and promise. For others, unfamiliarity and change bring feelings of anxiety and trepidation. Even those of us whose school days are long behind us still experience an innate gear shift as September begins. 

But the end of summer doesn’t have to mean stress and drudgery. Here are some ways to bring joy to the seasonal transition, and head into the last quarter of the year with energy and intention. 

Pause and reflect 

Before the whirlwind of work takes over, stop and look back on the summer gone by. If you’re lucky, you’ll have slowed down, done things you enjoy, and maybe even travelled to new places. Discuss the highlights of the holidays over a meal with family and friends, or get your memories down in a diary, journal or document on your computer. One day you’ll be grateful to have them to look back on. 

Start afresh 

Pristine stationary, blank calendar pages, and new goals; the start of the term is all about turning over a new leaf and beginning afresh. An organised environment is proven to help with productivity, so take some time to declutter your desk. Finish with a spritz of one of our autumn scents to re-energise your space for the new season. A nice desk candle and new work playlist will have you looking forward to settling in for the day. 

Make your life easy 

The sudden return of work, school, clubs, social commitments, commutes and chores can feel overwhelming after a long break. Make life easier for yourself by taking a little and often approach to cleaning, with the help of Purdy & Figg. You can use our sprays on all the surfaces in your home, so you can clean as you go and save big jobs for when you have more time. 

Balance work and play

Autumn’s arrival doesn’t have to mean all the fun stops and it’s serious business until Christmas. Keep things balanced by planning delicious weeknight dinners and fun weekend adventures. Get stuck into some baking to fill your home with seasonal scents like cardamom and cinnamon, take long walks in the countryside, and spend evenings on the sofa with hot chocolates and a good film. 

Spend quality time 

Don’t let the stress of work and school creep into every part of life. Remember to close your laptop, put your phone away, and make time for catching up and chilling out. That way you’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to get back to it the next day. 

Autumn is the perfect time to embrace cosiness, slow down, and get into good habits. Let us know how Purdy & Figg is helping you reset your routines and dive into the season of change like a pile of crunchy leaves.