Nine Self-Care Ideas to Beat the Fall Blues
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means, at no extra cost to you, I receive a small commission when you click on certain links below, or if you make purchases as a result of visiting the retailers directly from my website. Please note, I only recommend products that I truly love and think that my readers will also love.
I don’t know about you guys, but I am a summer girl through-and-through. Don’t get me wrong, I love bonfires and listening to the pitter-patter of rain on a window, and mother-effing hooooodieeeessss! But I seriously struggle with motivation when there is a significant lack of sunshine in my life. Add in all the things we have to do when the school year and the holidays are in full swing, and burnout can happen very quickly.
So, in case you’re the same way, I decided to put together a list of ways to take care of yourself during a season that tends to be slightly overwhelming (if equally wonderful). Ready? Go!
Get a seasonal depression sun lamp
Did you know that seasonal depression is actually a legitimate thing? Because I didn’t. It’s known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, in which a person with normal mental health starts to exhibit depression symptoms around the same time each year.
And here, I just thought I was weird for being ultra moody when the weather gets gloomy. Now, I haven’t been diagnosed with Seasonal Depression, and I don’t think I have it. However, I do notice a difference in my energy level when the weather is consistently cloudy/rainy. Specifically, if the sun isn’t shining in the morning when I wake up, it makes it a lot harder to get out of bed.
Now, you can get a standard light therapy lamp like this one. But I like the idea of this sunrise simulation alarm clock, which goes through multiple light cycles to simulate a sunrise. I’m definitely putting this on my Christmas wishlist!
Buy a new cozy blanket
If you’re having a lazy day at home, a cozy blanket is essential to being nice and comfy. And I don’t know about you, but there’s just something about a fluffy new throw that makes me want to curl up in a little ball and enjoy a movie. Plus, they can really help pull a room together, as we all know. I particularly love this one from H&M for a nice fall color palette, and this faux fur one from Target, if you’re looking for something a little more luxurious.
Read a book
What could be better than curling up in the aforementioned cozy blanket with a mug of hot cocoa and a good book on a rainy day? I love Netflix and all, but there’s just something about a good book that makes me feel extra cozy. I’m currently reading 1984 since I’m trying to catch up on my classics, but a good thriller is really fun with the gloomy weather. You can check out my Bookworm board on Pinterest for some suggestions and reading lists.
Or, if you’re like me and your husband is a remote hog (love ya, babe!), put on a movie that you’ve been wanting to watch for awhile. Pick a good rom-com, or if you’re in the mood for horror, check out my countdown to Halloween on Netflix.
Release your inner betty crocker
It’s called comfort food for a reason, ya know. Not only does baking have its sweet, sweet rewards at the end, but it’ll get you off your butt and doing something slightly productive. If you’re on your own, store the leftovers or share with loved ones! Bonus points if you make it a team exercise with hubby, the kids, or your girl gang.
I mean, can we just take a minute to appreciate these Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Cupcakes, and these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars? Get thee away from me, Satan! Looks so good.
Also, check out my Fall Desserts board on Pinterest for a few more ideas!
Finally, if you don’t have the time to bake, make yourself a quick hot cocoa or hot buttered rum and cozy up for a minute. Does a world of good!
Light a fall-scented candle.
Or use your oil diffuser and fill your home with the scent of fall. Either way, it’ll put you right in the mood for the season. I love this little Earl Grey Pumpkin candle at Target; the container couldn’t be more perfectly modern.
This essential oil diffuser has a calm white light which is nice if you like the idea of the seasonal depression lamp that I mentioned above.
Homemade facial mask
If you’re in need of a little spa therapy but don’t have the funds, a DIY facial mask is a great way to take care of yourself on a budget. And what better way to relax than to put some of that beloved pumpkin spice right on yo’ face?! Check out some DIY mask inspiration over here.
Take a walk or sit outside
Either way, get out of the frickin house. There’s nothing to put you in a gloomy mood like sitting inside all day. If the weather’s really crappy, there’s not a whole lot you can do to get out of the house, but if it’s not too bad, you can always throw on a pair of rain boots and go for a stroll! Or, if you have great fall foliage where you live, go find a pile of leaves to jump in!
Get your downward dog on
Okay, this sounds like kind of a no-brainer, but yoga is one of my favorite ways to manage stress, and it makes all the difference for me in how I feel both physically and mentally. I love Yoga with Adriene because she is so great at providing something for everyone at any level. It’s not about being super-bendy, it’s about “finding what feels good” for your body. Her Sunrise Yoga sequence is a great way to get some energy flowing first thing in the morning, and it’s only 15 minutes long, so it doesn’t bog down your morning. If you need something a little deeper in terms of self-care, her Yoga for Anxiety and Stress video is really good as well. I cannot say enough how much Adriene has changed my mindset and my body, but I’m gonna stop before I get too fangirl-y.
And last but not least...
Do something new
Seriously. Try a new hobby. Take a different route to work. Instead of going home (or running errands) after you drop the kids off at school, head to a coffee shop and just sit down and chill for a bit. Make a new recipe for dinner. Volunteer somewhere. The options are endless!
I know I am a creature of habit, but sometimes it stresses me the eff out when I don’t get out of the day-to-day routine. And you never know what you’re going to discover when you do things a little differently.
So, which self-care method are you looking forward to trying this fall? Let me know in the comments!
Much Love,
