The Magic of Autumn: Why Being Outside is Good for the Soul

As the leaves turn from green to golden hues and the air starts to carry that crisp, fresh scent, I’m drawn outdoors more than ever. There's something truly magical about autumn. It's the season that calls for cosy layers, long walks, and, my personal favourite, sitting around a crackling Woodee fire pit with a hot drink in hand!

We all know the benefits of getting outdoors, but there’s something about this time of year that makes being outside extra special, and the health benefits – both physical and mental – are undeniable.

Physical Benefits of Being Outside

Firstly, there are the physical perks of getting outside. Even though the weather’s cooler, spending time outdoors in autumn has so many benefits. The change in temperature encourages us to move a bit more – those brisk walks through fallen leaves can give you a great cardio workout without even feeling like exercise. And let's not forget how good it feels to breathe in that cool, crisp air. Fresh air improves lung function and boosts our immune system. It aids digestion and can help you heal faster.  The higher levels of oxygen you get by simply being outdoors can make you feel energised and improves concentration and memory function.  

Then there are the benefits of sitting around a fire pit. Gathering around it is not just a lovely way to stay warm; it’s been shown that sitting around a real fire can help reduce blood pressure.  It also encourages us to sit outside for longer, keeping us connected with nature, even when the sun sets early. There’s a real beauty in being able to extend your time outside, under the stars, in the comfort of that gentle, flickering warmth.

Mental Health Benefits of Autumn Outdoors

Now, on to mental health – which, for me, is the real reason I love autumn so much. Life has its challenges, and being outside has always helped me find balance. There’s a peacefulness that comes from being surrounded by nature, and it’s such a wonderful way to escape the noise and stress of everyday life. When I’m outside, especially around my fire pit, I feel grounded, calmer, and more in tune with myself.

Autumn is particularly special because it’s a time of reflection. The changing season reminds me of the beauty in letting go and slowing down – just like the trees shedding their leaves. Spending time outside can help reduce anxiety, boost your mood, and even improve your focus. Just a simple walk among the trees, or sitting quietly by the fire, watching the flames dance, can do wonders for mental clarity.

And then, there’s the joy of gathering with friends or family. Sitting around a fire pit, wrapped in a blanket, talking and laughing under the autumn sky, brings a sense of connection that we often miss in our busy lives. It’s a great way to disconnect from screens and reconnect with each other. There’s something about the glow of a fire that invites conversation – the kind where time seems to slip away, and you leave feeling lighter and refreshed.

A Final Thought: Fire Pits and Fresh Air

So, whether you’re out for a brisk walk in the woods, or enjoying a slower, more mindful moment around a fire pit, autumn has a way of nourishing both body and soul. The simple act of being outside, soaking up the beauty of the changing season, is a gentle reminder to take a breath, enjoy the present moment, and take care of ourselves.

As we head into the cooler months, I encourage you to embrace autumn and everything it offers – especially those magical evenings around a fire pit. There’s no better way to stay warm, relax, and make the most of this beautiful season. Plus, with a hot drink in hand and the stars overhead, life doesn’t get much better than that, does it?