Happy WellBeing Life: With the season change comes the chance for renewal

Velvet's contributing wellbeing editor Caroline S. Asante explores the transformative power of renewal

Here we are almost in September. What happened? This year has flown by; a year full of social, political and personal changes. I believe we are in a continued frequency of highs and lows, therefore it’s important to retain a sense of inner balance. Recently, I’ve started paying closer attention to how I think and speak.

Have you ever noticed how often we say something positive only to immediately follow it with something negative? For example, ‘Oh, it’s really warm today, BUT yes, it has been cold.’ Or, ‘I’m feeling really productive today, but I still have so much to do’.

Why do we do this? I’ve realised this habit of contradicting our positive statement can drain our natural energy flow and is counterproductive to manifesting what we really want. Focusing on what you want and giving energy only to this, seems easy but in fact takes much practice when everyone else is in the same habitual pattern of positive and then negative speech patterns.

Let’s break this cycle and embrace a more balanced and positive mindset. Renewal always starts from within. As we approach the autumn, finding balance by preparing a new mindset of renewal, simplifying our lives, centring love as a main source of energy, and adopting a more mindful approach, we can navigate changes with grace and resilience.

Renewal Begins Within

This summer, I had the chance to relax in the areas of Nösund and Söskär, on the beautiful Western Coast of Sweden. Spending time with my partner and friends on the ocean islands was truly rejuvenating. I learned about ‘Lev ditt liv i balans’ (live your life in balance) and how this approach emphasises harmony and wellbeing.

Having experienced one of the worst hayfever seasons in Cambridge this year, from May to the end of July, I truly relished being out in the sea air. The power and healing of breathwork have become so important, and I bring this healing ritual back with me. The islands of Sweden offer unparalleled tranquillity, with their serene landscapes and calm waters providing a perfect backdrop for renewal and reflection.

Preparing Our Homes for a New Season of Renewal

Renewal includes preparing not only ourselves but also our surroundings. There’s no better place for this than within our homes. Here are some fresh ideas to reset and prepare your home for a new season of renewal:

Colour Therapy: Introduce new colours into your home that evoke a sense of calm and balance. Soft pinks, gentle blues, and earthy greens can create a serene environment that counteracts external chaos.

Aromatherapy: Scent has a powerful impact on our mood and wellbeing. Use essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus to create a soothing atmosphere. A diffuser can subtly fill your space with these calming scents.

Sound Healing: Integrate sound therapy into your daily routine. Nature sounds, gentle rain, or even specific frequencies like binaural beats can help reset your mind and reduce stress. Check out soundofoursouls.co.uk by Emma in Cambridge, September 13 and October 11, at the Cambridge Spiritualist Church for sound healing sessions that can transform your energy and promote deep relaxation.

Three Renewal Tips

Renewal extends to looking after both your skin and your state of mind. Here are two natural skincare products I’m using right now, plus a new book that encourages us to prioritise self-care, creative passions, and truly embracing life:

Neal’s Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Lift Cream, £49, nealsyardremedies.com

For September’s vital skincare renewal, especially for dry skin, try this luxurious cream. It nourishes and revitalizes, leaving your skin feeling rejuvenated.

For clinical skincare, I love the Obagi Nu-Derm System, £86.40, skinstation.co.uk which is a game-changer in achieving healthy, beautiful skin.

Book Recommendation: The Rainbowtarian Way – Live Your Most Colourful Life by Katie Moss, £23.50, amazon.co.uk This book prioritises mind, body, and spirit renewal, weaving together vibrant ideas and practical tools with beautiful visuals to inspire living fully, not just surviving.

Caroline S. Asante is a certified meditation teacher, holistic health expert and a former BBC broadcaster. She is the founder, writer, and editor of happywellbeinglife.com Follow her on Instagram @happy_wellbeing_life or subscribe to the newsletter at happywellbeinglife.com