6 Ways to Practice Self-Care this Fall
With the summer days fading away and the cooler evenings settling in, it’s normal to feel a sense of bittersweet nostalgia. People get back into their routines and miss the fun and freedom that summer brings.
As the leaves change and you get into your fall routine, it’s important to show yourself some love and care. Here are six ways to practice self-care this fall while embracing what the season represents.
Reconnect with Nature
Fall is the perfect time to reconnect with nature. There’s always something to do, and the temperate equinox weather makes it a joy to be outside. According to the Wicca Academy, the fall equinox aligns with the Mabon celebration—the perfect time to collect beautiful leaves, corn, and gourds to decorate your home for the harvest.
Visit your local orchard for an afternoon of apple picking or head to a corn maze for hours of outdoor fun. Many farms host hayrides and similar events to celebrate the harvest season. If you live in an urban area, head to a local park to snap photos of the changing leaves and plan a picnic outside. It’s worth noting that vineyards are, technically, also a part of nature!
Go Moon Gazing
The crisp, clear autumn nights are perfect for moon gazing. In September, expect to see the stunning Harvest Moon while October brings forth the Hunters Moon.
Make an event of it by taking a few blankets and a thermos of hot drinks to a nearby field or forest. Download a stargazing app to learn about constellations while you relax and unwind under the moonlit sky. Be safe if you venture to a new area, and make sure you aren’t trespassing.
Make a Warm Drink or Dinner
If you’re someone who feels better after spending time in the kitchen, consider practicing self-care by making something that warms your heart and nourishes your soul. Make a batch of homemade hot chocolate or apple cider, or shake things up with a fancy fall coffee.
Making a big batch of soup or stew is also a great way to relax in the kitchen and enjoy the outcome of your efforts. Pour extra soup into mason jars and deliver them to your friends and loved ones to share the joy.
Have a Cozy Movie Marathon
Fall is the best time to curl up on the couch with a warm blanket and catch up on your favorite movies. Plan a spooky season movie marathon, or get back to that Netflix binge list you abandoned for the summer.
If a movie marathon doesn’t appeal to you, set aside time each evening to curl up with a good book or podcast while you relax and unwind.
Enjoy Autumn-Themed Beauty Products
The change of seasons means new releases of seasonal beauty products. Stock up on fall-themed face masks, bath bombs, lotions, and candles, and plan for an at-home spa session.
If you’re feeling creative, you can make your own autumn-themed beauty products. Put together a pumpkin or cranberry face mask or a DIY spiced apple bath bomb. Be sure to make a big batch to last you the entire season.
Declutter and Let Go
Fall is a traditional time of cleansing and letting go. Embrace the tradition by decluttering your home and giving it a deep clean. While cleaning may seem like a chore, clutter can be detrimental to your mental health. Excluding seasonal decor and attire, if you haven’t used something in the past year, it’s time to donate it.
Elevate this experience by writing down experiences and grudges in your life that you’d like to let go of as well. Then, burn the list, and free yourself from what’s holding you back.
Self-care is important all year long. However, revisiting your self-care strategy after the summer is a must, as the winter darkness is on the horizon. Give yourself some extra care and attention this autumn. You deserve it all year long, anyway!
