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Sometimes the colder weather can lead to us not prioritizing self-care. It’s important that you don’t let this happen as it can really derail your mental health. I love Autumn and this time of year, but this isn’t the same for everyone. I have decided to share some more seasonal self-care tips by writing these autumn self-care ideas.
Create a cosy corner
I’ve been reading The Little Book Of Hygge by Meik Wiking lately. Hygge is a Danish word for the concept of warmth and cosiness. I love it because it’s what Autumn is all about for me. In the first few pages, Wiking talks about creating a hygge corner for reading etc.
You can make it however you want, but here are my essentials:
- Blankets
- Candles/wax melts
- Fairy lights
- Cushions
- Cup of tea or hot chocolate* in a cute mug
- Prints*
- Pyjamas → They are one of my few exceptions for buying new as they are guaranteed to get plenty of use
Walk through the leaves
This is one of my favourite things to do in Autumn! I like it best when I’m walking, all wrapped up in a winter coat whilst sipping a hot chocolate in my travel mug*. That’s one of my favourite moments of the year. I pause to take some photos of the beautifully coloured trees, leaves, pine cones and conkers. Walking through leaves really improves my mental health.
Related post: 7 ways nature can improve your mental health
Start baking or cooking
I feel like baking and cooking are such cosy things to do, so Autumn or Winter are perfect for this. Let’s be honest, the recipes are better when it’s colder. There’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, Bonfire Night etc. so there are lots of occasions for you to host and share your new skills!
The Grumpy Olive and Lynn Mumbing Mejia are my go-to when it comes to Autumnal baking or cooking. Make sure you check them out!
If you are looking for something mega simple, check out my super simple recipes for 3 fun Halloween Treats 🎃
Look after your skin
It’s important to look after your skin all year round. In the summer SPF is hyped to the max, though it’s best to wear it all year round because the sun rays are still there. It doesn’t matter if it’s cold.
But what I actually wanted to talk about is looking after your hands. It is essential that you put on hand cream when you can. In the colder seasons, our skin tends to become drier. A few years back, I just didn’t care and my hands got so cracked that they bled and it hurt to move them. Please don’t let them get so bad that it hurts to put hand cream on. Look after your skin ❤
Read
Reading is one of those activities that you can enjoy no matter the time of year. I’m 100% a romance genre reader, but I’m sure lots of people love to pick up horror books for Halloween. As tempting as Waterstones is, you can borrow a book from a friend or family member, join a library or buy a second-hand book. Second-hand September may be near the end, but it’s important to keep up those habits you may have formed, as well as remembering that clothes aren’t the only items that can be second-hand. I’ve found so many book gems in charity shops, and I’ve just joined my local library whilst I’m at University.
Have a bath or shower
The idea of a warm and bubbly bath, maybe with a lush bath bomb in there sounds perfect. However, I can’t relax in a bath. I don’t know quite what it is, I just can’t sit still long enough for it to be worth using all that water. For some, it helps with period pains or chronic illness pains, others like to read in the bath.
I like to have a shower bomb in the shower. It’s the best part of a bath but you only need a small amount. My favourite shower bomb is Sleepy from Lush, it will leave you smelling lovely!
Watch Gilmore Girls
Is there another show that is more autumnal than Gilmore Girls? Make a hot chocolate, pop some popcorn and relax! Gilmore Girls is everything and more. This is the perfect form of self-care for me! If you are abroad, you can still watch Gilmore Girls and other shows by ensuring you are using the best VPN service.
Tick something off your Autumn bucket list
You know I love a bucket list and if you need any inspiration, check out my Autumn bucket list 2020! There’s something so satisfying about ticking something off a list.
Have a lie-in
In the summer, I mentioned the benefits of waking up early. However, that was when we had long days and it wasn’t dark when we woke up! Often when I wake up for University, it’s dark outside which makes it hard to get up and often I’m left feeling tired. On the weekends it’s nice to have a lie-in. I know, I know, you are probably really busy and might need to wake up early. But, this weekend, treat yourself and have a lie-in!
Related post: 5 ways to avoid burnout working from home by JET Virtual Assistant
Do some Autumnal crafts
I love all things creative. Whether it be painting flowers and sunsets or taking nature photos and trying out some DIY. I’m not the best at coming up with DIY ideas, I leave that to Pinterest – P.S are you following me over there? One thing that I have been wanting to do for literally years, is making an Autumn wreath. I won’t have much of a chance to do that this year with Uni, but I do want to try and decorate my room for each of the seasons.
Related post: Autumn craft ideas for kids by The Mama Project
Write down everything you love about Autumn
Another Autumn self-care idea is writing a list of what you like about this season. Even if it isn’t your favourite season, it’s important to look at the positives. One of my favourite things to do is to write lists and once you have written your list, you can do more of the things you love 🧡
Do you have any Autumn self-care ideas? Let me know in the comments x
Best wishes, Cx
These are some great ideas Caroline. I love this time of year especially going for long walks and enjoying the colours and hearing the leaves crunch under my feet.
Oh and Gilmore Girls. I loved that show. I binge watched it last winter. I will be interested to hear what you think of A Year In The Life. I was disappointed with where they took Rory’s character, although I suppose it’s not uncommon to be searching for success and happiness in your mid 20s.
