Autumn is here. Don't let winter catch you unprepared!

It’s not a secret that I favour the summer. I like the warmth and the light, the outdoor gigs and the myriad of events. While I appreciate the charm of autumn colours, the joy of Christmas and the cosiness facilitated by winter, it just doesn’t compare.

Regardless, seasons pass. Going with the flow of time, striving to see the best of each moment, is the best we can do.

To make it all easier, remember to:

• Get ahead with preparations: Don't wait until temperatures drop to unbearable levels before checking if the heating in your house works properly or whether the insulation in your windows is doing alright. Bring your winter bedding and clothes out of storage and see if they're fit to use. If you struggle with vitamin D levels, talk with your doctor about supplements and treatments before the clocks move backwards at the end of October.
• Stay active: The warm embrace of the blankets is tempting, I know. Don’t let the cold or the darkness stop you from doing things, though! Some people like to explore new hobbies during these times. If that sounds overkill, you can reflect on the year you’ve had so far, and start planning or even experimenting with your resolutions for 2026.
• Go outside on purpose: We tend to trust having to go to work or to grocery shopping for our daily intake of scarce sun and fresh air. However, many times, this isn’t enough. Maybe our commute involves more cars and trains than any significant walking. Maybe a day without leaving the house turns into two, and then into three. Try to go outside once a day, regardless of your planned activities.
• Stay social: Don’t lose contact with your friends and family during the winter months. There’s a lot to be done indoors, and if meeting each other isn’t an option, a call will do.
• Take care of yourself: Make sure to stay warm and eat healthily. Keep your environment cosy and luminous. Take the time inside to go through your backlog of movies, series, books, podcasts, games and music that interest you and make you happy.

I hope these tips help you live the winter instead of enduring it!