Ah, it finally fall here in the northern hemisphere. But if the end of summer got you feeling a bit down, these fall self-care ideas will have you feeling great again. For some of us summer-loving souls, the shorter days and somewhat gloomy weather in the fall season get us down but some intentional fall self-care will lift your spirits and have you enjoying the fall season as well.
Also, we must remember that the leisurely days of summer are now gone and we are in this season of busy workdays, school, and lots of activities, especially if you have little ones that can lead to feeling stressed and frazzled. And that is also one more reason why prioritizing fall self-care is quite important.
But while fall can get some people down mourning the gloriously long and sunny summer days, fall is also a really beautiful season with its gorgeous foliage, and festivities and is traditionally a season to celebrate a bountiful harvest and a season of gratitude. And so, let’s embrace the fall season and enjoy its beauty and bounty to the fullest.
That said, what better way to enjoy fall than with some fun and relaxing fall self-care ideas?
It’s true that planning self-care days in the fall can make all the difference in your mind and well-being. And while self-care is important in all seasons we also need to change some routines and activities depending on the season.
That also means in the fall season we need to upgrade our self-care to combat seasonal blues and to really enjoy this season of thanksgiving.
And that begs the question. What are some good self-care ideas to boost mental health and feel more joy in the fall season?
Let’s see, shall we?
Fall Self-Care Ideas for a happier fall season
Decorate your house for the fall.
How fun it is to select just the right decor for your home this fall. Pick up some fall-themed wreaths at your craft store, and some real and fake pumpkins, and celebrate the harvest season. Yes, it is okay if you are city folk and have never harvested anything in your life. You can still feel the joy of the harvest season with the fall decor.
Decorating with fall items will surely make you feel thankful for all you have. It’s a good reminder even if you didn’t go out there and harvest anything. The way your home looks and feels impacts your happiness and mental health. And a lively home will make you feel lively and happy as well.
Read in front of a fire.
Do you have a fireplace? It s time to fire it up. Find a good book, a warm drink, and cozy up with a good read in front of the fire. Who doesn’t love a nice fire? It just warms you up inside and out. Enjoying a nice fire really makes for a joyful fall.
Did you get some good reads? Check this list of 13 Books That Will Inspire You to Live Your Best Life
Drink some warm beverages
A warm soothing drink in your hands warms the soul literary! When the temperature dips and fall feels a bit nippy, make a cup of some warm beverage such as soothing tea, hot cocoa, or even a golden milk latte, and sit back and seep slowly.
Even better, use fall-themed drinks such as pumpkin lattes, hot cider, vanilla scented warm drinks to enjoy the season more and warm yourself up as well. A hot cup of tea is one nice way to keep autumn cold at bay and chase away the fall blues.
Bundle up in some cozy fall wear
One thing I love about the fall is the lovely sweaters I get to wear this time of year. Get some new fall sweaters, and scarves or bring out some of your old favorites and get cozy. And bonus, you get to enjoy some shopping therapy.
Keep a gratitude journal
Practicing gratitude is an essential part of self-care. Take a few minutes every day to write at least two to three things you are grateful for. In fact what about a 30 days gratitude challenge?
This would amp up your sense of gratitude and boost your mental health. To feel more encouraged to gratitude journaling, you may want to use prompts, or simply get a beautiful notebook you will feel more inclined to write in. Try “Good Days Start With Gratitude.”
Or a gorgeous notebook such as this one.
Take a walk
A brisk walk in the fall weather is so invigorating. Bundle up in a warm soft sweater and swarf and head outside. Walk the dog if you have one, or simply walk yourself. You will feel so much better. A walk is great exercise and a nice way to chase away the fall blues.
Go shop at the farmer’s market.
It is harvest time after all. Go get some fresh goodies at the farmer’s market. This brings on that old-world vibe and it is just so great for the soul. And the body. Getting all the fresh fruits and veggies plus freshly baked goodies will surely lift your mood.
Buy some fall flowers.
The beautiful colorful mums are in season now. Buy some and enjoy their beauty. Flowers just brighten a space and your mood. Include fall flowers in your fall decor. Buy more than one color to boost your fall theme in your decor.
Watch a movie marathon.
What are you in the mood for? You could watch some scary Halloween movies. Or just Binge watch some sappy Hallmark Christmas movies as well. Fire up Netflix or any other channel and relax. Let the stories take you away!
Make yourself a warm fall drink.
Pumpkin spice latte anyone? Or warm apple cider. Or even a golden milk drink with cinnamon. Warm yourself up with a tasty warm drink and enjoy the season.
Be in the zen with a coloring book
When it is a bit chilly outside, get a warm fuzzy blanket, and a fun zen coloring book, and calm your mind with an adult coloring book. The good thing is there are so many to choose from these days. Here is a fun one to get your coloring joy on.
Organize and declutter
A clean and well-organized home is calming, and a great way to practice self-care. You feel so much better when you look around your house and things are well ordered.
No time like now to start putting summer clothes away, and going through your closet to declutter items you no longer wear and donate them.
Take a warm scented bath
Get yourself some fun fall-themed scented soaps to relish the season with a warm relaxing bath.
Take a hike to see the fall foliage in full splendor
Spend some time hiking to see the fall foliage splendor. One thing I love about fall is the colorful foliage. You just cannot get enough of looking at the amazing shades of yellow, orange, purples, and burnt pumpkin colors. It’s God’s creation at its best.
Plus the hike is such invigorating exercise, and a fun way to practice fall self-care. It is good for the body, mind, and soul. Feed all three as you gaze at the fall foliage colors.
Make some delicious comfort food
What is your fall comfort food? For me is some hearty chili with some pumpkin in it. You can try this delicious pumpkin recipe this fall. infuse your house with the smell of fall cooking with your favorite fall foods.
And then enjoy a heartwarming dinner sure to make everyone feel all the wonderful fall feels. That is one way to enjoy fall self-care.
Go apple harvesting
One fun fall activity for self-care is going out apple picking. If you live in an area where apples are grown, go apple picking with a friend or family.
Then when you come back you have enough bounty to make apple pies, apple cakes, and more. Enjoy all those comforting fall baking scents. Nothing is just so joyful, and comforting.
Now go on and enjoy the fall season. Don’t let the autumn nippy weather and shorter days dim your joy. Use these self-care ideas to feel more joy this fall and for many falls to come. And please, tell me in the comments what you love to do during the fall season for your self-care. Happy Fall!
Read next:
Simple self-care nighttime routine for anxiety
How to cope with depression naturally
These are some excellent self-care tips. Walking, especially in nature is one of the best mood boosters. In addition, listening to music while walking is the icing on the top. Thanks for sharing these practical tips.
Thank you so much Kevin for reading. We all should practice self-care.