After a summer full of sunshine, three-day holiday weekends and shortened work hours, we need some self-care ideas to help us get back into our autumn morning routine. As the days get shorter and your pile of work emails gets larger, you’re going to need to get creative about your “me” time. To keep yourself from getting down during these shorter days, here’s a list of 10 seasonal self-care ideas that will get you through early sunsets and preparing all those weeknight dinners.
1. Go For A Walk And Find A Pile Of Leaves To Jump In
Who says you can’t go out and play just because you’re an adult? Let yourself feel like a kid again — and actually, it’ll feel even better than that, because for you, fall doesn’t mean going back to school. Even if you forgo the leaf pile, getting out and getting some fresh air does wonders for your mental health. I try to go for a walk most afternoons just to get away from my desk and reset. Plus with all the leaves changing, it makes for a pretty walk!
2. Make A Comfort Meal
It is the season of comfort food. As my grandma always says food that will stick to ya. Thinking soups, chicken and dumplings, and all the crock pot meals. Make your final trips to the farmers markets before they close for the season to shop locally and pickup some fresh goodies.
3. Buy Your Fave Halloween Treats
Okay, yes, I was just talking about vegetables, but it’s all about balance right!? But this is the only time of year for candy corn and Reese’s pumpkins. You can’t pass that up! Stock up on your absolute favorite Halloween candy. Everyone needs an emergency candy stash. More of a baker? Whip up all of the pumpkin goodies, apple crisps, and make your kitchen smell divine!
4. Treat Yourself To Some New Clothes
One of the best things about fall is that chilly temps = sweater weather. If your pullovers are looking more pill-y than cozy, treat yourself to a few new autumn staples. You do not need to go overboard and buy a whole new wardrobe, but an item that makes you feel beautiful is priceless!
5. Take A Weekend Trip
To me, fall always seems like the perfect time to book a B and B. Sometimes a change of scenery is just what you need for a reset. Take a fall road trip, or just have a staycation! Taking a fall trip is so fun! I went to Salem, MA last year. I just am in awe with the foliage everywhere in the fall. But maybe that’s just because I’m obsessed with Gilmore Girls, and Stars Hollow is pretty much permanently stuck in fall. Speaking of which…
6. Binge-Watch Your Comfort Show
Gilmore Girls definitely one of my favorite binge watches during the fall. Another fall classic is Friday Night Lights. Grab an extra slice of pie and catch up with your favorite TV BFFs. Or host a Halloween movie night. Whether you will be curling up with a horror movie or reliving your childhood with Halloweentown, just make sure the wine and treats are flowing.
7. Curl Up With A Book
Cozy up with some tea and fuzzy socks and break open that book that has been sitting on your bookshelf and has been on your TBR list for ages. Whether you always go for the classics, you can’t go wrong with a good story. In the mood for a spooky read, check out my recs here!
8. Sleep For Seven To Nine Hours
Take advantage of that extra hour from the daylight savings time (happening on November 7th) and catch up on your sleep. Go all out with a luxurious nighttime routine that includes clean sheets, a hot shower, and a face mask. Heaven. Bonus points if you make your own fall themed face mask. Here are 4 ideas!
9. Carve A Pumpkin Or Decorate Some Gourds
Working with your hands and getting creative are two great ways to stimulate your mind, de-stress and appreciate how crafty you are. I do not have a crafty bone in my body, but you can’t not not carve a pumpkin this time of year! Invite one or two friends over for a festive DIY pumpkin carving afternoon.
10. Jump Into Your Favorite YouTube Or Indoor Workout Class
Hot girl summer, and gym motivation is a lot easier in the summertime. But rain, wind and chillier weather is back. Resist the temptation to go into full couch potato mode and treat yourself to your favorite workout app or YouTube class. Really anything to get your body moving!
How do you take care of yourself during the fall?
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