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The observant amongst us will notice this being published in late November, and in some ways, this is indicative of how the months of October and November can and did progress.

October is a month of change affecting everything around us. The temperature drop and humidity increase is an unwelcome surprise, it becomes too chilly to hold off heating the home, and it becomes dark outside at a time of day that is noticeable.

Is it Autumn yet? In the UK, the Meteorological Autumn started on the 1st September 2025 and is based on calendar months. The Astronomical Autumn starts on 22nd September 2025 at 13:19 BST and is aligned to the Sun’s apparent position in the sky relative to Earth’s equator. This is interesting, but why is this important to me?

I have always loved having a wall planner showing the year ahead. Whether that be traditional the January to December, or as I worked in Academia for many years, the Academic year which usually starts in September. What I would try to do is set my expectations for the year in January, meticulously planning when holidays should be, and setting goals for things I cared about.

August can be a month containing a mix of emotions. In the UK, it is the time just before a seasonal transition into autumn. The days have been long and warm, and although they are slowly becoming slightly shorter, the change is subtle and a welcome relief towards settling down for sleeping.

At this point in the summer, it has already been an extended duration of both heat and daylight, both of which can cause stress and exhaustion. Many years ago, I would add to this anxiety with the fear of impending darkness on the horizon, instead of enjoying the last days of sun, as we made our way towards the shortest days of the year. I found a way to change the narrative and embrace this change of season, and now I actually look forward to it.