Autumn is a season packed with warm colours and nature’s abundance all around us. Before hygge comes a season packed with opportunity for quality time outdoors. Here are five reasons to make the most of the autumn and stave off those Winter blues for a little while longer.

Five Reasons to Love Autumn

Reason One: The mild weather

Most of us have buddies we run with, who are either summer or winter runners. For half of the year, most of us suffer conditions that don’t suit our style or mood. Autumn gives us the opportunity to meet halfway, so arrange a social run in the mild autumn weather, where it’s not too hot, not too cold but just right.

Reason Two: Prepping for the dipping seasons

If you’re planning your first winter in cold water, this is the time to get dipping! Immersing yourself every two weeks or so will better prepare your body as the water temperature drops to around 4c by February. Although cold water immersion is said to have multiple health benefits, cold water shock is very real, so best get dipping now, for your own safety!

Reason Three: Alone time

For the last eighteen months, people have been absolutely everywhere outdoors and it’s seemed almost impossible to get some space to yourself, however far you venture from civilisation. This might be the first opportunity since Spring last year to grab yourself some outdoor solace. Find yourself an isolated spot by the water, deep into the trees or up a steep hillside and enjoy some quiet contemplation.

Reason Four: Added forage value

Whether cycling, hiking or trail running, always carry a lightweight bag to collect some of nature’s tasty surprises. Whether nuts, berries or other hanging fruit, there’s a feast out there ripe for the plucking. And it’s all healthy too, so if you can’t wait to get home, feel free to snack away immediately!

Reason Five: Colourful at dawn and dusk

Mornings and evenings are just right length in the autumn. It’s still relatively warm, and there are glorious sunrises and sunsets to seek out at hours that aren’t ungodly to most. With the sun rising between 6 and 7.30am, there’s time for a sunrise jog before work begins, or a destress sprint after you’re done for the day. Either way, mealtime awaits you on your return. Win – win, surely? 

What do you think? Share your favourite pictures from this time of year and tag our Instagram – @BeOutsideBeActive

This article was written with thanks by Contributing Editor Jenny-Anne Dexter.

Jenny-Anne Dexter is a full-time life enthusiast, who likes to say yes to the abstract, the sublime and the ridiculous. A bog snorkeller, trail runner, year-round dipper and sometime cage fighter, she’s currently deciding on which will be her first and only marathon…