By Isabelle Tomkins
As autumn settles in, I know how tempting it can be to slow down and spend more time indoors. But I truly believe that keeping active is one of the best things we can do for our health – both physically and mentally – especially as the days get shorter and colder.
For me, movement is at the heart of wellbeing. Whether I’m climbing, walking, stretching, or playing music, staying active keeps me feeling balanced and energised. As an osteopath, I see every day how important movement is for maintaining confidence, strength, joint health, and flexibility. Autumn is the perfect time to set small but meaningful activity habits that help you stay strong and resilient.
Why Activity Matters in Autumn
Colder weather and shorter days can make us more sedentary. I notice this a lot with my patients – it can increase tension, stiffness, and even affect mood. I’ve found that keeping active helps counteract these changes, improves mobility, and keeps both body and mind healthy. For me personally, whether I’m rock climbing or enjoying time in my campervan, movement is what keeps me grounded and feeling…human.
My November Movement Tips
Here are a few ideas I use myself to keep moving through autumn:
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Set small movement goals – even 10–20 minutes a day makes a difference.
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Mix it up – combine stretches, strength work, walking, or hobbies you love. Variety keeps the body engaged.
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Listen to your body – movement should leave you energised, not fatigued.
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Get outside – autumn air and daylight work wonders for both body and mind.
Keeping active doesn’t have to mean intense workouts every day – it’s about creating a routine that fits your life and keeps your body moving safely. That’s what I aim to help my patients do.
This November, I encourage you to make movement part of your wellbeing routine. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a stretch, a climb, or simply time with your favourite hobby, keep your body moving and your mind engaged.