Autumn Reset: Simple Midlife Self-Care & September Reflections

Photo by Jakob Braun on Unsplash

September reset: routines, reflections, and slowing down

This time of year always feels like a reset… it’s also the perfect moment for a little autumn self-care. It’s a time of new routines, shifting seasons, and a chance to reflect on the year so far before the festive season build up really begins. For me, it also feels like the right time to get back to blog writing. It’s been on my to-do list forever, but I’ve often felt blocked or unsure where to start. Looking back, I think that’s okay - sometimes the right moment arrives naturally. And as we move from September into October, I’m noticing again the small things that bring contentment and help us feel more balanced in midlife - which I look forward to sharing.

Until a year ago, I don’t think I’d ever appreciated this rhythm of the seasons as much. But since slowing down, leaving my job to go freelance, and spending more time at home, I’ve come to really value these natural pauses and shifts.

This September did feel busy actually. Back-to-school doesn’t impact me quite as much these days - my daughter is fourteen and fairly independent - but I still found myself juggling appointments, new routines, and the familiar role of Mum taxi as after-school clubs started up again. It made me hanker for those lazy summer days that had just passed.

At the same time, I’ve noticed a shift in myself. A few years ago, I’d have filled every spare moment with work and commitments. Now, I’m much more mindful of protecting white space in my diary. Slowing down has become a priority, and while it felt strange at first to create time without filling it, I’m learning to appreciate how valuable that is in midlife.

Yes that’s actually me on the floating airbed!

A floating soundbath under the stars.

One of the highlights for me recently was my floating soundbath experience. It had been a long time since I’d done anything like that. Originally, we were going to attend in July - you’ll remember the really hot summer we had. Our afternoon was originally when heavy thunderstorms were predicted, so it had to be rescheduled. But actually, I think that worked out better, because we then went during the evening to the Petersfield Open Air Pool and I really enjoyed floating on the water under the night sky.

The session itself was hosted by Sam and her team from Sirenity Sound for the Soul and it was incredible to lie back, see the stars, hear the wind rustle through the trees, and let the sound vibrations wash over me. It reminded me that midlife wellbeing doesn’t always come from sweeping changes. Sometimes it’s an afternoon with a friend, an early dinner, and an evening adventure trying something new.

Small shifts, steady changes.

Since then, the shift into autumn has felt even more noticeable. The evenings are drawing in, and - ever the bear who wants to hibernate - I’ve found that keeping a consistent early bedtime really helps. One small change I’ve made is swapping scrolling on my phone for reading before sleep. Right now, I’m deep into the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas. I thought fairies and fantasy weren’t my thing, but I was wrong - I’m hooked!

Photo by Shayna Douglas on Unsplash

These small shifts are my way of approaching autumn self-care in midlife - protecting my diary, saying yes to new experiences like the soundbath, and creating a calm bedtime routine with a book. They have also reminded me that midlife wellbeing doesn’t need to be complicated. Often, it’s the pressure to make big, sweeping changes all at once that leaves us feeling overwhelmed and lost. Instead, making small tweaks gradually can turn them into steady, sustainable practices that truly support us.

As October begins, I’ll be reminding myself (and maybe you too) that balance doesn’t come from doing it all. It comes from these tiny, intentional shifts that, over time, add up to something steadier.

I’d love to hear what small shifts are helping you feel more balanced right now - come and share with me over on Instagram. I’ll be posting more about mine there too.