Six ways to keep the summer spirit alive
As the leaves begin to turn, it’s easy to feel glum about the onset of autumn. But here are six ways to retain the carefree spirit of summer
By Evie Prosser
Summer may not officially finish until 23 September this year, but that won't stop the weather from feeling autumnal. A cool breeze blows in the morning and evening, and there are already signs of the leaves beginning to brown.
| ...there’s no reason not to keep some of the carefree spirit of summer alive in the weeks and months ahead. |
That all makes the end-of-summer blues all the more difficult to live with. As the kids go back to school and workers throughout the country readjust to the daily routine, it’s easy to feel glum about the changing of the seasons.
But there’s no reason not to keep some of the carefree spirit of summer alive in the weeks and months ahead. Here are six things you can do to keep you smiling, even as the mists deepen and the temperature turns sour.
1. Take every opportunity to eat outside
One of the biggest treats of the summer months is al fresco dining. There are few finer pleasures than sitting on a warm terrace as the sun slips across the sky, enjoying food and drink with family and friends.
But here’s the question: why do we stop when the sun gets lower in the sky? Stick on a jumper and you can comfortably eat outside well into October. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, the impact on your wellbeing will be profound.
2. Enjoy autumn gardening
While you may think the gardening season ends with the arrival of September, there is plenty to do for months to come. In addition to harvesting home-grown produce like apples, beans, carrots and plums, you can get your outside space ready for the winter and next spring.
Clear up fallen leaves, dig compost into your borders, plant spring bulbs and sow wildflower seeds. That way, you’ll enjoy the vitamin D boost from the autumnal sunshine, and prepare your patch for a beautiful display come the springtime.
3. Retain a summer diet
While it’s lovely to dip into a warming stew or pie as the evenings draw in, there are loads of delicious summer-style recipes that you can enjoy well into winter.
Greek salad, barbecued meat or this delicious pesto chicken dish: whatever floats your boat when the weather’s warm will be even tastier enjoyed as conditions turn chilly.
| There are few finer pleasures than a walk through an autumnal forest, crisp golden leaves crunching beneath your feet... |
A summer-themed meal will keep your memories of the holiday season fresh in your mind, especially if you cook something that you ate while enjoying the sunshine.
4. Exercise
It is tempting to retreat inside and pursue more sedentary pursuits in the cooler months. But to keep your serotonin levels topped up, you should take every opportunity to stretch your legs and get some air in your lungs.
There are few finer pleasures than a walk through an autumnal forest, crisp golden leaves crunching beneath your feet and the weak sunlight casting shadows on the woodland floor. The pleasure is even greater if you’re jogging or cycling, releasing precious endorphins through your system. So pull on a jacket and get outside. You won’t miss summer for a second.
5. Make time for your family and friends
One of the great things about August is the opportunity it affords to spend time with loved ones. With the pace of work slowing and the kids on holiday, as well as longer days, there seems to be more time just to hang out with friends and family.
So here’s the challenge for the autumn and winter: keep up the momentum. Make time to socialise. Go for a walk with your mates. Play an impromptu game of cricket in the park. Sit outside a country pub with a warm pint of ale.
However you do it, carve out time for each other. It’ll make the winter months pass in a breeze.
6. Light a fire and hunker down
If all else fails, light a fire and gather around it with a drink of your choice (hot chocolate or a fiery whisky are good options). If you have the space outside, a bonfire will provide a great way of burning garden waste at the same time as providing a focal point for a social gathering.
Or, if you have an open fire or log burner inside, resist turning on the central heating and put a fire in the grate instead. The elemental glow of hot embers will soothe your soul and nourish your spirit. Pretty soon you’ll be asking yourself: “Summer? What summer?”
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Published: 19 August 2025
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