Fall Self Care Ideas for Moms
Fall in all its beauty is upon us. With shorter days, crisp fall mornings, and beautiful rich colors I do feel the need to indulge in some self-care.
And let’s be honest: We busy women desperately need some self-care, but we don’t prioritize ourselves do we?
However, let’s not forget that old saying: “Take Care of Yourself Before You Take Care of Others”
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Fall Self Care Ideas
With that in mind, I made this list of self-care ideas for fall. I hope it inspires you to take care of yourself and not let the beautiful autumn season go by without enjoying it.
Go Outside
Now, I know this is on every list of self-care ideas, but with good reason.
Going outside is good for your physical and mental health. It will give you a good workout, mental clarity and you can enjoy the gorgeous autumn colors.
Walk outside in the park and take deep breaths. When I have time I do a bit of power walking or collect leaves to create Fall decorations.
Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. Albert Camus
Have a Picnic
If you live in states where fall is pretty mild weather-wise, going on a picnic in the park is a great idea. Pack foods like hot cocoa, baked apple or pumpkin bread and sit under a tree and watch the falling leaves.
Go Apple Picking
Grab the kids and head to the nearest apple orchard for a fun day. Nothing tastes better than homemade apple pie, apple sauce or baked apples, so have a cooking party to make the most out of your harvest.
Eat Fall Superfoods
We all know healthy eating is a must to function well and stave off disease. In the autumn there’s some beautiful produce in season that’s healthy and delicious, so try to incorporate these foods more in your nutrition.
- Acorn, pumpkin, and butternut squash – Rich in potassium and beta-carotene
- Sweet potatoes – Rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene
- Apples – Packed with antioxidants
- Cabbage and Brussels sprouts – Great source of vitamin a and c
If you can buy local; good for the carbon footprint and more nutritious too!
Make Pumpkin Soup
Or anything pumpkin, like bread, cookies, pie, or puree. Potassium-rich and filling, pumpkin is one of fall’s best comfort foods.
The seeds contain lots of zinc which is great for the immune system.
Decorate the Front Porch
Decorate the porch with seasonal decors such as pumpkins, gourds, leaves, and a scarecrow. When done make some cinnamon coffee or hot chocolate, pull up and chair, and admire your work.
Coloring
Reduce your stress levels with 10-20 minutes of coloring your heart out. Grab one of these coloring books and a few colored pencils and color away!
Take Up Crafting
Whether you enjoy knitting, crocheting, or anything else, focusing on the project relaxes you and makes for a great night in.
Perhaps knit a beautiful scarf or crochet a top in autumn colors.
Change Your Hair Color
Give your hair color a boost with warm autumnal shades like copper, caramel, browns, golds, and reds.
Declutter
Go through your wardrobe and throw away/donate clothes that you no longer wear or use.
Store your Summer wardrobe and the kid’s outdoor toys.
Do Yoga
I love doing Yoga and make it my daily morning ritual as much as I can. If possible I will practice Yoga at least for 30-60 minutes.
On those days when life gets in the way, I try to sneak in some Yoga anyway by doing some Sun Salutations.
Sun salutations are a series of postures traditionally used in the morning to salute the sun. Traditionally Sun Salutations are used to warm up the body before you start your Yoga practice. It’s also wonderful for the mind and calms stress because you’re connecting breath with movement.
On busy days try to do a few rounds of sun salutations (6 would be ideal) and try to hold certain Asanas a bit longer like holding downward-facing dog for 8 breaths.
Tip: If possible do some Yoga outside in the park and take in your surrounding while De-stressing!
Practice Mindfulness
Yup, there’s that word again. Mindfulness is everywhere and it’s because we all need a bit more of it.
For me mindfulness means being in the moment, actually being aware of things happening, and enjoying it. No judgment, no right or wrong, no guilt.
There are many ways to practice mindfulness, but here’s my personal favorite:
- Make a hot drink like coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. Add some cinnamon and go sit somewhere with a view, if possible outside.
- Focus on your environment and take in the sights and sounds. Breath deeply and evenly and feel the warmth of the cup you’re holding.
- Feel the warmth, taste, and smell the contents and let your mind wander without any judgment or guilt.
Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. George Eliot
Practice Gratitude
Celebrate the abundance in your life with a gratitude practice. Use a journal or notebook and write down what you are really thankful for.
This could be about the people in your life who contribute to your well-being, any food you harvested from your own garden, your body that carries you throughout the day, or an inspiring book that you read.
Everything is fine no matter how big or small it is. Just write it down and do so without judgment.
When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around. – Willie Nelson.
Enjoy the Sun for 10 Minutes
Despite the days getting shorter, we can still enjoy the sun in autumn. According to multiple studies we only need 10-15 minutes of sun everyday to get our supply of vitamin D, so go outside and soak up those rays.
[socialrocket-tweet quote=”There is a time in the last few days of summer when the ripeness of autumn fills the air. Rudolfo Anaya” tweet=”There is a time in the last few days of summer when the ripeness of autumn fills the air~ Rudolfo Anaya #autumn #quote” style_id=”5d3dc2da8930c”]Decorate for Fall
Even if you don’t really like the typical fall decor of colored leaves, pumpkins, and scarecrows, you can still prepare the living room for Autumn.
Think cozy, warm blankets, throw pillows, candles, pumpkins, and potpourri. Or maybe just a few cinnamon sticks for a divine smelling room.
When outside collect gorgeous Autumn leaves and pine cones to create a beautiful fall centerpiece.
Create a Cozy Nook
Find a space or corner in your house and make it your cozy nook. Put in a comfy chair, an ottoman, a blanket, a side table for books, and a cup of tea or coffee.
It’s your sacred space, so take time out for yourself every day to catch up on reading or even meditating.
Make a Playlist
Make a playlist of your favorites songs. Better yet: make several playlists! One to relax you, one that gives you positive vibes, one to dance and so on.
Start Slow Cooking
Whip out the crockpot and cook a nice hearty soup. With all the fresh produce available right now you can make the most wonderful meals with little time and preparation.
Do What You Like
What’s your favorite thing to do when there are no time or other restrictions? For me, that would be binge-watching episodes of Friends or Sex and the City on the couch with a glass of wine.
Add some throw pillows and a snugly blanket and I am a happy and very relaxed gal!
See if you can make this happen for you too. Perhaps grandparents can watch the kids for a couple of hours and do what makes you happy!
After all, we women take the lion’s share of all tasks and we need a break too!
What are your favorite autumn self-care ideas? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
