With misty mornings and cosy evenings setting the mood, autumn offers the perfect excuse to slow down. After the whirlwind of summer and before the festive season ramps up, now’s the time to ease into gentler habits and find joy in the little moments.
Rather than rushing through your days, give yourself permission to pause. Swap some of that busy energy for mindful activities that help you unwind. Whether you choose to bake something sweet in the kitchen or get lost in a craft project, these activities are all about taking things down a notch – offering a refreshing break from life’s usual hustle and bustle.
1. Baking
At Piglet, we’re all for enjoying a cheeky elevenses or indulging in an afternoon snack, so baking is a win-win activity for us. Whether toasting homemade granola or whipping up some delicious nut butter cups, you’ll have all the necessary ingredients to slow down and savour the moment. Bonus points if you share your baked goods with loved ones (but we won’t mind if you keep them all to yourself).
2. Crafting
Crafting is about enjoying the journey, whether painting, making candles, scrapbooking or folding origami. These types of activities encourage mindfulness and offer a creative escape from the busyness of everyday life. Some of our seasonal favourites include these adorable Halloween clay ghosts and our festive fabric Christmas stockings.
3. Reading
Nothing beats curling up in bed with a good book, but it’s all too easy to pick up your phone instead. A simple trick is to set a goal of just five minutes of reading each day; once you start, you might be surprised at how quickly you lose track of time! Need some inspiration? Check out The Success Myth or The Joy of Small Things – both perfect choices for encouraging you to slow down and appreciate life’s little pleasures.
4. Indoor Gardening
Indoor gardening is a great way to bring nature into your home. Watering your plants, trimming dead leaves and nourishing them with plant food creates a peaceful routine that can help quieten even the busiest of minds. Whether growing fresh herbs for cooking or tending to beautiful houseplants, watching them thrive brings a sense of accomplishment to the everyday. If you’re just starting out on your plant parenting journey, this handy care kit is the perfect companion.
5. Embroidery
While knitting and crocheting are classic examples of mindful activities, embroidery can be a great small-scale project for those looking to dip their toes into stitching. We love the idea of customising napkins with playful designs or quirky sayings, or adding initials to personalise our Christmas stockings.
6. Upcycling
Last but not least, upcycling is an affordable, sustainable alternative to buying new homewares, but it’s also a lovely opportunity to roll up your sleeves and get creative. Whether you’re refreshing furniture or repurposing fabric, it’s a rewarding hobby that helps you slow down, get intentional, and revel in the transformation of pieces that might otherwise have gone to waste.
