We love fall, the changing of the seasons, and the vibrant leaves evoke a sense of whimsy and wonder. On the other hand, fall can be a bit busy with kids back in school and the holidays approaching the season leaves little time for yourself. But self-care is essential. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup! So, take some time for yourself, and enjoy one (or more) of these cozy self-care fall ideas!
Source: homesick
1. Cozy Up with Fall Scents
Put away your summer candles and light a fall candle. Scents can evoke emotions and even improve your mood. Light a candle that evokes feelings of fall such as homesick’s Autumn Hayride with notes of amber, clove, and nutmeg. Or bring back great family memories with Grandma’s Kitchen, packed with notes of apple, cream, cinnamon, sugar cookie, and vanilla. The comforting scent is the perfect mix of sugar, spice, and everything nice. What makes these candles even better? It’s made from natural soy wax and contains no plastics, parabens, synthetic dyes, or phthalates, making it an excellent option for self-care!
2. Boost Your Mood with Light Therapy
Due to the lack of sunshine and the darker months ahead, you could experience a drop in serotonin. Light therapy boxes help to combat this and boost your serotonin levels. Light therapy improves sleep, mood, focus and even gives you more energy bringing out the best form of yourself. With over 4,500 reviews and a rating of 4.6 stars, the Verilux HappyLight is a UV-Free LED therapy Lamp perfect for the task!
3. Enjoy the Outdoors
Now that the weather is cooling off, take some time to head to the great outdoors. Being outside is a great form of self-care. The outdoors is known to help reduce stress and improve your mood. Plus, Vitamin D levels increase from the warm sunshine, which is known to fight off cancer and depression. Take a hike through fall foliage or enjoy a stroll around your neighborhood. Use the time outside to unplug and gather your thoughts. Don’t have time during the day? Consider cozying up with your favorite blanket by a fire pit at night!
4. Seek Gratitude Daily
5. Adjust Your Healthy Routines
6. Make a Comforting Fall Soup
There is something almost healing about a comforting fall soup- just a bowl of it turns a cold and dreary night into a cozy one. Take the time to make yourself a delicious and warm fall soup and nourish your body. Need some inspiration? Check out these 30 Fall and Winter Soup Recipes before your next trip to the grocery store. The list has everything from creamy soups like a delicious Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup to adventurous options like Spicy Chinese Beef Noodle Soup and vegetarian options that will keep you cozy on a cold day.
7. Set Boundaries
This is one of the hardest things on our list, but it couldn’t be more important! We’re approaching one of the busiest seasons of the year, coming out of a year in quarantine. There will be many invites to parties and gatherings, school, and work obligations, and more. To some, this is a welcomed change. To others, even the idea of it is overwhelming. Setting boundaries allows you to manage your comfort levels and prioritize your health and well-being. So, remember - it’s ok to say “no” to events or activities that you are not excited about and don’t bring you happiness! As Marie Kondo says, if it doesn’t spark joy, it’s not worth it!
8. Enjoy a Fall Activity
There is something nostalgic about fall activities. Often, they bring back warm memories of childhood. Consider visiting a local pumpkin patch, ordering your favorite pumpkin spice latte, baking a fall treat, taking a break to watch a football game, or cozy up on the couch and binge-watch some of your favorite scary movies. It doesn’t matter which activity you choose, as long as you take the time to give yourself a break and enjoy time to yourself or with friends and family.
Make Caring for Yourself a Priority This Fall
To-do lists are never-ending. There will always be something to do. Make sure to set aside time for self-care. No matter what type of activity you choose, give yourself time to re-energize, relax. If you take care of yourself, everything else will follow!
Written by Mouthwatchers, LLC Staff - November 2021