Hey there – Lily-Jo here!
I hope you all are well and had a fantastic summer.
As the seasons change and we approach autumn, here are my top tips on how to maintain good mental health by using my A.U.T.U.M.N. acronym.
Maintaining good mental health using the A.U.T.U.M.N. acronym
A – Ask for support
Remember – sharing is caring! Asking for support doesn’t make you weak, it strengthens your relationships and gives others the chance to help you – just like I’m sure you help them!
Further resources on opening up and asking for support:
- 24/7 phone support from Samaritans
- The Lily-Jo Project’s ‘More Help’ page
- Article from The Lily-Jo Project, 15 Songs to Help You Open Up
U – Up your nutrition
Eating seasonal vegetables that are readily available throughout the season does wonders for our health. Try a pumpkin or sweet potato recipe for a boost in Vitamin C, which supports your immune system.
Further resources to help you maintain a balanced, nutritious diet:
- Website, Healthier Families from the NHS
- Website, Meal Planner from Eat Well
- YouTube Channel, Deliciously Ella
T – Talk about how you are feeling
Who do you trust? Get in touch with them and book some time with your closest people. We are all mad busy – but even if you can’t meet in person for a few weeks time, you’ll have something nice to look forward to.
Further resources to help you talk about your feelings:
- Article from The Lily-Jo Project, Let’s T.A.L.K. Self-Care With Lily-Jo
- Article from The Lily-Jo Project, Top 20 Songs to Help You Find Your Brave
- Article from Mind, Seeking help for a mental health problem
U – (Get) Under a duvet
Pull those extra blankets, cozy socks and water bottles out from storage – and get cosy. As the darker nights approach, embrace the cosiness autumn has to offer.
Further resources to help you get cozy and relax:
- App, Calm
- Podcast, Slow Radio from the BBC
- App, Color Puzzle
M – Maintain relationships
Don’t forget to connect and have fun with those closest to you. Autumn can sometimes be an isolating time as everyone goes into their homes to hibernate. Make sure you balance the cozy season with some fun in the mix.
Further resources on maintaining relationships:
- Resource from the NHS, Maintaining healthy relationships and mental wellbeing
- Article from The Mental Health Foundation, Top tips on building and maintaining healthy relationships
- Resource library from The Mix, Relationships
N – Nature connection
Wrap up in waterproofs, wellie boots, and your warm coats and explore nature where you live. I even got my scarf out of the cupboard this morning! Getting out under the clouds can still boost your wellbeing and provide you with perspective.
Further resources to help you connect with nature:
- Article from Mind, Nature and mental health
- Website, NationalTrust.org.uk
- Website, NationalTrails.co.uk
Final Thoughts
Remember – if you are really struggling with your mental health this autumn, it’s best to seek help sooner rather than later.
If you are looking for regular 1-1 counselling, you can always reach out to me at hello@unstoppablelifecoaching.org.
If you are in crisis and need immediate support, there are a number of different helplines available here in the UK:
- Samaritans
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK
- Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
- Shout
- The Mix
You can also always explore our self-help resource here at The Lily-Jo Project, which features top tips, personal stories, and practical advice for maintaining good mental health.
About the Author: Lily-Jo
Lily-Jo is a qualified mental health counsellor, counselling supervisor, and senior coach at Unstoppable Life Coaching. She is also the founder of mental health organisation, The Lily-Jo Project, which is a platform devoted to using the power of music to educate, equip,
and empower people of all ages to take control of their mental health.

In 2023, she released her debut book Talking To Children About Mental Health, which focuses on the unique challenges that gen z and gen alpha are facing and how adults can help them.
You can catch Lily-Jo on her podcast or stay connected on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.