There’s something magical about autumn…. cozy sweaters, leaves crunching, football Sundays, the smell of pumpkin spice. For many of us, fall is a season to embrace the fresh air and maybe even a fresh beginning. At the same time, shorter days and less sunlight can sometimes leave our energy a little lower. The good news? With a few simple autumn self care rituals, you can fully embrace the beauty of the season. Everyone enjoys each season differently, so here are some ideas to get started. As you read through, try to pick one ritual to start with, one that makes you feel a sense of happiness and warmth just thinking about it.
1. Start Your Morning with a Cozy Drink
Whether you fully lean into a treat yourself moment for a pumpkin spice latte from a local coffee shop, or go the healthier route by adding some cinnamon and maple syrup to a hot coffee, swap your summer morning beverage for something that’s a little more *cozy*. If you’re able to, take it outside and enjoy feeling the contrast of the morning breeze while your hands absorb warmth of the steaming cup you’re holding. Take a deep breath and enjoy the fall morning energy.
2. Breathe in the Crisp Morning Air
Speaking of taking a deep breath, how about making it an intention to do this outside? And no, I don’t mean while rushing feverishly during your morning commute. Take a walk where you are truly mindful of your surroundings, enjoying the scenery, the scents, the decorations, and the breeze. Getting outside, even for 10 minutes, can boost your mood almost instantly.
3. Create a Seasonal Gratitude Ritual
Fall has a way of reminding us of the simple things in life that we often overlook: the changing colors, the harvest, and the little comforts like a soft sweater. Start a seasonal gratitude ritual where you keep a small notebook to jot down three things you’re grateful for each day. Light a candle, sip your warm drink, and let it be a grounding moment that shifts your perspective toward joy.
4. Fill Your Space with Cozy Scents
There’s something so comforting about walking into a room that smells like fall. Light a candle, simmer a pot of cinnamon sticks and orange slices, or use essential oils with notes of clove, vanilla, or cedarwood. Scents are powerful mood shifters, and surrounding yourself with cozy aromas can make the darker evenings feel better.
5. Cook with Seasonal Ingredients
Autumn produce practically begs to be roasted, baked, or simmered into something comforting. Think roasted butternut squash, apple crisp, or a steaming bowl of hearty soup. Cooking with seasonal ingredients not only nourishes your body, but it also deepens your connection with the energy of the season.
6. Move Mindfully with the Season
Cooler days can make you want to curl up, but gentle movement can be just as cozy. Roll out your mat for a grounding yoga flow, stretch by candlelight, or even dance in your kitchen while dinner simmers. Moving your body in the lightest of ways can help release tension and keep your energy flowing.
7. Embrace Cozy Evenings
When the sun sets earlier, it doesn’t have to feel like the day is over just yet. Slip on your comfiest socks, grab a blanket, and settle in with a good book or your journal. Or, you can make it a little more lively! Invite friends or family over for football, order some takeout, or queue up a scary movie marathon. Darker and cooler nights can actually be the perfect excuse to slow down, hang out, and enjoy the little things.
8. Take a Mini Digital Detox
Autumn naturally nudges us to slow down and turn inward. Trade a night of scrolling for something simple that refills your energy. Maybe it’s baking, creating artwork, looking up and admiring the stars, or sitting with a calming playlist while you unravel your thoughts. Stepping away from screens, even for one night, can feel like a major reset.
9. Feel Inspired by Creative Hobbies
Let the season inspire you to create. Knit a scarf, bake pumpkin bread, paint with fall colors, or decorate your home with little autumn touches. Getting hands-on with something creative is a fun way to lift your mood and make the season feel even more special. It can also help to re-ignite creativity in other areas of your life.
10. Wind Down With a Restful Night Routine
The darker evenings are actually perfect for slowing down at night. Dim the lights, brew an herbal tea, and spend a few minutes journaling or stretching before bed. A little bedtime ritual helps you sleep better and makes the transition into night feel calm and intentional.
Which Autumn Self Care Ritual Will You Choose?
If there’s one thing to take away from this article, it’s that autumn is what you make of it. Fall is full of cozy mornings, crisp air, and simple pleasures waiting to be enjoyed. By sprinkling any of these small self care rituals into your days, you can transition into the season with ease and joy.
So this autumn, wrap yourself in warmth, savor the flavors, and lean into the little comforts. This is an amazing time of the year to slow down, recharge, and take care of yourself. Personally, I can’t wait to drop into a local coffee shop for my oat milk pumpkin spice latte. How will you decide to feel cozy?