Edinburgh is especially beautiful in autumn. The air grows cold and crisp, the early sunsets wash the city’s cobbled alleys with golden hues, the stark outlines of buildings become enveloped in a cloak of yellowing leaves. But adjusting to the shorter days and colder weather can be challenging. With the sky suddenly dark at 4pm, sticking to usual routines and finding motivation can be a real struggle. But there are ways to work with the season rather than against it! We’ve compiled a few of our favourite tips to embrace autumn here:  

Slow down 

Autumn is nature’s reminder to slow down and save energy for the winter months ahead. It’s ok to embrace a slower pace and spend time doing things that bring you joy. When the weather is too cold or rainy to venture outdoors, it’s time to cosy up indoors! You can watch a favourite movie, cook a hearty meal, immerse yourself in a good book or take on a new creative project. Invite some friends along and you’ve got yourself the perfect cosy afternoon plan.

Stay warm  

Ever heard the saying ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, there is only bad clothing’ (or something along those lines)? While it may be hard to view Edinburgh’s rainy and windy weather as anything other than miserable, layering up is essential to enjoy the colder, darker months. Double down on warm jumpers, find a good winter coat and stock up your house with fluffy blankets. Charity shops are a great place to look for affordable winter essentials! 

Go outside when you can ... 

Make the most of the daylight and the fresh air by going for gentle walks, especially when the sun is out. Being in nature can help us feel more grounded and significantly improve our mood. You can take this as an opportunity to explore one of Edinburgh’s many green spaces! The Meadows are great for a stroll, and so are the Botanical Gardens, Craigmillar Castle Park or Holyrood Park. 

... Or bring the sunshine in 

The lack of sunlight can have a real negative impact on our mental health. Luckily, there are some handy technological tools that can help us endure the darkness. You can look for lamps that imitate the sunlight (also known as SAD lamps), and alarm clocks that simulate sunrise to wake you up gradually. There are other simpler solutions too – candles and fairy lights are great, cheap ways to create a more suffused light around your living space and make everything feel more magical. 

This guide is meant to bring you some fun ideas, but adjusting to the cold months can be really challenging. If you’re struggling with your mental health this winter, our Advice Place can help you find support.  

What are your tips and tricks to survive winter in Edinburgh? Why not share them here as a blog post? From your favourite autumnal movies to the best cookie recipes, we’d love to hear what helps you get through the darkest months of the year. Look after yourself this autumn!