Today we’re going to talk about how to take care of yourself in autumn. You’re probably thinking, “What the hell is fall self-care?” And you’re right to ask because, after all, self-care is a year-round thing!
While it’s super important to take care of yourself during all seasons, fall is often a challenging time.
The idea of taking care of yourself includes a lot of little things that are valid at all times, but I wanted to offer you a list of things you can hold on to for those days in September/October when the weather is getting a little crappy, and your moods aren’t at their best.
After all, it’s hard enough to say goodbye to the long summer evenings and warm weather. Still, work/university/school is starting again in the fall, making it a challenging time.
Create a mood that screams, "fall is here, and it's great!".
Well, setting the mood is pretty simple. Tell me, what do you think of when I say fall? Candles, Halloween, cozy,… Whatever it is, do yourself a favor! The goal is to feel comfortable, like a little cocoon protecting you from the cold, rain, and negativity.
You can, for example, diffuse essential oils in your house or apartment. Some scents, such as sweet orange EO or Scots pine EO, remind us of fall.
Or you can make yourself a fall playlist. Music can significantly benefit your well-being and create a soft and cozy atmosphere.
Decorate your home for fall
Decorating your home is always fun. Add candles everywhere for a dose of cocooning. Buy decorations related to Halloween or even Thanksgiving if you celebrate it.
In short, it’s time to revise the look of your apartment. After all, the colder it gets, the more time you’ll spend inside.
Make room for coziness
After a long day at work, get cozy on your couch and enjoy the moment.
Throws, the ultimate autumn self-care item
Buy. Blankets. Plaids. I’m not kidding. They are the best thing in the world to have in your home from September to February. Whenever there’s even a slight breeze, you can be sure to find me snuggled up under a soft blanket.
You’ll see, if you’re not yet convinced of the cause, as soon as you try it, you’ll be utterly obsessed with your plaids, and they’ll be with you until the summer.
Take a walk in the woods
Fall city can be a bit depressing since everything is grey. Make a change! Go for a walk in the forest: the smell of damp wood, the beautiful colors of the leaves, and the magical atmosphere can only do you good.
Bonus: just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you can’t find a big pile of leaves and run/jump through them. We won’t judge you, we promise.
Treat yourself to a hot drink
In the fall, there are plenty of seasonal hot drinks. Pumpkin Spice latte, hot chocolate, golden milk, chai… the possibilities are endless.
Drinking a hot drink quietly at home while it’s raining outside is what we call happiness.
Seasonal shopping
If the weather allows it, why not go out for a while? Take a break between two hot chocolates to restock your wardrobe. Yes, little dresses are lovely, but the best thing is to find a nice comfortable sweater!
When the leaves start to fall, you can wear boots and soft sweaters; take a look on Pinterest to convince yourself that fall fashion allows you to feel beautiful while being warm.
Reading never hurts
It’s no secret that reading is a great way to soothe your brain and have a good time. Why not take advantage of the fall to read your favorite book by the fireplace?
Make a gratitude list
To help you get through the transition to fall and avoid the blues, you can take a notebook and write down one thing you love about fall each day.
Doing this every morning will give you a reason to smile and get up!
The perfect date
In the fall, we often tend to stay at home. As a result, you may feel a little lonely.
Don’t worry; we have the solution for you! Invite a friend over (or go to a café) and have a hot chocolate together – but not just any hot chocolate. An ULTIMATE hot chocolate, with all the marshmallows/weird toppings you like.
Self-care in your kitchen
Why not take care of yourself from your kitchen? Fall is the perfect time to learn how to cook seasonal dishes that will make you feel good. I’m thinking of pumpkin pies or making your Pumpkin Spice latte. After all, who needs Starbucks?
A classic: the digital detox!
With the return to work/unity, you’ll have a lot to do at once. Summer idleness is far away! You can consider doing a digital detox to unburden yourself and realize how much time you have.
The concept: purge your phone and social networks of everything superfluous (apps you don’t use anymore, celebrities whose lives don’t interest you,…), then spend at least a week away from the digital world.
The second essential accessory
I talked about the plaid, but in truth, another essential object to the self-care practice comes to me: the hot water bottle! This accessory takes your well-being up and raises the bar even higher.
Fight Seasonal Affective Disorder
If the end of summer is affecting your mood – to the point where we can talk about seasonal depression – you might want to consider investing in a SAD lamp.
I know, it’s a somewhat ironic name: it’s a lamp that mimics sunlight to make the transition to a darker period an easier experience.
Take care of yourself physically
That’s all well and good, but it’s not just about your mental health! So that you don’t let your fall be ruined by getting sick, don’t forget to include ginger, turmeric, and garlic in your diet to boost your immune system.
Netflix and chill
Finally, have a “do nothing day”. A Sunday when the weather is nasty, for example. You sit on the couch, make a cup of tea, listen to the rain and relax.
And that’s it! I hope you enjoyed this article and that these ideas will help you have a good autumn. Don’t hesitate to tell me in the comments if I haven’t mentioned your favorite self-care technique.