Leaning into a Fall Self-care Routine

Fall is the perfect time to set intentions for how we’d like to feel, goals we’d like to set and envision what we’d like to enjoy and accomplish in the upcoming hibernating months.

As we naturally move forward + inward towards more time spent inside, shorter days, elements of weather and a decrease in light. Having self-care outlets are a great way to stay in a good groove.

Fall can be an amazing time for creative energy and motivation if you harness it. Having a self-care plan to look forward to and work towards can be a resource for helpful nourishment + personal growth.

Here’s some ideas on how to lean into a fall self-care routine

Keep getting outside even when the weather isn’t great

It can be hard to get excited about getting outside when the weather is “ugh…rain again” BUT even though the sky is grey and falling, being outside still gives us a dose of vitamin D. And being in proximity of nature, trees and water, releases feel good hormones that lower stress, anxiety and create a sense of calm + ease.

Even if you get outside for a short walk around the block, to the water for a quick peak at the ocean or duck in the trees for a little mini hike (or tree hug). I guarantee once you get back inside to cosy up + relax, you will feel better grounded, content and less restless with cabin fever.

Create a list of great book recommendations or do book trades with friends + family

Not sure why, but this past summer I had ZERO luck picking good reads. Which really burned, because purchasing paperbacks can be expensive! From now on, I will not enter a bookstore without at least a recommendation of authors or books that have glowing recommendations.

Better yet, do book trades of great stories with friends and family, helping to save on cost and give great stories the attention they deserve!

Try a new hobby or creative project

Hanging at home, watching shows, listening to music, reading and relaxing can be a lovely self-care retreat. At times, it can also feel a little too chill, with a sense of antsy restlessness.

Having a creative project or hobby, helps us be innovative and feel productive with low stakes problem solving which gives our minds a boost. Outlets can be simple, like crosswords, wordle, puzzles, making a new playlist, cooking, drawing, sewing, colouring, writing, getting crafty, organizing a closet, painting your apartment. Finding creative ways to mix things up!

Plan a potluck, games night or cocktail evening

Connecting and socializing is a major happiness outlet and important as the winter months make us feel more isolated. Hosting is a great way (and excuse) to get your home looking all pretty! Creating an ambience for everyone to take in and enjoy brings good vibes into our spaces that last way longer than just the hang out time.

With the cost of going out becoming higher and less accessible, having an evening to look forward to as a social outlet, can really mean a lot to someone. Guests can be asked to contribute, be it with a small snack, a game or ideas on what sounds fun and social.

Have weekly movement goals

When we’re feeling low energy and out of an exercise groove, it can come with a feeling of “falling off the wagon”. Which isn’t a bad thing! Creating space for unabashed rest and indulging in restorative do nothing time can be a self-care gift! The trick is finding the balance between rest + movement, for our mental + physical well being to stay aligned.

If you’re feeling lethargic and out of a movement routine, try setting new short term movement goals. It can start with light home workouts maybe 1-3 times a week, floor stretching, squats and core moves when your riding the couch, take a class if you need help with accountability or reach out to a friend to plan a neighbourhood walk or light run to get you rolling.

The hardest part is always motivation but once you’re up and moving, the payoff is everything!

Journal and free write as a processing outlet

I find, the trick to really letting it out and express the underlying feelings that can lead to emotional build ups + anxieties, is to just let whatever comes up as you begin to write, flow out freely onto the page.

Even if what you’re expressing is wildly unhinged, embarrassing, sad, crass, barley ledgable or messy. Getting the sensations behind those feelings out of your mind and onto paper, can be an incredible emotional release. Why not rip the pages out and toss away anything you don’t want to hold on to? or use them to humbly look back at how far you’ve come and the processing you worked through.

Free writing when your in a good place is a lovely practice of gratitude as well. Celebrating the wins as well as processing the challenges. We’re all riding the ebb’s and flows of every season together.

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Thanks for reading + enjoy your fall + winter self-care journeys!

x Carrie