As summer flashes before our eyes, life starts picking up again pretty fast. After summer ends, it's back to school season, and having to balance that out with work and upcoming family gatherings for the holidays. Let's face it, it's overwhelming!
Between Spooky Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the December holidays, there's just too much excitement going on and something to do every single month towards the end of the year. Taking a moment for yourself almost doesn't exist.
It's so easy to get caught up in the rhythm of putting others before you between September and January, that you quickly forget to check in with yourself. This year, I want to challenge you to keep yourself in your thoughts just like everyone else in your list.
The Fall season is the most important time to practice self-care because it's the most stressful time of the year. If you're already walking around with bags under your eyes and tucking kinks under your mom bun (or the "I'm trying to adult by the skin of my teeth" bun), then you REALLY need to consider using self-care as a means to survive this season.
Lucky for you, I have some warming autumn self-care ideas that I think you are going to want to try!
10 Autumn Self-Care Ideas For a Happier Holiday Season
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1. Find a Comfort Fall Drink
Let the sky be your starting point! This could be a favorite coffee flavor, mocha, or even tea. Having a seasonal go-to drink can give you something to look forward to in your day or week, especially when you're feeling a little stressed out.
It is a simple pleasure that makes a world difference. You don't have to limit yourself to just one drink, aim for a Fall selection but make sure that every time you take a sip, you're truly enjoying the moment.
Go all out with your drink accessories too. Get yourself a Fall self-care mug to go along with your favorite drinks. This way, when you pick up your mug, it is a visual reminder that this is your personal moment with yourself.
2. Go to a Pumpkin Patch Date with Loved Ones and Friends
Pumpkins are iconic for Fall decor so why not celebrate Autumn by being surrounded by pumpkins! There is something truly scenic about pumpkin patches, it creates the whole Fall vibe no matter where you live. Living in South Florida, where it feels like Summer all year long, getting any little bit of Fall vibes is life for me.
Plus, pumpkin picking is very fun! There are so many different shapes and sizes. Some pumpkins are full of texture too. Choose a pumpkin that speaks to your soul.
Not to mention that pumpkins are very popular in desserts and dishes, so getting a couple of pumpkins to get crafty in the kitchen can bring out your creativity as well. If you're not about that kitchen life, that's totally okay!
Pumpkins serve as beautiful fall decor and if you happen to visit a pumpkin patch before Halloween, you can even turn your pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern! Jack-o-lantern parties are creatively fun as well. You get to see your friends and family getting down and dirty with pumpkin guts and their carving techniques...I tell ya...messy but very Picasso-like.
3. Take a Picture with Autumn Leaves
Depending on where you live, this can be a little challenging. As I said, I live in South Florida and it's pretty much palm trees for life over here. However, the "'tis the season" feels is totally up to you. Aim for a park that has shedding trees or shrubs for the best feel and Fall photo goals.
Don't be shy to strike a few poses at the park. If you're the shy kind of gal, I recommend dragging that reliable friend who knows how to bring that foxy side out of you. Pose and flash, girl. Yass!
4. Find a Favorite Fall Accessory
Getting a fun accessory that hints "Autumn is here" can be just the perfect pick-me-up this Fall. Dressing during the season can really uplift your spirits, especially if you want to try out a new style altogether but are not quite sure how to do it at another time throughout the year. This can be putting on a scarf, a big comfy sweater, leggings, or boots.
The possibilities are endless within your wardrobe. Your accessory does not have to be from head to toes, although if you wish to do so, more power to you, hot mama!
Finding a fall accessory can be as subtle as wearing a cute little hair clip, a warm lip shade, ring, bracelet, or even a body mist with hints of amber or warm vanilla sugar. Small details in your wardrobe build on personal confidence and energize you to look and feel fabulous everywhere you go.
5. Freshen Up Your Space with Scented Candles and air freshers
Candles keep my sanity during the holiday season in check! Aside from pumpkin pie spice candles, some of my favorite candles for the Fall season include:
Good-smelling candles are therapeutic on so many levels. It activates your senses and invites peace of mind after a hectic day. Sometimes we need to practice mindful breathing and taking in a moment when we get home. A candle can do the trick. You can even pair your candle with one of your fall comfort drinks and a sweater just to level up the autumn vibes.
6. Indulge in a Hot Bath or Shower
Enjoying a hot bath after a hard day of work, school or running around after little ones can be just right to finish off your day. Hot baths help relax tense muscles. Pair that with your favorite scented candle and this self-care tip is relaxation at its finest moment. Don't be afraid to spend a good minute in there if you can afford it.
Scented oils are also a great addition to this activity and set the mood for a perfect aromatherapy session to help relax the mind as well. If you do not have a tub at a home, showers are still wonderful for "me" time. Pick a nice body wash that will activate your senses and let the water run down your hair and back, get steamy with that water, girl!
7. Journal Up
Journaling is a wonderful way to give yourself the attention you need for mental health care. During super busy days, you worry more about others but not yourself. If you've always enjoyed writing or journaling in your teens or when life wasn't so hectic, then it is time to pick up this peaceful hobby again.
Investing in a mindfulness journal not only gives you an opportunity to check in with yourself mentally and emotionally but also sparks creativity. Write poems if that's your thing. Or pick some thought-provoking prompts that will force you to learn more about yourself on a deeper level. Personal growth comes from within.
If you're not quite sure where to start with your journaling, you might find these books interesting:
8. Enjoy a Favorite Playlist or Podcast
Switch up Netflix for a playlist of your favorite music as an alternative to disconnecting from the world. It's also a good excuse to discover a new podcast that can spark up enthusiasm and motivate you to be in a better mental state so that you can be the best version of yourself for the new year. Listening to something you enjoy can help elevate you for a little bit, even when you're sitting on the toilet just to take a breather from life.
9. Put on a Face Mask
Get pampered when it comes to your skin! Seeing and feeling silky skin does wonders to your self-esteem. When you feel like you're physically glowing, it boosts your confidence levels and you'll want to show off your naked face. This can encourage you to feel the sun against your skin while outdoors or take a nice selfie.
Face masks come in many varieties depending on how you're trying to pamper yourself. You can buy wet masks, mud masks, charcoal, and peel-offs. There are many options to choose from and these can be very affordable if you're a little worried about breaking the bank.
If you're not looking to invest much because you're already splurging on fav drinks, candles and accessories, face masks are very easy to do from the comfort of your own home with simple kitchen ingredients.
10. Power Yourself Up Through Motivation Quotes
Recharge yourself with positivity. Pinterest is your best friend for finding empowering quotes that can help elevate you for the following day. Find a quote that resonates with you and hold on to it. Quotes can open up mindfulness and self-awareness. It also empowers you to be a better version of yourself, especially when you're very tired but need to keep going as you approach the holiday season.
Motivational quotes are great to keep on your laptop or smartphone's background as a reminder of your higher self. Google images are also a good option to find motivational images to cater to your day.
Invest in yourself this fall season and practice more self-care throughout the next couple of months. You're worth it.
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