Me too! I like AYITL but I agree with you about Rory. She was so well put together in the original show, it felt weird that they ended the show with her having lots of one night stands :/
I’m loving the idea of creating a cosy corner, that’s such a lovely idea to do for Autumn and your self-care! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thank you Lucy x
This is a fantastic list – for me creating a cozy corner is definitely one of my favourites with some autumn scented candles, a good book, and some tea! I also LOVE walks where the leaves crunch below my feet, one of the most satisfying sounds for me. Thanks for sharing this awesome list.
Ooh, that sounds perfect! x
These are fantastic ways to practice self care during autumn. I love baking and cooking a lot and there are so many amazing recipes on the grumpy olive and Lynn’s blog. I should try baking this halloween. I love cozy corners and a good book would be just fab.
So true, thank you xx
Great ideas, I like the idea of doing Autumn crafts. It’s something I’ve been doing and would be good idea to try seasonal crafts.
Aw, how lovely!
Looking after your skin would be a great one for me! I neglect my skin so much and could do with giving it a bit more love, especially now that I’m older!
I feel you x
Fab ideas! I really want to set up a cosy corner I can read in, haha. I definitely agree with you that you can find some great books in charity shops! Having a bath and walking through the leaves in autumn are also the best feelings. Thank you so much for sharing x
I agree, thank you x
I love these Autumn self care ideas! So good!
Thank you x
You have no idea how much I’m waiting for the leaves to fall and be all crunchy and brown <3 As typing I can hear the crackling sound and smell that typical autumnish scent. Great list, thank you for sharing!
I feel you! Thank you x
Ooooo I’m so excited for all the autumn content and baking I’m going to be doing! I’ve been so excited for autumn this year, I love the cosy weather and all the autumn activities! Thank you so much for sharing this Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
Me too x
Baking, bubble baths & a great skin care routine! Sounds like a perfect fall night in. I absolutely love fall and how cozy it is!
Same xx
Gilmore Girls is a must watch in Autumn!
Agreed
I have to be honest, I’m not a huge fan of Autumn, I’m a Summer girl through and through. But I love your tips, especially the hand cream one. As a gardener, part of my Autumn self care is looking at plant, bulb, and seed catalogues for next Spring/Summer – does that count? 🙂 x
Absolutely!
Watching Gilmore Girls is a must- any time of year! Thanks for sharing these top tips for looking after yourself in the colder months x
I feel you x
Lovely thoughts on Autumn. I like hot drinks and cafe meet ups.
Sounds great 🙂
i def want to check out the hyyge book! this is one of the reasons i love fall so much – the coziness. i actually just purchased myself a reading chair for my office. i wanted to create my own little space to get lost in some novels. 🙂
It’s such a great book, a reading chair sounds so perfect 😍 Gonna need pictures! x
Although I love summer this year I am longing for autumn. It still feels like summer here with 30 degrees but eventually it will be here. I love cozy reading places in my home where I can wrap myself with my favourite blanket, a cup of tea or coffee and a good book!
All your suggestions are great! Thank you for sharing ☺️
I feel you, Summer is dragging here! x
Great post! Sounds like cozy, relaxing, soulful activities! =)
Thank you x
Great self care list! I’ve always wanted to create a cosy corner! I’ll have to do so this year. Thanks for sharing!
Definitely 🙂 x
I’m so ready to put some of these ideas into action as I am in need of some self-care and feeling cozy is a great way to do it. I really like the idea of doing some crafts and have a mini beading loom which I really need to get out and use — I could make Fall coloured bracelets! Thanks for the ideas!
Ooh, that sounds brilliant! x
This is an amazing list of ideas, an autumnal walk is one of my favourite self-care activities. It’s so peaceful and calming to walk through the leaves and witness the changing colours of the season. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you x
Autumn is my absolute favourite time of year and these are some great self care ideas for the season. I love getting all cosy with blankets and big fluffy socks. I also love a nice big bubble bath and a good book to read while I’m in there!
Me too x
These are all great ideas! I’ve never thought of giving special attention to my skin during fall, especially my hands. I hate the oily feeling in my skin so that prevents me from putting on hand cream, but I also hate them being dry, so I’ll have to find something 😅
During fall I like to just go out and breathe in nature, see the changing landscape. It’s a great (and easy) way to self-care.
Thanks for sharing this list
Loren | plaidandsugar.com
I feel you – I always put it on just before I go to sleep, so I leave it on my bed side table x
I love autumn! From anything with pumpkin spice and no more hot weather! I personally never watch Gilmore Girl but I’m currently watching New Girl on Netflix.
Michelle| http://www.brokebutflawless.com
You should! Love New Girl too x
These are such good ideas Caroline! And those mugs are so pretty!!!! I also have an autumn bucket list this year and self care is definitely on it 🙂
Em x
earthlyem.co.uk
Thank you x
The simpler my life is much more I love it.. enjoy the little things
So true x
Ahh, thank you so much for mentioning me, Caroline! I appreciate you so much! I adore all things fall and love that you included watching Gilmore Girls hehe! I love baking treats and lighting candles! Thanks for sharing x
Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
No problem 🙂 xx
Love all of these ideas. I love baking new treats and taking walks with my camera. Thank you for sharing.
Me too x