Seasonal Self Care: 50 Self Care Ideas For Autumn

Autumn is such a popular time of year. It’s cosy, the colours are beautiful and it represents a time of change and transition. It’s the perfect time to unwind after the busy summer and slow down with some self care practices. In this blog post I’ve shared 50 self care ideas for autumn but the majority of them can be used all year round. 

The importance of self care in autumn 

Practising self care is important all year round but there are some reasons that it’s particularly important during the autumn:

• Transition and change: The change from the warm sunny days (and warm evenings) to the cooler darker days can have an impact on our routines and mental state. My favourite season is summer – and while I love the  autumn colours , and cosiness my mood is certainly a lot more sombre. 

• Mental health: Linked to my point above about feeling more sombre when the days get darker, is the fact that the darker days can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder  (SAD) which is basically a form of depression that occurs in the darker colder months. Engaging in self care practices might be able to  help you to manage  the impacts of SAD. 

• Boost your immunity: As the colder months approach it’s a good idea to keep your immune system strong to help avoid coughs and colds. Practising self care such as getting enough sleep and eating right can help to strengthen your immune system. 

Selecting the Perfect Fall Self-Care Ideas for Autumn for You

There are so many self care ideas out there that it can be hard to choose which ones to go for. Even if you’ve been practising self care for a while and want to switch it up for the autumn , it can be difficult to know which practises to implement. Here are some things to think about, to help you narrow down your ideas: 

• What is it you want to achieve in terms of self care? Be more active, relax more? 
• Do you want to focus on doing things alone or with people?
• How much time do you have ? 
• What is your budget ? 
• Do you want to try something new ? 

50 self care ideas for autumn 

1.Walk in nature 

Take a walk one morning or afternoon to see the beautiful autumn colours in your local park or green area. Just being in nature can seriously boost your mental health. Nine times out of ten, I feel a lot better after going for a walk in nature, there definitely is something calming about it. 

2. Forest bathing 

Try forest bathing. If you haven’t heard of it before, it’s a Japanese relaxation practice which involves getting really close to nature and mindfully listening to the sounds, and taking in the smell and colours of nature. 

3. Journaling 

Journaling is a fantastic self care practise which can be done all year round. If you aren’t journaling or have stopped, then Autumn is a great time to start. If you need some ideas about what to journal about then check out my post on Autumn Journal Prompts. 

4. Set your autumn self care goals/vision  

Having self care goals or a vision can be a great way to help you stick to them. Create a list of things you want to do and put them in your notes on your phone. If you’re feeling creative try having a go at making an autumn self care vision board. You can use images of all the self care practises you want to implement. 

5. Participate in a self care challenge 

If you’re struggling with keeping motivated or find it hard to find the time to practise self care then participating in a self care challenge might help you along the way. You can join a challenge on a platform such as YouTube, Facebook or Instagram or set your own challenge. You can make it a 5 day challenge or a week or however long you want. A few ideas for self care challenges can be:

• 30 days of Yoga (I’ve done the 30 days of Yoga with Adriene – which I really liked. It took me about 40 days because ‘life’ happened, but the fact that I was doing the challenge is probably the reason I stuck at it so consistently. 
• Meditate for a set amount of time each day 
• Make a list of  30 self care practices you want to implement over the autumn and then tick them off as you go along 

6. Bake a cake 

As much as I love cake, I don’t bake very often, but when I do I really enjoy it. You can make a fairly simple cake like a banana cake. There’s also the option to opt for healthier cakes such as ones that don’t use refined sugars, but use sugars such as coconut sugar or date sugar instead. 

7. Make a pumpkin pie 

Pumpkin pie is a popular dish especially in the USA. I’ve had it a few times and it’s really nice and it’s a nice little desert to have with a cup of tea in the dark evenings. 

8. Make a pumpkin soup  

Pumpkin soup is a great hearty soup and a great way to treat yourself and warm your body this autumn.  You can make a smooth pumpkin soup and have it with a slice of bread or go for a Jamaican version with dumplings and other Caribbean staples in it. Both are delicious. 

9. Go Pumpkin picking

 Pumpkin picking is a fun activity that gets you out in nature. You can do it with friend, family or even on your own. If you’re located in the UK, near London here is a list of places to go Pumpkin Picking. 

