As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to slow down and prioritize your well-being.
Fall self care is all about slowing down, getting cozy, and supporting your mental and physical health through intentional seasonal routines.
In today’s post, I’m sharing 25 fall self care ideas that will hopefully help you feel grounded, cozy, and connected during this beautiful season.
I love summer and I wouldn’t mind to live on a sunny island somewhere all year long, but I live in Germany and to be honest, fall has some aspects I really love about it.
So if you are looking for some self care ideas to welcome fall the right way- maybe you are looking for relaxing rituals, mindful practices, or simple seasonal pleasures, these autumn-inspired ideas will encourage you to enjoy every moment.
Like more general self care ideas? Check out my post!
Why is Fall the Ideal Season for Self Care?
Fall, with its warm colors and slowing pace, is a transitional season that naturally encourages introspection.
The days grow shorter, and we’re often drawn to comfort and calm. We spend more time at home, make a warm tea and cozy up in a warm blanket and watch some Netflix or listen to our favorite Podcast. One of my favorites at the moment is David Ghiyam, for spiritual content.
Fall is simply the perfect season for self care—a time to reset, protect your energy, and prepare for winter. (I’m not a fan of winter, at least not here, it hardly snows and like I said before, that’s when I rather see myself somewhere in the caribbean =)
Anyways, we are talking about Fall now. The darker season is a great time for lighting candles, sipping some warm teas that are also good for your health- these simple rituals can help you feel supported as the seasons shift.
A consistent fall self care routine can help you feel more grounded as the weather cools and the days get shorter.
If you stay at home a lot during fall and are looking for creative things to do, you might want to have a look at my Art therapy courses.
I often share amazing discounts (about 2x/month) where I sell my self paced art therapy courses for an incredible price, make sure to bookmark my page.
25 Fall Self Care Ideas to Nourish Your Mind, Body, and Soul
So even if you are team summer (like me), here are 25 comforting and intentional ways to practice fall self care this year:
1. Take a Scenic Fall Walk
Walking during fall is a treat for the senses—the crunch of leaves underfoot, the crisp air, and the fiery colors in the trees can lift your mood almost instantly.
Walking outdoors also boosts serotonin, supports cardiovascular health, and gives you time away from screens. Try walking without your phone or headphones and really soak in the atmosphere.
Image by Mateo
2. Start a Gratitude Journal
Autumn is often seen as a season of reflection. Keeping a gratitude journal helps you stay grounded and appreciate what you have.
Write down 3–5 things each day that brought you joy or comfort. They can be simple: a warm drink, a kind word, or a cozy blanket.
This way of showing gratitude supports emotional balance and rewires your brain for positivity.
Image by Mark Casey
3. Drink Something Warm and Healing
Warm drinks are more than a seasonal comfort—they’re also a way to slow down. Try herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint to soothe your nervous system, or make your own spiced golden milk with turmeric and cinnamon.
Sipping slowly can become a mindfulness practice all on its own.
Image by inna_podolska
4. Try a New Soup or Stew Recipe
Cooking with seasonal vegetables like squash, carrots, and root vegetables gives your body the grounding it craves in colder months. Soups and stews are comforting, nutrient-rich, and easy to batch cook.
Plus, the aroma of something warm simmering on the stove adds to the fall ambiance in your home.
Image by Nilufar nattaq
5. Create a Fall Morning Routine
How you start your morning sets the tone for the entire day. Try lighting a candle, doing a short stretch, sipping a warm drink, and writing a quick journal entry or to-do list.
Even 10 intentional minutes can bring more clarity and calm to your mornings.
Image by The 5th
6. Take a Social Media Break
Fall invites slowness, but scrolling pulls us into overstimulation. Try deleting apps for the weekend or setting time limits to be more present. Instead, spend time reading, journaling, or simply watching the leaves fall.
You’ll likely notice an increase in focus, sleep quality, and inner peace.
Image by Alex Geerts
7. Declutter and Cozy Up Your Space
Fall is the perfect time to do a mini reset of your home. Clear out clutter, donate what you don’t use, and bring out warm throws, candles, and soft lighting.
Creating a cozy, intentional environment makes staying in feel like a retreat instead of a routine.
Image by Lisaphotos195
8. Read a Book Just for Fun
When was the last time you read something just because it felt good? Let yourself get lost in a story—especially something seasonal, nostalgic, or comforting.
Reading can reduce stress, improve sleep, and help you disconnect from everyday worries.
Image by hoahoa111
9. Light Fall-Colored Candles -Skip the Fragrance, here’s why:
While I know many of you love to use scented candles, many contain synthetic fragrances that can disrupt hormones and affect indoor air quality.
Instead, I really recommend you to definitely look for unscented candles in cozy autumn hues like burnt orange, deep red, golden yellow, or earthy brown.
Don’t underestimate the spiritual power of candles! The gentle flicker of candlelight still brings a sense of calm and warmth without the potential side effects.
Lighting a candle can be a beautiful ritual to help you unwind, journal, or enjoy a quiet evening at home.
Honestly, I have started to light a candle before going to bed: about an hour before going to sleep, I turn off the lights and light a candle so that my body starts producing melatonin.
Image by Taryn-elliott
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11. Journal About Your Goals for the Rest of the Year
Fall is the final stretch before winter and a great time to re-evaluate goals.
What do you still want to achieve or release this year? Reflect on what’s gone well and what needs adjusting.
This can bring clarity and help you move forward with intention.
Have you tried this? It can be really powerful because you realise what you have a already achieved this year without even realising your progress!
