Beat the autumn, back to school blues: my simple seasonal routine for better health and mood

Back to school routine, back to autumn. Summer is winding down here in the UK, the sun has stopped showing up, and I’m back to wearing cosy jumpers. Next thing I know, I’m craving pumpkin spice lattes.

One thing that really helps me avoid slipping into the autumn blues is sticking to a routine. For me, that means a bit of batch cooking with MacroMate, filling my fridge with in-season fruit and veg, and packing everything into glass or stainless steel containers. Why? Because they’re kinder to the planet and to us – no microplastics leaching into your food, they last for years, and you can pop them straight into the dishwasher without worry. Plus, leftovers just look so much more appetising in glass than in cloudy old plastic tubs!

And it’s not just the food side of things – journaling with MacroMate has been a game-changer for grounding myself. Taking a few minutes to track how I’m feeling, what I’m eating, and what’s working in my day helps me feel more in control and less overwhelmed when the darker months set in.

Eating vegetables when they’re naturally in season isn’t just about flavour – it also reduces your exposure to agricultural chemicals. Research from the University of Florida’s Thompson Earth Systems Institute notes that seasonal, local produce is “less reliant on pesticides and plastic packaging” since it doesn’t need to survive long-distance shipping. Similarly, the non-profit Brighter Bites explains that fruit and veg grown in their natural season need fewer chemicals – including fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides – to stay healthy, and they use less water and energy to grow and transport.

local produce is “less reliant on pesticides and plastic packaging”

So, what’s in season right now? Here’s your autumn harvest list:

Fruits in Season

• Apples

• Pears

• Grapes

• Figs

• Pomegranates

• Cranberries

• Persimmons

• Quinces

Veg in Season

• Pumpkins & winter squash (butternut, acorn, spaghetti)

• Sweet potatoes

• Carrots

• Beets

• Brussels sprouts

• Kale & spinach

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Broccoli

• Leeks

• Onions & garlic

• Turnips & swedes

Filling your plate with these seasonal stars – and taking time to journal your journey – means fresher, tastier meals, fewer chemicals, and a calmer, more grounded autumn.

What are your go-to autumn routines? Share your seasonal eating tips, cozy habits, or favourite in-season recipes in the comments.