10. Carve pumpkins

Pumpkin carving is a great  autumn activity that is not only creative, but can be quite therapeutic and really get you into the spirit of autumn. You can do this on your own, with a group of friends or with your family. If you need tips on how to carve a pumpkin, there are lots of videos on YouTube that will show you how. If you have little ones then you can let them paint the pumpkins. 

11. Visit a corn maize 

Have some fun, while testing out your navigation skills and go to a corn maize. This playful activity will have you smiling while outside in the crisp autumn weather. 

12. Go for a scenic bike ride 

Take a bike ride somewhere scenic and indulge in the amazing autumn colours, whether it be your local park or a particular street. Not only will you be getting in some exercise, to help release those endorphins, but you’ll also be taking in the beauty of nature. 

13. Watch the sun set 

I love a sunset, I find it really therapeutic. Sunsets in the autumn with the backdrop of the autumn colours are simply beautiful. Doing this can be a great way to end your day, unwind and appreciate the beauty of nature. 

14. Take photos of nature 

Taking photos of nature is a great self care activity. There are so many amazing colours to capture during the autumn and the act of taking photos allows you to slow down and really appreciate your surroundings and the beauty of nature. You can keep the photos on your phone to look at or do something creative like make a collage or have them printed on a mug or a canvas. 

15. Have an at home spa session 

Having a DIY spa session is the perfect way to relax and indulge in a bit of self care. You can do so many spa treatments such as  giving yourself a facial steam, make your own face mask, soak in the bath or have body scrub – plus plenty more. The main thing is just to pamper yourself with whatever treatment suits you and destress in the comforting vibes of autumn.  

16. Epsom salt bath with essential oils 

Have an Epsom salt bath with your favourite essential oils as part of your at home spa day or otherwise. According to Healthline  having an epsom salt bath can help to relieve stress, amongst a variety of other things.  If you don’t have or like epsom salts or essential oils, then soaking in a bath on its own is also a great self care practise. You can make the bath extra special by playing some relaxing music, lighting some candles or even having a bath tray to place your drink or book on so you can sip and read while you soak in the bath. 

17. Be consistent with skin care routine 

Having a confident skincare routine is great all year round, but especially with the change in weather from summer to autumn. Find products that are good for the cooler months that keep your skin hydrated. You can incorporate your skincare routine any time of the day – if you’re a SAHM of young children then you might want to do it during nap time.  

18. Add some autumn décor to your home 

Get into the spirit of autumn by adding some autumn themed decor items around your home. I’m no interior designer, even by the furthest stretch of the imagination, but autumn has some lovely colours that you can incorporate into your home. It doesn’t have to be expensive, you can go for smaller items such as cushion covers, candles or blankets. 

19. Add some autumn flowers and plants to your home 

Bring the outside in and decorate your home with some autumn flowers and plants to add to the cosiness of autumn.  

20. Plant bulbs for spring flowers 

Get ahead and get ready for the pretty colours of spring while connecting with nature by planting spring flowers. You don’t need a garden, you can use a plant pot and store it on your balcony. 

21. Start or update your vision board 

Given that autumn is a time of transitioning, starting or updating your vision board is a great motivating self care activity. If you’re starting your vision board then set some goals that you’d like to achieve over the autumn (as well as a further time span if you wish) and if you’re revisiting your vision board take a look at how far you’ve come (and give yourself a pat on the back) as well as what is remaining on your vision board. 

22. Have a movie night 

Choose your favourite autumn movies and have a cosy movie night. Get the snacks out, your PJ’s and a warm blanket. Try to  switch off from work or  homelife (easier said than done at times) and just enjoy the movies. Check out the Country Living website for a list of fall movies that you might like to watch. 

23. Have a SPA-ty 

Invite a few friends over and have a spa-ty. Have DIY facials, foot soaks  and paint each other’s nails while having a nice catch up. Have drinks and snacks at the ready.  This is one of the perfect self-care ideas for autumn. 

