Growing up in the African desert, the colder, wetter weather and shorter days get me down a little. That's why I take self-care especially serious during the autumn months.

I know looking after yourself all year around is very important, but putting yourself first is not easy. Now is a great time to look at your schedule and make time for yourself. It's all about planning ahead!

Here are some of my inspirational tips for enhancing your health and wellbeing this autumn:

Nurture yourself with a warm bath!

A luxurious bath at the end of the day is my go-to for relaxation and stress relief. I embrace my senses during the bath time ritual. It is like a ritual for me to close the day!

Take your time. This should be a no phone zone, just pure peace and quiet time.

Try my luxurious rose petal bath oil that I add to my bath water. I enjoy it as a balm for the senses!

You’ll need:

1 handful of dried Rose Petals

15ml Jojoba oil

50ml Kat’s Rose Essential Water

5 drops of rose essential oil

Combine the rose water with the jojoba oil, then add rose essential oil.

Throw the rose petals into the bathwater, then add 15ml of the Rose Bath Oil.

I also have a candle going in the bathroom during my self-care bath. It really helps to set the tone and create that calming feeling!

Go for walks outside and hug a tree!

I love going for a walk in the woods (this is also known as forest bathing)! Try it! It's more important than ever in the technological world. Spending even 1 hour in the forest reawakens instincts developed in us over thousands of years. We breathe deeper, which reduces our cortisol and increases our androgenic hormones.

Deep breathing also helps the body to detoxify via the lungs and improves blood flow, which makes the skin glow!

Have you ever hugged a tree? It increases levels of hormone oxytocin, which helps you feel calm. Hugging a tree can help you feel happier because of the hormones serotonin and dopamine.

Touch the earth!

I love walking barefoot in nature because it helps me feel grounded and connected to the earth.

The first thing I do when I get home is take off my shoes to walk in my garden barefoot, even in the winter, after a long day of work.

Touching the earth’s energy not only has a positive effect on cortisol and hormones, but also supports a calmer nervous system, reducing stress levels naturally. As a healer/ therapist I give out a lot of energy every day! Earthing keeps me going.

Have a massage!

Hands-on healing increases oxygen rich blood flow that will nourish your body. Massage aids in detoxification and relieves tension and stress, both physically and mentally. It also increases the killer cells that are the frontline of the immune system!

We need to keep our immune systems healthy in the colder months of the year with all the viruses floating around.

Do some wild swimming, or cold water therapy!

Swimming in the cold water of the Hampstead ponds was an absolute game changer for me!

It doesn’t sound pleasant, but it’s so beneficial for your body.

Swimming in cold water improves my circulation, immune system, and brain power. It also reduces stress, makes you feel happy due to the release of endorphins, and increases alertness and energy levels.

Try it! You'll feel invigorated and more connected with nature than ever.

Use aromatherapy!

Essential oils can help balance, relax, and restore the nervous system. Ylang Ylang, neroli and lavender are great for any irritability. Cypress, basil, and peppermint can help with fatigue. Mandarin, frankincense, and rose otto can help with sadness. Kat’s Relaxing Organic Body Night Oil will create a sense of inner calm, tranquility, and peace.

Add a few drops of oils into your diffuser or book your aromatherapy consultation to create your personalized organic oil blend to support your personal needs. It may feel a little strange to prioritize your own needs at first if you are used to putting other people first or you are not sure how to incorporate self-care into your life. Making self-care a priority can improve your life by giving you more energy so that you feel happier and less stressed.