15 Fall Self Care Ideas for Women: Welcoming the Season

Last Updated on November 18, 2022

The leaves are changing color, the air is getting cooler, and the pumpkin spice lattes are back in season! Fall is officially here, and with it comes a time for self care.

The end of summer can be a time of transition, as we say goodbye to the relaxed days of summer and hello to the busyness of fall. It’s important to take some time for ourselves during this time to relax and rejuvenate.

In the spirit of the changing season, you’ll find 15 fall self care ideas that will help you feel your best!

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Why Do We Need Self-Care?

You probably took care of yourself as a child when you got a boo-boo – kissed it better, put a bandage on it and made it feel all better.

As an adult, you still need to take care of yourself, but in different ways. The demands of everyday life – work, family, friends, taking care of the home – can be overwhelming and leave you feeling stressed, exhausted and depleted.

Self care is anything you do deliberately in order to support your physical, mental or emotional health and well-being. When you make self care a priority, you are more likely to have the energy and resources to take care of others. When your cup is full, you can more easily give from a place of abundance rather than depletion.

And, by taking care of yourself, you model healthy behavior for those around you – especially if you have children. Showing them that you value yourself enough to take care of yourself will help them learn to do the same.

So what are some self care activities that you can do to replenish your energy and well-being? We’re going to focus on Autumn-related activities and actions that you can take, to keep your mind, body, and spirit in good working order. It’s a busy season with more business ahead!

What Kind of Self Care Do You Need Right Now?

As women, we are often juggling a million different things at any given time. We are wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, friends, and careers women. We take care of everyone else and often put our own needs on the back burner.

But if we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t take care of anyone else. So it’s important to stop and assess what type of self-care you need at present.

Are you physically exhausted and in need of some rest and relaxation? Or are you emotionally drained and in need of some girl time or some time alone? Perhaps your spiritual cup is running low and you need to allocate some time for yourself to reconnect with your faith.

Whatever the case may be, make sure you prioritize your self-care. It’s not selfish to put yourself first sometimes. It’s necessary. Your physical health is something that should always be at the top of the health living list of priorities.

Keep these thoughts at the forefront while pondering this list of autumn self care ideas. Some of the suggestions will probably leap out at you!

15 Fall Self Care Ideas

1 | Get outside

As the weather gets cooler and the days get shorter, it can be easy to spend more time indoors. But getting outside for even a short amount of time can do wonders for your mood and energy levels. It’s a great fall self care idea!

So this fall, make a commitment to spending at least a little time outdoors every day. If you can, take a brisk nature walk in the park or go for a hike in the woods.

Do you enjoy apple picking? It’s the perfect season for that fun activity! Visiting a pumpkin patch will give you some exercise as well as get into the spirit of the fall season. Or, simply sit on your porch or in your backyard and enjoy the fresh air.

Spend time observing the changing leaves and listening to the crunch of leaves underfoot. Let the peacefulness of nature wash over you and rejuvenate your mind and body. You’ll be glad you took the time to reconnect with the great outdoors.

2 | Prepare a seasonal meal

One of the best things you can do for your health this fall is to take some time to prepare seasonal meals. Seasonal produce is not only more delicious, but it’s also more nutrient-rich.

And when you cook from scratch, you have complete control over the ingredients and can avoid processed foods that are high in sugar and unhealthy fats. Plus, cooking can be a relaxing and therapeutic activity.

So why not set aside an afternoon to cook a few hearty autumn meals? Make a big pot of soup or stew, roast some vegetables, and bake a warm and comforting dessert. Don’t forget the hot apple cider!

You’ll not only feel better physically, but you’ll also enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you’re taking care of yourself in the best way possible.

3 | Purchase a fall fashion accessory

When you’re busy, it can be easy to let your self-care routine fall by the wayside. One simple way to give yourself a little pick-me-up as the seasons change is to treat yourself to a new fall fashion accessory. It’s fun, can be very simple, and most would agree should be part of an autumn self care plan. 🙂

This is also the time when many of us pack away the summer clothes and switch over to the cooler/cold weather wardrobe. As you’re going through that process, consider some possibilities for a little something new.

