A self-care wish list for fall

Are you ready to embrace a fresh start and create a fall you’ll love? After a year and a half of the pandemic and a record summer with several days over 120 degrees in the desert where I live, let’s say I’m more than ready.

No matter where you live, this is the perfect time to incorporate the best of fall into a self-care routine designed to help you slow down and enjoy the best of this short but beautiful season.

Feel free to incorporate my ideas and add your own to the mix. Create a wish list to ensure you enjoy this new season, and be sure to schedule them on your calendar.

So let’s get started with some ways you can practice self-care this fall.

Getting into the right state of mind

As we experience the shift from summer to fall, let’s be intentional and begin by repeating these fall-inspired affirmations often:

During this fall season, no matter what is going on in my life, I give myself permission to take time to care for myself. As I breathe in the crisp fall air, I’ll let stress and anxiety melt away like fall leaves. I will feel calm, relaxed, at peace and I will fill each day with joy. I will learn to slow down and be in the moment, enjoying all that this exquisite season has to offer.

Okay, now that we’re in the right frame of mind, let’s have some fun and relax!

have a fall fling

With the last remaining warm temperatures of the day, the changing colors of the leaves, and the crisp fall air, it’s a great time to hop in the car for a road trip. Maybe even book a weekend getaway in the woods.

Perhaps include a hayride or apple picking. Bring your grandchildren for more fun. Or visit a pumpkin patch and pick one to bake a pumpkin pie and toast the pumpkin seeds.

If a weekend trip isn’t feasible, just get outdoors during the day. Throw on your jeans and a cozy sweater and go on a nature hike, visit a local national park, or take a bike ride to soak up all those fall colors. Bring on a fall-inspired homemade trail mix with pumpkin seeds, cranberry raisins, and Reese’s Pieces.

Relive your childhood and collect a giant pile of leaves and dive in with the grandkids. If you’re a football fan, throw a tailgate party. Or take a walk on the cool beach during the off-season when you can enjoy the ocean without the crowds.

Looking for some romance? Prepare a fall picnic with a simple cheese board with crackers, fruit, chutneys and assorted cheeses. Add a fun thermos filled with hot lentil and ham soup. Don’t forget to drink apple cider, pumpkin beer, or Oktoberfest beers. Spread a favorite cozy quilt on the crisp leaves and bask in all the glory of fall. In the evening, take time to relax around a campfire or bonfire with a cozy blanket and a special someone to watch the flames.

Whatever you choose, be sure to take plenty of photos of all the bright, vibrant colors to capture some of that beauty and create wonderful memories for the future.

pamper yourself

Since fall often means busier days with more structure and routine than summer, make sure you start your morning off right. Make a nutritious breakfast with fall-inspired oatmeal topped with walnuts, a dash of maple syrup, and a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice. Go for an early morning walk or jog in the fresh air. Be sure to spend a few extra moments sipping your coffee, enjoying the warm sunlight through the kitchen window.

Ready to relax at the end of the day? Fall grooming is all about getting warm and cozy. Sit by the fire in comfortable fleece pajamas under a fluffy blanket and drink your favorite tea. Soak in a jacuzzi filled with spicy essential oils and a lit autumn-scented candle for relaxing aromatherapy. Cook up some healthy comfort foods, like casseroles or Crockpot creations, or roast healthy vegetables. Or bake a delicious apple or pumpkin pie to celebrate the season.

Spa days are relaxing at any time of the year. Since cold weather can dry out your skin, why not try a facial with some seasonal fragrances?

Here’s one I found on the internet that sounds good:

Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of nutmeg.
Stir the ingredients to make a paste.
Apply the mixture to your face, sit back, close your eyes, and relax for 30 minutes.
Wash off the mixture by gently rubbing with lukewarm water in a circular motion.

And while you’re at it, why not splurge and get a manicure and pedicure in the fun new fall colors?

Try a fall-friendly hobby

Science has shown that hobbies can mitigate the negative effects of stress, making them a great addition to your fall self-care routine.

On those cold, rainy days, you might want to try a fall-related craft like pressing leaves, making candles, or fantasy football. Of course, this is the perfect time to learn photography or improve your skills.

Start knitting and create special sweaters, scarves and hats for your loved ones or a perfect knitted blanket to snuggle up with. Or how about quilting a family heirloom for your children or grandchildren?

If you’re crafty, create a fall centerpiece for your table or decorate your mantel with pumpkins, fall foliage, pine cones, acorns, and fall candles. If you’re on a budget, these items can often be found at the dollar store.

So those are my tips. So, get out there and have a great fall!