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25 Uplifting Autumn Self Care Ideas

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How can I practice self care in autumn?

We are inching ever closer to that wonderful time of year: FALL! While there is still plenty of things to do, the days are getting shorter, and it might be getting harder to take some time for yourself. With kids going back to school and the holidays approaching, stress is ever present in even the enjoyable moments. That’s why it’s so important to create a self-care routine you can easily follow. It’s also a good idea to mix it up every so often, so you don’t become bored with it. And that’s why we’ve gathered this list of autumn self care ideas just for you!

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year, so I’m never at a loss for fun or relaxing ways to spend my time. I hope there’s something here to make you enjoy fall as much as I do, and get some much needed time to yourself to relax and recharge.

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How can I be happy in autumn?

I am a huge fan of autumn, with the changing leaves, the crisp morning air, and pulling out all the warm clothes. However, it is the beginning of less daylight hours, so it’s also important to be aware of seasonal affective disorder. This is why you should start incorporating some autumn self care into your daily routine.

It can be little things that give you joy during your day, a trip to see the fall leaves, or a nice relaxing day at the spa. Whether you spend the time alone or are making memories with family and friends, there are many things you can do to be happy in autumn.

How do you look after yourself in autumn?

Autumn Self Care Ideas: Relax

woman holding book, sitting with pumpkins
Photo by Monstera from Pexels

The main reason for self care is to spend time alone and recharge, so let’s get into the most relaxing ideas for autumn self care.

1. Read a book

Find your favorite book or pick out a new one. Grab a warm blanket, and make yourself a warm beverage. And get cozy!

Whether you read the entire book or just a couple chapters at a time, there’s no better way to unwind than by losing yourself into another world.

2. Go for a fall drive to see the leaves

The changing leaves are absolutely one of the best things about fall. So get out there, and check them out!

I recommend riding with your windows down to let that cool, fall breeze blow through your hair.

And although I think autumn self care should be something you do just for you, a family fall drive can be just as fun. Maybe even pack a small picnic lunch.

3. Watch a movie (scare factor optional)

One of the first things we think of when we think of fall is Halloween. So find your favorite scary movie and snuggle up under a warm blanket.

If fear isn’t your thing, that’s okay. Any movie makes for the perfect autumn self care when coupled with a warm blanket and a hot beverage.

Autumn Self Care Ideas: Get Active

woman's running legs on fall pavement
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

It’s always a good idea to incorporate some type of activity into your autumn self care routine to fend off those upcoming winter blues. Whether it’s something outdoors or reorganizing your home, find an activity you truly enjoy.

4. Take a crisp morning walk or jog

The best way to get your blood pumping in fall is to get out early in the morning. When that crisp autumn air hits your lungs, you will be energized for the rest of the day.

The beautiful colors and the smell of the leaves will wake up all of your senses.

On days that you can’t get out for that walk, open your windows to get that same fresh air feeling.

5. Transition your summer wardrobe to fall

So this might seem more like a chore than self care. But once your closet is more organized and ready for fall, your mind will be calmer.

Related: 30 Self Care Ideas in Under 30 Minutes

Autumn Self Care Ideas: Grab a Pen and Paper

woman in white sweater writing in journal
Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels

It’s always good for your mental health to take time to write down your thoughts and feelings. Reflect on the past and think about the future. Just write it down to get it all out of your head.

6. Start a gratitude journal

The biggest (and best) fall holiday is Thanksgiving, so that makes it the perfect time of year to start a gratitude journal. When everything seems too overwhelming, it’s good to remember all the things you are thankful for.

By writing down things you are grateful for on a regular basis, you can physically see all your blessings, and you are able to go through that journal when you are feeling down. It really helps to put things in perspective.

7. Make holiday lists

With the beginning of fall, the holidays are inching ever closer. The best way to relieve some of that holiday stress is by making lists for each of the upcoming holidays.

  1. Halloween costumes, candy and gifts
  2. Thanksgiving meal prep and guest lists
  3. Christmas shopping, decorating, and traditions
  4. New Year’s Eve parties and childcare

Take some time alone to get your thoughts on paper about each of the holidays, so it’s not continually popping in and out of your head. If you start in early fall, you have a better chance of not forgetting anything.

Related: 7 Unforgettable Things You Must Do for Baby’s First Halloween

8. Make a fall bucket list

Take some time to make a list of all the things you want to do this fall. It can be things you want to do on your own or things you want to do as a family.

Each season and holiday offer an opportunity to start a new family tradition.

Autumn Self Care Ideas: Pamper Yourself

pedicured feet
Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Take some time away from your never-ending to do list, and enjoy some me time and let the stress melt away.

9. Get one last pedicure before boot season

Those toes might not be seeing daylight for many months, so give them one last treat before you stuff them into some boots. I usually get a pedicure just for the foot massage.

10. Get a hot stone massage

Speaking of massages, why not let your whole body enjoy the relaxation.

I will say of all the massages I’ve had (and there have been a lot!), the hot stone massages have always been my favorite.

They’re great to add to your autumn self care routine cause they are sure to warm you up during the cooler weather, while being super relaxing.

