I really love the Autumn season, maybe it’s because I was born in October. It’s in my bones to enjoy this time of year. Crisp days, colorful backdrops, and everything cozy. As much as I love this time of year it can also be a bit stressful. Work, school, prepping for the upcoming holidays and family get togethers…it can feel like a lot. Here are some self care tips to get you through this busy season.

Go Outside

Getting outside can clear the fog in your mind and give you a fresh perspective on whatever is stressing you out. Autumn is the perfect time to go to a park or walk around your neighborhood. Focus on breathing in that crisp air in slow, steady breaths. It has an amazing calming effect.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkins make great fall decorations, desserts and meals. Leave them uncarved on your front steps for seasonal decor throughout the autumn season or give them spooky carvings for Halloween. Pick up some sugar or pie pumpkins to use in some delicious seasonal recipes like pumpkin pasta or pumpkin- ginger bread pudding. Visiting the patch is another way to enjoy some time outside as well.

Update Your Thick Cozy Socks

Spending a day just lounging around in comfy clothes and thick socks is one of my favorite things to do. Take a look through your sock drawer and see if your current collection needs an upgrade. Why? Because when the first chilly day arrives, you will want to curl up on a sofa under a favorite blanket, wearing your cozy socks, while you drink tea or coffee.

I totally did this the other day during a crazy windy rain storm, it was so comforting.

Learn Something New On A Rainy Day

Speaking of rainy days. When you can’t spend time exploring in nature, take this time to try to learn something new on a soggy day. Whether you decide to stay home, or if you’re feeling brave and venture outside, try to do something that’s educational. That could mean watching a documentary on a topic that you’ve been meaning to learn more about. Trying your hand at a new recipe, even finding an online cooking class. Or maybe you grab your rainboots and umbrella and check out an exhibit at a local gallery. It’s easy to zone out to a movie or binge watch a TV series. Be different and learn something new.

Make Your Home Smell Like Fall

Pumpkin spice, warm vanilla sugar, “sweater weather”…these are some of my favorite candles. They make the whole house smell cozy and inviting. If you’re more of a simmer pot person fill a medium pot about halfway with water, add a sliced apple, some orange slices, cinnamon sticks, rosemary sprigs and star anise for a yummy, fall scented home.

Connect With Friends Before The Holiday Rush

This is the perfect time of year to catch up with friends before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Whether it’s over a coffee, a glass of wine or a beer, enjoy this time to catch up. Spending time with friends, even for a short period of time gives us that boost of endorphins that we sometimes desperately need. I read an article once that said spending time with friends was better than morphine, so surely a 30 minute coffee date will help you get through the holiday season.

 Unplug For The Day (from social media)

The fiery pops of color, leaf strewn parks, cozy outfits, picture perfect spiced lattes. The temptation to overshare on social is high right now. Put.Down.The.Phone. Do a one day social media detox. You’ll be surprised at how much time you actually have during the day. Maybe you’ll have an interesting conversation or you’ll finally read that book on your bedside table. Turn up some favorite tunes and tidy up your closet. Put away those summer clothes and pull out the snuggly sweaters. The possibilities are endless when you’re not mindlessly scrolling.

Pamper Yourself

As the air starts to get drier, itchy skin is bound to be on the horizon. Start pampering your skin now! Dig out that loofah, use some yummy smelling soaps and wash off the dead skin. I love all the autumn scented lotions this time of year and it’s also nice to splurge on a good moisturizer for your face. It will keep the cold air from drying out your skin.

Remember to take care of you! One of the fastest ways to get sick is to burn yourself out by taking on too much. Be sure to squeeze in time for yourself. Take a moment to stop, relax and do something that you enjoy. It’s great for your body and mind.