Image by Alina Vilchenko
12. Make a Fall Self Care Playlist
Music affects mood and energy levels. Curate a playlist of calm acoustic tracks, nature sounds, or songs that make you feel warm and nostalgic.
Use it during your morning routine, while journaling, or as a backdrop to your fall rituals.
13. Take a Long Bath with Autumn-Inspired Scents
A warm bath is incredibly grounding in cooler weather. Add Epsom salts, a few drops of essential oils like orange or frankincense, and dim the lights.
As mentioned above, stay away from fake fragrances because they can disrupt your hormones, its best to stick to essential oils.
Bring a book, or just breathe deeply. It’s a full-body reset for stress relief and nervous system regulation.
Image by Cottonbro Studio
14. Watch a Cozy Movie or Show
Give yourself permission to unwind without guilt.
Watch something comforting like a fall classic, a romantic comedy (like when Harry met Sally haha), or a nature documentary.
Bonus points for creating a full vibe with blankets, tea, and soft lighting. Why not turn off the lights and put on candles instead?
Image by Lisa from Pexels
15. Bake Something Seasonal
Baking is mindful, sensory, and rewarding.
Try apple crisp, banana bread, or pumpkin muffins.
The smells alone are therapy. Even if you’re not experienced in the kitchen, follow a simple recipe and enjoy the process.
Baking is something you can do with friends or family, I think its more fun to try new recipes with others, but ofcourse this is also a great fall activity to do on your own.
Image by Leeloo The First
16. Wear Warm, Soft Layers
Fall is the time for soft scarves, chunky sweaters, and fuzzy socks.
Dressing for comfort can actually reduce stress and help you feel emotionally supported.
I think this is often overlooked, but you should really dress consciously so that the colors can influence your mood!
Let your wardrobe be part of your self care routine.
Image by Helin Gezer
17. Meditate with a Fall Visualization
Close your eyes and imagine yourself walking through a peaceful forest with golden leaves. Guided imagery like this helps reduce anxiety and increase mindfulness.
You can find free seasonal meditations on youtube or create your own scene.
Image by Cottonbro studio
18. Make a DIY Fall Face Mask
Try a homemade face mask using pumpkin puree, oats, or honey. These ingredients are great for your skin and give you that seasonal spa-like experience without spending a dime.
You could also light a candle and turn it into a mini home facial ritual. I told you how powerful candles can be!
Image by Cottonbro Studio
19. Practice Gentle Yoga or Stretching
Fall is a season of slowing down. You could try yin yoga, gentle stretching, or simple mobility exercises.
Move intuitively and give your body what it needs, if you have no clue what to do, why not look for a youtube yoga video to help you get started!
Practicing by candlelight can make this self care practice even more magical!
Image by Viktorya Sergeeva
20. Visit a Farmers Market
Support local farmers and reconnect with seasonal eating.
Fall markets are full of apples, root veggies, pumpkins, and homemade goods.
I mean, this is a self care routine you should do all year long, in my opinion, but if you are just getting started, try doing this in fall!
Shopping slowly, chatting with vendors, and savoring fresh produce is somehow very grounding and joyful. And mostly farmer markets are outside, which means you are getting some fresh air! (depending on where you are from ofcourse)
Image by Wendy Wei
21. Unplug for an Entire Day
Choose one day a week (or month) to fully disconnect from digital devices. Use that time to rest, create, explore nature, or catch up on things that bring you peace.
Trust me on this, once you have a regular detox from your phone, you’ll return more present, creative, and clear-headed.
If you need more guidance on activities to do to focus more on mindfulness and creativity, check out my whole online course called Mindfulness based Art Therapy: Mandala Drawing Course.
Image by Thought Catalog
22. Write a Letter to Your Future Self
Use this transitional season to reflect on who you are now and where you want to go. Its a very powerful method.
Write a letter to your future self for winter or next fall.
You can write whatever you like, maybe talk about your dreams, fears, and goals.
If you find your enveloppes of written letters in a few months you can experience a beautiful moment of self-connection. You will see how far you have come, try it!
Image by Ron Lach
23. Try Aromatherapy
Essential oils can instantly shift your mood. Use a diffuser with oils like clove, cinnamon, patchouli, or cedarwood.
Inhaling these scents can bring calm, stimulate memory, or energize you depending on the blend.
Image by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA
24. Spend Time in Nature
Fall is fleeting—make time to be outside.
I should have put this as number 1 because being outside in nature is a very powerful self care tool!
You could go for a hike, for a run, or maybe you prefer just sitting in a park, let yourself notice the colors, smells, and textures of the season.
Being outside helps regulate your nervous system and reconnect with the earth.
Image by Thought Catalog
25. Make a Fall Self Care Box
Create a physical collection of items that support your autumn wellness. What do YOU define as self care?
There are so many things you could do, you could include a journal, your favorite tea, a candle, warm socks, face masks, or inspirational cards.
Image by Elizardo Rodruigez
Keep your self care boy nearby and reach for it when you need comfort or some “me time”.
Final Thoughts: Start the Season with Intentional Fall Self Care
Maybe Fall is your favorite time of the year and you love searching for Fall self care ideas to create a Routine for the year.
Even if you are a summer fan, like me, you can’t deny that Fall is somehow magical.
Fall reminds us that change can be beautiful, and slowing down is a gift. With the 25 fall self care practices that I have mentioned today, you can create space to reconnect with yourself, find comfort in the little things, and prepare your spirit for the colder months ahead.
Just try one thing on the list, one step at a time!
Start the season with a little more warmth, reflection, and kindness toward yourself.
Want more self care tips? Why not check out my Art Therapy Course with 15 self love exercises to try at home!
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