It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant or expensive – just something that makes you feel good when you wear it. Maybe it’s a cozy scarf to keep you warm on chilly mornings, or a pair of stylish boots that make you feel like you can take on the world. You might decide that an Autumn-themed shade of lipstick or nail polish is what you need.

Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that you’ll enjoy wearing all season long. With just a little bit of effort, you can make this autumn a truly wonderful time for yourself.

4 | Embrace the scents of Autumn

Autumn is the perfect time to take advantage of all the wonderful scents the Autumn season has to offer.

One simple way to do this is to incorporate Autumn-themed scented candles into your self-care routine. Pumpkin spice, apple cider, and cinnamon are just a few of the delicious fragrances that will fill your home with the warm, cozy feeling of Fall.

You can also find body care products like lotions and soaps that are infused with these seasonal scents. Taking a relaxing bath or shower with these products is a great way to unwind after a long day. Fall scented candles are a wonderful way to bring the scents of the season right into your home.

And don’t forget about all the natural aromas that Fall has to offer! Taking a walk in the crisp autumn air and breathing in the scent of fallen leaves is a free and easy way to enjoy the season.

So go ahead and embrace all the wonderful scents of Fall! Your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it.

5 | Change up your skin care routine

One of the best things you can do for your skin as the weather changes is to update your skin care routine. Just like you change your wardrobe with the seasons, it’s important to give your skin a little extra attention as well. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Exfoliate regularly. As the weather gets colder and drier, your skin can become dull and flaky. Exfoliating once or twice a week will help to remove dead skin cells and reveal radiant, healthy skin.

2. Choose a gentle cleanser. Steaming hot showers may feel great, but they can also strip away natural oils from your skin. Opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t dry out your skin.

3. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Cold weather and indoor heating can wreak havoc on your skin, leaving it feeling dry and tight. combat this by applying a rich moisturizer immediately after showering, and throughout the day as needed. Look for one that contains hyaluronic acid or glycerin to help lock in moisture.

Taking these simple steps will help you to achieve and maintain beautiful, healthy skin all winter long!

6 | Switch out your bedding

As the weather gets colder, and we all know it will, it’s time to switch out your light summer bedding for something warmer. Heavy comforters or quilts are perfect for fall and winter, and you can even add an extra blanket to your bed if you tend to get cold at night.

When it comes to colors and patterns, there are endless possibilities. You might opt for a plaid flannel comforter, cozy blanket, a solid color quilt with a textured pattern, or anything in between.

The most important thing is to choose bedding that you’ll be happy snuggling up in when the temperatures start to drop. So go ahead and give yourself the gift of a cozy new bedding set this fall – you deserve it!

7 | Bask in the days of ‘Indian summer’

One of the best things about fall is that it’s the perfect time to take advantage of Indian summer days. Indian summer is a meteorological phenomenon that usually occurs in late September or early October, when the weather suddenly becomes warm and sunny after a period of cooler temperatures.

For women, this can be a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy the milder weather. Try taking a walk in the park, going for a swim, or simply spending some time in your backyard.

Indian summer days are also a perfect time to pamper yourself. Try giving yourself a at-home face mask using organic ingredients that you already have in your kitchen, or take a long bath with soothing essential oils.

You could also use this time to catch up on your reading, or start working on that project you’ve been meaning to get around to. Whatever you do, make sure to enjoy these last few days of summer before the colder weather sets in.

8 | Declutter

As we head into fall, take the time to declutter a room or space in your home. As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, we often find ourselves spending more time indoors.

And let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than being cooped up in a cluttered space! Not only is it visually unappealing, but all that clutter can also be really overwhelming and stressful.

So take some time to declutter your home and create a cozy space that you’ll actually enjoy spending time in. You’ll be surprised how much better you feel when you’re not constantly surrounded by clutter.

If you need a little boost to get you started, grab this free printable and follow along with each day’s challenge:

9 | Indoor garden

You might not think that it is a self-care activity, but consider a plan to start an indoor garden, even if it’s very small. Indoor gardening has many benefits, including reducing stress, improving your mood, and providing you with fresh fruits and vegetables.