11. Let your hair down

With those cooler temps on the way, it may be time for a new hairdo. Choose a style that allows you to wear your hair down to keep your neck and ears warm.

Or something that will look good tucked in a cute fall hat or winter beanie.

12. Moisturize your hands and lips

With that cold weather coming, your hands are bound to start getting that chapped feeling, not to mention what’s going on with your lips.

Give your hands some love with this repairing hand cream set. Keep your lips hydrated with this lip care set.

13. Stay hydrated

Don’t forget to get enough water everyday with this water bottle to track your intake. And if you’re not a fan of water, try infusing some fall-inspired fruits like oranges, cranberries, or grapes.

Want more time for self-care? Get the 7 Secrets to Time Management

autumn self care: cup of cocoa

Autumn Self Care Ideas: Indulge Your Senses

woman in white sweater sipping tea
Photo by John Diez from Pexels

Autumn is the beginning of cooler weather, so enjoy total relaxation by using all of your senses to enjoy the season.

14. Heat up some hot chocolate

Or any warm beverage for that matter.

Choose something that smells just as good as it tastes, and enjoy it outside in your cute fall outfit or while snuggled under a blanket.

Let the aroma and warmth take over your body.

15. Light a fall scented candle

I love lighting up scented candles in autumn.

That warm glow with those pumpkin, coffee, or toasted marshmallow smells are one of my favorite things to get me ready for fall.

The candles are even better when coupled with a warm bath.

16. Use your favorite fall hand soap

I love all the smells of fall: the leaves, the crispness of the air, a good cup of hot chocolate. (Mmm!) Find a good hand soap in your favorite fall scent to immediately be taken away.

Scent is the strongest sense tied to memory, so if you use you the same soap every year, it will bring back all those wonderful memories of the years before.

17. Bake something

Here’s just one more way to get all your senses ready for fall.

Pick something that smells good baking and something you’re going to enjoy eating just as much. Maybe an apple pie from that apple picking trip or some brownies to go along with a cup of hot tea.

It’s up to you if you want to share.

Autumn Self Care Ideas: Use Your Creative Mind

woman knitting
Photo by Miriam Alonso from Pexels

With all the colors of the changing leaves for inspiration, autumn is the perfect time to let your creativity shine.

18. Knit a scarf

I love, love, LOVE wearing a scarf when it gets cold outside. And if I could knit, I would be making scarves for everyone I know.

If you’re lucky enough to know how to knit, I suggest knitting a scarf to keep toasty this fall (or even a sweater, if you have the time).

If you don’t know how to knit, make it part of your autumn self care to learn. (So you can keep warm too!)

19. Create a home craft

My favorite easy craft is making seasonal wreaths. It’s a quick craft that you can use to decorate your home, inside or out.

If wreaths aren’t your thing, try creating something with fall scents, like cinnamon, cider or pumpkin.

20. Decorate outside with mums

Mums are the perfect fall flower to pull those beautiful colors right into your yard (without having to rake any leaves).

If you have a green thumb, plant some along your walkway, or use them to decorate your porch with some rustic planters.

Related: 7 Secrets to a Successful SelfCare Sunday

Autumn Self Care Ideas: Warm Up

woman in tub with candles
Photo by Monstera from Pexels

Winter is on its way, so one of the best ideas to incorporate into your autumn self care routine is something to warm you up. Give yourself those good, toasty feelings!

21. Take a warm bath

I’m not a bath person, but when that cold weather hits, a warm bath is just the thing to take those chills away.

Use those scented candles and soaps for the most relaxing fall bath.

22. Bust out the boots

It’s the beginning of boot season!

Whether you have a favorite pair you wear every year or it’s time for a new pair, keep you feet toasty warm with a comfy pair of boots.

23. Slip into some cozy socks

While we’re on the subject of keeping those toes toasty, get a cozy pair of socks to wear around the house.

It’s a simple idea to add to your autumn self care list, but it’s something that will warm you up and make you feel wonderful.

24. Pull out your favorite sweater

Since you’ve already transitioned your closet over to your fall wardrobe, you should already have access to your favorite fall sweater.

25. Get cozy with a warm blanket

I’ve talked about it before, but there’s just nothing like wrapping yourself up in your favorite warm blanket.

Whether you’re watching a movie, spending the morning on your porch with some coffee, or just snuggling with your husband or kids, wrapping up under a blanket you use year after year will really lock in those feel good memories and get you totally relaxed during your autumn self care routine.

Conclusion

You may not always be able to find time for self care, but with this list of autumn self care ideas, you can incorporate easy things throughout your day. Or even take two or three ideas from the list, and do them at the same time. Grab those cozy socks, a warm blanket, and snuggle up for a good movie.

It’s also one of the best times of year to include your family in your self care routine. Fall drives are always more fun with a partner, and bucket lists can include some wonderful adventures when you get more ideas. So get out there and enjoy this wonderful season!

Have you tried any of these uplifting autumn self care ideas? Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.

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25 Uplifting Autumn Self Care Ideas

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