When the air gets crisp, and pumpkin spice smells are everywhere, it makes the perfect season for reflection, gratitude, and super cozy moments! Fall is the perfect time for cozy, mindful self care. Self care helps me to slow down, relax, and enjoy the seasonal beauty around me. These easy and affordable fall self care ideas boost my mind and my mood and I’d like to help guide you to do the same.
Cozy Home Rituals
- Light a pumpkin spice or cinnamon candle.
- Swap summer bedding for warm, soft blankets.
- Hang a fall wreath on your door.
- Create a cozy reading nook.
- Decorate your space with autumn colors.
- Use seasonal throw pillows.
- Diffuse cedarwood essential oils (or your favorite fall scent!)
- Wear your favorite oversized sweater.
- Bake pumpkin bread.
- Keep a cozy blanket in every room.
- Rotate blankets and throws for extra warmth.
- Try an autumn essential oil blend in your diffuser.
- Switch to warm-toned lighting for a cozy glow.
- Create a “no work” relaxation zone at home.
- Host a board game night with friends.
- Watch a classic fall movie marathon.
- Display seasonal flowers like mums.
- Rearrange your furniture for a fresh vibe.
- Have an unplugged candlelit dinner.
- Add a cozy rug to your space.
Related: Create Your Own Cozy Corner Blog Post
Nourish Your Body
21. Make a hearty vegetable soup.
22. Drink hot apple cider.
23. Bake butternut squash.
24. Sip chai tea in the morning.
25. Try a new seasonal smoothie recipe.
26. Make oatmeal with cinnamon and apples.
27. Bake pumpkin muffins.
28. Cook with fresh herbs from a fall garden.
29. Make a charcuterie board with fall fruits.
30. Try roasted sweet potatoes.
31. Try a slow-cooked stew or chili recipe.
32. Make baked apples with cinnamon.
33. Experiment with herbal teas like chamomile or rooibos.
34. Take a weekend cooking class.
35. Make homemade bread or pumpkin muffins.
36. Drink hot lemon water in the mornings.
37. Keep a seasonal fruit bowl on the counter.
38. Try roasted root vegetables.
39. Create a fall smoothie with apple, pear, and spices.
40. Pack a thermos of soup for a park lunch.
Outdoor Autumn Activities
- Go apple picking.
- Visit a pumpkin patch.
- Go on a fall foliage hike.
- Have a picnic with cozy blankets.
- Visit a farmers’ market.
- Go to a harvest festival.
- Try geocaching in the fall.
- Take photos of fall leaves.
- Visit a sunflower field.
- Go on a hayride.
- Take a weekend road trip to see foliage.
- Go stargazing on a crisp night.
- Have a cozy campfire with s’mores.
- Take sunrise or sunset walks.
55. Join a local fall 5K or fun run.
56. Go bird-watching for seasonal species.
57. Visit a corn maze.
58. Ride bikes through a scenic trail.
59. Collect colorful leaves and press them.
60. Try outdoor sketching or painting.
Mindfulness
61. Start a gratitude journal.
62. Meditate for 5 minutes a day.
63. Practice yoga with fall-themed playlists.
64. Read a self-help or mindfulness book.
65. Take mindful walks, noticing the leaves.
66. Practice deep breathing in the fresh air.
67. Reflect on the year so far.
68. Write down intentions for the rest of the year.
69. Listen to calming music while journaling.
70. Watch the sunrise with tea.
71. Try guided meditation with fall imagery.
72. Write down one beautiful thing you notice each day.
73. Practice mindful breathing under a blanket.
74. Start a daily “three good things” list.
75. Do gentle evening stretching before bed.
76. Create a seasonal mantra.
77. Write a poem about autumn.
78. Try a mindful eating exercise with a fall treat.
79.Spend a day without social media.
80. Track your mood alongside weather changes.
My Favorite Seasonal Self-Care Extras
- Burn incense with earthy scents.
- Try a fall-scented lotion.
- Buy a cozy new blanket scarf.
- Switch to autumn nail colors.
- Get a seasonal haircut or style.
- Try a new fall makeup look.
- Take a bubble bath with seasonal scents.
- Wear slippers around the house.
- Bundle up and read outdoors.
- Decorate your desk with mini pumpkins.
- Make a fall-themed playlist for walks.
- Try a DIY cinnamon-sugar body scrub.
- Go to a fall farmers’ market.
- Update your fall wardrobe with cozy essentials.
- Treat yourself to new fuzzy socks.
- Try autumn nail polish colors.
- Experiment with seasonal makeup looks.
- Take a bubble bath with eucalyptus or cedar scents.
- Create a fall reading list.
- Make a DIY hot chocolate mix
Q&A: Fall Self-Care
Q: How can I stay consistent with self-care in the fall?
A: Staying consistent becomes easy when you’re doing seasonal things that you already enjoy! Pick some ideas from this list that you would like to do, and that will make it a million times easier.
Q: Can I do self-care even if I’m busy?
A: Absolutely yes 100%!. Even 5–10 minutes a day of mindful breathing, journaling, or enjoying a hot drink can help you recharge.
Q: What’s the benefit of seasonal self-care?
A: Seasonal self-care keeps you connected to the present moment. It helps you appreciate the beauty of the season and your mental and physical well-being.
Q: Can self-care help with seasonal depression?
A: YES! If you’re someone who suffers from seasonal depression when the weather is changing, self-care can significantly help reduce those feelings.