24. Go apple picking 

Apple picking is another great way to get outdoors and connect with nature which is a great self care activity in itself. There’s also the added benefit of getting something fresh and healthy to eat at the end of it and also peace of mind in knowing where the food you’re eating comes from. When I was younger we had an apple tree in our garden so that was fortunate, but now it’s a trip to an orchid, which is equally as nice, as it’s a day out. 

25. Create a collage of all things autumn 

Get your creative juices flowing by creating a collage of things associated with autumn. You can make a physical collage using things like  leaves or make an electronic one using photos. Either way is a great self care activity that allows you to use elements that inspire you.

More self care ideas for autumn

26. Declutter 

Decluttering is on my list of self care ideas for autumn. Having a clear space – even though it might not last as long with the little ones around – makes such a difference both physically and mentally. Just like we spring clean, it’s great to have a declutter (and clean) in the autumn. You can choose whether you want to declutter a single room, your entire house or even have a digital declutter. 

27. Visit a craft or farmers market 

Get down to a craft market or a farmer market before the weather gets too cold and take a look at some autumn themed crafts you could add to your home decor. Alternatively try a farmers market to get some lovely local seasonal produce. Check out the National Trust’s Guide to Seasonal Fruit and Veg in the UK or the US Department of Agriculture for Seasonal Fruit and Vegetables in the USA. 

28. Go for a steam or sauna 

Steams and saunas are perfect self care ideas for autumn. It’s a good  time to heat your body up as the weather gets cooler. Opening your pores and airways will also do wonders. If you’re unable to get down to a steam or sauna you can do a facial steam at home. 

29. Plan for the winter/holiday season 

Sit down and make a plan of things you need to do over the coming winter season – whether it be making a list of who you need to buy gifts for, who you need to arrange to meet up with over the holidays, places you want to visit. This will give you something to look forward to. 

30. Have a duvet day 

Duvet days are needed every so often just to rest your mind and body. Prior to having my two youngest ones I used to have duvet days a few times a year. I’ve now resorted to duvet sessions which are an afternoon when they’re at nursery to just chill and read or watch a series. This is definitely on my list as a one of the  self care ideas for autumn. 

31. Sort out your wardrobe 

Get organised and create space by packing your summer items away and taking out your autumn/winter clothes. You could also have a clear out while you’re at it and donate any unwanted items to charity,  gift them to a friend or sell them on a platform such as Vinted or Facebook Marketplace. If you’re creative then you could also think about ways to repurpose your clothes. 

32. Light therapy 

If seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects you then you might want to do a bit of research about doing some light therapy. In a nutshell light therapy mimics natural light so in theory should help with the negative emotions associated with the darker days. Here is an article from the Mayo Clinic that goes into more detail about light therapy. 

33. Make some autumn themed crafts 

Have a go at making some autumn themed crafts such as pressed leaves, pumpkin mason jars, an autumn wreath – plus many more.  

34. Put your phone down and be more present 

Phones can take up so much of our time, often unnecessarily. I know I’m certainly guilty of that at times. Have a go at literally unplugging and putting your phone away. It can be for a few hours, a day or a few days and be more present. You can do various other things on this list instead. Check out my post about how to Put Your Phone Down and Be more present. 

35. Have a digital declutter

Declutter your digital devices is a great self care idea for autumn. Especially as we tend to spend quite a bit of time on our phones and other devices. Keeping them ‘tidy’ and organised can help us in achieving a more focused and stress free season. 

36. Take a siesta 

Oh how I love a nap! Especially after having a good few years of sleep deprivation – none of my children are good sleepers. Take some time to rest your body (and mind) by having an afternoon nap. If you’ve got little ones at home , take a nap at the same time they do. Forget about the housework for a few hours and nourish your body with much needed rest. 

37. Make homemade candles  

Candles give a dark room such a lovely ambience, and given that the days are a lot darker during the autumn , why not make the most of candles? Have a go at making your own – at least that way you can choose your scents and also know what goes in them. 

38. Visit somewhere new 

Visiting somewhere new is one of the things that I’ve said I’d do more of this year. Especially now that my little ones are getting older so there are less things to carry around (i.e the double buggy and the baby bag). Visiting somewhere new can be exciting and refreshing – the change of scenery and just being in a different environment can really do wonders. Make a list of places that you’d like to visit and then slowly work your way through it. 

