Doesn’t fall just seem like the best time to treat yourself to some cozy autumn self-care? For so many of us, our image of a perfect fall day includes cozying up with a good book, a smelly candle, and a mug of tea while colourful leaves fall outside. But fall doesn’t always feel that way for most of us.
Autumn means back to school or back to work for so many of us. By October, after a long month of being back in the hustle and bustle, many of us are already starting to feel tired and burnt out. And the mad dash through spooky season and into the holidays has already begun. It’s one of the most wonderful times of the year – but one of the most stressful too.
You deserve to take a pause from all the fall craziness and treat yourself to some much-deserved self-care. Not sure where to start? No problem! Here are 25 of my favourite ideas for cozy autumn self-care that will help you fight fall burn-out.
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1. Take an autumn walk
Autumn is the perfect time to get out and explore the world around you – plus, moving your body and spending time in nature is so important for your mental and physical health. Crisp air, vibrant yellow and orange trees, and crunching leaves beneath your feet will make for the perfect fall stroll.
2. Do some baking
Baking is good for more than just your taste buds. Studies have shown that baking can help improve mindfulness and release stress. And when there are so many delicious fall treats to choose from, it’s perfect for the season. Why not try a new recipe for pumpkin pie, snickerdoodle cookies, or delicious apple tart!
3. Light a fall candle
Could we really talk about cozy autumn self-care without talking about candles? To me, lighting a candle can instantly make any day feel a little more magical. There are so many amazing scents to choose from – but I’m partial to warm fall options like this pumpkin picking scent from Homesick Candles.
Pumpkin Picking Candle, $34 from Homesick Candles
4. Go to a farmer’s market
Visiting and supporting your local farmer’s market just feels good. Not only does the relaxed atmosphere and community connection feel good for the soul, but buying from local vendors helps support local as well! Treat yourself to some locally grown veggies, home-baked goodies, or handmade goods.
5. Try a new hobby
Spending time on your hobbies is so important for self-care. And why not use this fall to find some new hobbies to fall in love with? Now is the perfect time to finally try your hand at knitting, crochet, painting, photography, or even learning a new instrument!
6. Wear your coziest clothes
The colder the weather gets, the comfier I want my clothes to be. And believe it or not, wrapping your skin in soft, comfortable fabrics is actually a form of physical self-care. It’s time to get your cozy on!
7. Savour a new seasonal drink
Of course, we’re all familiar with the classic pumpkin spice latte. But there are so many more seasonal drinks for you to try. Take yourself on a solo date to your favourite Starbucks (or even better, a local shop!) and treat yourself to a delicious apple cider, chai tea, or hot chocolate.
8. Create a playlist of fall music
Don’t some songs just scream “autumn” to you? No cozy autumn self-care activity is complete without a soundtrack of fall tunes. Create your own playlist, or get started with my chill autumn playlist:
9. Do some autumn-inspired skincare
Now that you’re cozying up in your PJs and listening to a chill playlist, why not add some skincare to your self-care? Even better – treat yourself to some skincare with seasonal ingredients. Check out this Pumpkin Enzyme Mask or Cinnamon Sheet Mask at Sephora!
10. Take a trip to a pumpkin patch
I can’t think of any place that’s more fall-ish than the pumpkin patch. Make it a tradition with friends – or family or take yourself on a solo date!
11. Carve (or paint!) pumpkins
Fall doesn’t seem complete for me until I’ve carved my pumpkin. Immersing yourself in a creative activity can be so great for your mental health… Plus it’s just fun! Pumpkin decorating is a great way to make fun fall memories this year.
10. Decorate for the season
Something about having my home decorated just gives me the warm and fuzzies inside. Not only is creating a space you love SO important, but the process of selecting and putting up decorations can be a great way to spend an autumn afternoon.
11. Watch some fall movies
Some movies know just how to put you in the mood for fall. Host an autumn movie marathon! There are tons of classic scary movies to choose from. But if that’s not your speed, the entire Harry Potter series is available to binge on Peacock TV. Just sayin’.
12. Curl up with a good book
Reading feels like such a perfect autumn activity. Especially when combined with some of the other activities on this list (good book + warm drink + cozy sweater, anyone?), an afternoon spent with a good book can be good for the soul. Here are some of my suggestions to put you in the mood for some cozy autumn self-care:
13. Do some journalling
Fall is a season of transition. What better time to reflect through journaling? Check out some of my journal prompt suggestions by joining my email list here.
14. Unplug from technology more often
Setting down your phone or switching off your TV makes every self-care experience more powerful. Schedule some more time away from your devices and make an effort to be truly present in the moment.
15. Take a relaxing bath
Quiet time spent relaxing in the tub feels good for your body and soul. Add some bubbles or a bath bomb (or two) for some ultimate autumn relaxation.
16. Aim to get enough sleep
For many of us, as life gets busier, our sleep schedules tend to suffer. But aren’t those the times when rest should be the most important to us? There’s a reason I don’t recommend a certain amount of sleep to be your goal. Partially because I’m not a sleep expert, but also because that number will be different for everybody. Find out what feels the best for your body!
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17. And above all… Remind yourself to slow down and savour life’s little moments
Life moves so fast sometimes, doesn’t it? Before we know it autumn will be over, then this year, then the next five years. There’s no better time than right now to remind yourself of just how precious every moment should be.
When you live your life like every moment matters, everything you do becomes a form of loving yourself and your life. Wishing you a little more of that presence in your life, this season and beyond.
All my love,
