Feeling Low This Autumn? Here’s Why It Might Be the Perfect Time to Reconnect with Nature

As the nights draw in and the air turns crisp, it’s easy to feel your energy dip. Autumn can be a tough season for many, with shorter days, colder mornings, and that unmistakable sense that summer is well and truly over. But it doesn’t have to be a gloomy time of year. In fact, autumn offers a unique opportunity to reset, recharge, and reconnect with both nature and yourself.

For UKSN members and outdoor enthusiasts alike, this is one of the best times to get outside. The landscape transforms into a mosaic of reds, golds, and browns, the crowds thin out, and the cooler weather makes for ideal camping conditions, provided you tweak your kit slightly.

We’ve even just returned from our yearly Halloween Camp, which was a fantastic weekend spent outdoors with friends old and new. If you missed it, don’t worry, we have another camp coming up in early December, and it’s shaping up to be a great way to round off the year together.

The Autumn Blues Are Real, But You Can Beat Them

It’s completely normal to feel a little low as daylight fades earlier each day. The shift in light can affect mood and sleep, and the change in routine after summer can feel like a slump. One of the most effective ways to combat this is to stay active and spend time outdoors.

Even short bursts of daylight exposure can help regulate your body clock and lift your mood. Getting out for a morning walk, a local hike, or even a quick campfire brew-up can do wonders for your mental health. The natural world has an incredible way of grounding you, especially when you slow down enough to notice it.

Autumn Adventures: Small Tweaks, Big Rewards

Camping in autumn requires a bit more preparation, but it’s still entirely possible and often more rewarding than summer trips.

The key is to adapt your kit:

• Layer up wisely: Swap out your lighter summer sleep system for one with proper insulation. A good quality sleeping bag rated for lower temperatures, paired with an insulated mat, makes all the difference.

• Stay dry: Autumn weather can be unpredictable. Invest in a reliable waterproof jacket and a groundsheet to keep your gear dry.

• Light the way: Shorter days mean longer nights, so bring extra lighting, whether that’s a reliable head torch or a small lantern to keep camp cosy.

• Bring warm comfort: A small stove or fire pit can turn a chilly evening into a memorable night. Nothing beats the simple joy of a hot drink under a starlit sky.

With these small adjustments, you can keep camping right through the colder months and experience the peace and beauty that autumn offers.

Mindfulness in the Outdoors

One of the most powerful ways to support your mental health this season is through mindful time outside. Slow down and notice the crunch of leaves under your boots, the scent of woodsmoke, and the feeling of cold air on your skin. These moments of stillness have a grounding effect that modern life rarely allows for.

Even a short wild camp, or a quiet woodland walk can reconnect you with a sense of belonging and purpose. Our members often talk about how being outdoors with like-minded people lifts their spirits and clears their minds. It’s a reminder that community and nature go hand in hand.

Finding Balance

As we move deeper into autumn, remember that it’s okay to rest and slow down. The natural world does the same. Trees shed their leaves, animals prepare for winter, and everything takes a pause before the renewal of spring. Use this time to focus on your own balance.

Get out when you can, share your experiences with others, and make the most of the season rather than wishing it away. Whether you’re joining a UKSN camp, heading out for a weekend micro-adventure, or simply lighting a fire in the garden, you’re doing something good for your body and mind.

The Takeaway

Autumn doesn’t have to signal the end of your outdoor adventures. With a little preparation, it can become one of the most rewarding times of the year, full of quiet beauty, crisp mornings, and moments of reflection.

So if you’ve been feeling a little low lately, step outside. Wrap up warm, brew a coffee, and watch the mist roll through the trees. There’s still so much to look forward to, and the world beyond your front door is waiting to help you find your calm again.

And if you fancy joining others who feel the same way, our next UKSN camp in early December is the perfect opportunity. Come along, enjoy good company, great food, and the chance to reconnect with what really matters.

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There’s Always Someone to Talk To

Autumn can bring low moods for many people, and it’s important to remember that you’re never alone. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or a fellow UKSN member, there is always someone willing to listen and support you.

If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact your local mental health services, or use confidential support lines such as Samaritans on 116 123. For immediate support, your GP can also help connect you with professional resources.

Being outdoors and staying active helps, but talking things through with someone who cares is just as important. Reach out, share how you’re feeling, and know that support is always available.

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