39. Attend a sound bath 

I recently attended a sound bath and really enjoyed it. For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, it’s a meditative experience using the sounds of singing blows, gongs and chimes as well as a few other instruments. Instead of sitting up like is usually done in mediation, you lie on your back. Amongst other things, the sound bath is intended to leave you feeling relaxed, which it certainly did for me and I’ll definitely be going again. 

Last ten self care ideas for autumn

40. Write a thank you letter to yourself 

It’s so easy to get caught up in life and think about the things that we haven’t done. We often forget to reflect and thank ourselves for the things we have done. Sit down and write yourself a letter (or a list) of all the good things you’ve done. Once you start that list, I’m sure you’ll see how far you’ve come and will appreciate yourself even more. 

41. Set new goals and intentions 

Along with the new season, why not set yourself some new goals and intentions. Have a look at what goals you’ve achieved already and then set new ones. It could be goals and intentions for the season or whatever timeframe you chose. If you’re someone who struggles with achieving goals, it might help to write a ‘plan of action’ about how you’re going to achieve each goal. For example, if your goal is to save a certain amount, then look at your budget and work out how much you can realistically save up each month. Having a plan or milestones can help to break up the tasks and make it seem more manageable. Whatever you do, don’t forget to celebrate reaching your goals. . 

42. Make a DIY body scrub 

Indulge in self care by ensuring that your largest organ, your skin, is well looked after. Take a nice warm shower and exfoliate with some homemade body scrub. Exfoliating is such a great feeling and what tops it off is getting into a bed with fresh sheets – absolute bliss 😊. 

43. Go star gazing 

Go outside on a night when the sky is clear and sit (or lay down) and look at the stars. If you’re fortunate to be in a place where you can see lots of stars, you’ll have such an amazing view. It’s also a great way to unwind and connect with the universe. 

44. Host or go to a bonfire night 

Get into the true spirit of Autumn by hosting or going to a bonfire . The cosiness and warmth of the bonfire coupled with chatting with friends and family is a great self care activity to lift your spirits. 

45. Create a nice selection of teas 

Teas are perfect for the autumn and winter to keep your body warm. Drinking a nice tea to suit the season is lovely way to unwind and embrace the cooler weather. Disclaimer – I’m yet to embrace really cold weather, but tea does help to cope with it . 

46. Have a footbath

Our feet literally carry us around all day, so why not treat them to some self care? Take a nice relaxing foot bath with some epsom salts and essential oils. You can also opt for coconut oil to help soften your skin.  

47. Do some voluntary work 

Voluntary work is a great way to ‘give back’ – you don’t need to commit a lot of time, or do it very often (although that would be nice). There are various ways in which you can volunteer, from fundraising, helping at a food bank, doing meals on wheels, befriending – the list goes on. 

48. Do a hot yoga class 

Yoga on its own is great all year round, but with the added warmth of hot yoga, it’s a great self care idea for autumn. The heat can help to relax your muscles and detox, adding to the whole rejuvenative experience. 

49. Make  autumn scent sachets 

Get your craft hat on! Create a sachet with your favourite autumn scents to fill your home with the lovely aroma. Cloves, cinnamon, and orange peel are just a few of the popular and comforting scents.  

50. Go on a day trip

Go out somewhere for the day that you enjoy or that you haven’t been to before. It doesn’t have to be too far or costly. It could be a park or a nearby town or city. The change of scenery from your local area can be very refreshing.  

Commit to self care all year round 

Self care is practise that should be done regularly all year round. I hope that these self care ideas for autumn has given you some inspiration of things you can do over the cooler months to fill your cup. Let me know in the comments what self care practices you do for the autumn or whether you do are are going to do any of these. 

FAQ’s 

How can I start liking autumn ?

If you’re not a fan of the darker cooler months but want to start embracing it, try thinking about all of the lovely things that the season has to offer. It might be helpful at the end of the summer to make a list of the things you want to do in the autumn, so that you’ll have something to look forward to.  Appreciate the crisp air and beautiful autumn colours of the trees, by taking more walks in nature. Take part in seasonal activities such as apple picking, pumpkin picking and bonfire night.  

Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this post if for general information purpose only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or wellness routine.