There are several options available for indoor gardens, including hydroponic gardens, windowsill gardens, and tabletop gardens.

Hydroponic gardens are ideal for those who live in apartments or have limited space, as they don’t require soil. Windowsill gardens are perfect for those who want to add a splash of color to their home, as you can plant flowers or herbs in them. Tabletop gardens are great for larger spaces, such as a dining room table or kitchen counter.

No matter what type of garden you choose, starting an indoor garden is a great way to boost your self-care routine this fall.

10 | Evaluate the workout routine

As the weather begins to cool and the days grow shorter, it can be all too easy to let your fitness routine fall by the wayside. However, maintaining an active lifestyle is important for both your physical and mental health.

So, as you evaluate your current workout routine this fall, keep the following tips in mind. First, take stock of your current fitness level and any injuries or health conditions that may impact your ability to exercise.

Then, set some realistic goals for yourself. Once you know what you want to achieve, you can start to put together a plan that includes both cardio and strength-training exercises.

And finally, don’t forget to schedule some time for yourself! Whether it’s a brisk walk in the park or a yoga class with friends, making time for physical activity will help you feel your best this season.

11 | Autumn-themed project

The colder weather outside allows us to cozy up indoors with a warm cup of tea and a good book. But sometimes, even that can feel like too much effort.

If you’re looking for a low-key way to relax this autumn, why not try an autumn-themed puzzle, adult coloring page book, or adult paint by number project? These activities are all great ways to unwind and de-stress, and they’re also surprisingly therapeutic.

Working on a puzzle can help to boost your problem-solving skills, while coloring and painting can be relaxing and meditative. And best of all, there’s no right or wrong way to do them. So go ahead and give yourself permission to relax this fall!

12 | Take a day trip

When the leaves start to change color and the air becomes crisp, it’s the perfect time of year to take a day trip or go for a drive. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the autumn scenery and get some fresh air.

If you can, try to plan your route in advance so that you can make a few stops along the way. Take a few moments to walk around and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park.

And don’t forget to bring along your camera so that you can capture all the beauty of fall. Taking some time for yourself is a wonderful way to relax and recharge, so be sure to add a fall day trip or drive to your self-care routine.

13 | Proactive prevention

Planning ahead for the winter months by stocking up on cold and flu medicine is a great way to take care of yourself during the fall season. Cold and flu season can be a tough time for everyone, but by being prepared and staying on top of your health, you can help to prevent getting sick in the first place.

There are a few things you can do to help prepare for the winter months. First, check your supply of cold and flu medicine and make sure it hasn’t expired, and that you have enough to last the entire season.

Next, schedule a flu shot or vaccine booster if you haven’t already.

Finally, make sure to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face to help prevent the spread of germs. By taking these simple steps, you can help to stay healthy all winter long.

14 | Indulge in something pumpkin spice

As the leaves start to change color and the cooler weather kicks in, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a warm drink. One of our favorite fall self care ideas is to indulge in a delicious pumpkin spice latte, tea, or cold drink.

Why not try something new in a pumpkin drink? Our friends at Taste of Home have compiled some of the best easy recipes!

Whether you’re sipping on your drink by the fireplace or taking a break from work, this is a great way to relax and enjoy the season. So go ahead and treat yourself – you deserve it!

15 | Be grateful

A very important self care idea this fall is to focus on gratitude. This can mean creating a gratitude list or journal, and taking time each day to think about what you are thankful for.

Doing this can help shift your perspective and allow you to see the positive amidst all of the negative. It can be easy to get caught up in the stresses of everyday life, but taking a moment to appreciate the good can make all of the difference.

So, this fall, make an effort to focus on gratitude and watch how it transforms your outlook on life.

Final Thoughts

Autumn is a wonderful time of year to take some time for yourself and relax in preparation for the cooler months ahead. There are plenty of fun self care resources and ideas that you can try, from puzzles and day trips to indulging in pumpkin spice drinks.

Whatever you choose, be sure to focus on gratitude as well. Taking the time to appreciate the good in your life can help shift your perspective and make the stressful parts a little bit easier to handle.

So go ahead and give yourself permission to relax this fall, and practice self care. You deserve it!