Throughout the years, I’ve learned how important it is to give our mind, body, and soul the love and care they need so that we can continue doing the things we love in life.
Self-care is a beautiful practice to focus on throughout the year – wherever you reside, whatever you’re doing for your passion, and most especially whenever you begin to lose your rays of sunshine.
The Autumn 2021 season begins on September 22 and ends on December 21. There are about three months of enchanting coziness, positivity, and gratitude to look forward to each year as many of us embrace the gift of change that the season blesses us.
Recharging Yourself This Season
HAVE FUN WITH AUTUMN ACTIVITIES
Autumn seasons have a lot of the activities I look forward to each year, even though I’ve begun engaging in them only a couple of years back. One of my favorites is simply being able to spend more quality time with those I love as there are more holidays available throughout the season, and there’s indescribable splendor in the crisp autumn air that makes our time together even more magical.
- Visit a pumpkin patch – and possibly get a pumpkin and creatively carve it.
- Take a relaxing stroll through the Fall foliage.
- Jump in a pile of leaves – or collect some unique-looking trees and place them in a scrapbook for memories.
- Go on a sunrise/sunset hike.
- Binge-watch your favorite seasonal or holiday movies and TV shows.
- Decorate for Fall, Halloween, or Thanksgiving.
- Savor a warm drink – tea and cocoa are always delicious choices.
LISTEN TO YOUR HEART AND SOUL
Autumn is a season for reflection and change. The season brings comfort and warmth that helps me look deep within myself and face many of my shortcomings that I had yet to deal with for months and even years. This reflection brings a sense of nostalgia, exhaustion, and of course, sadness that inspires me to make the changes I need in order to touch the future I desire. After all, if there is one thing I learned about change, it’s that we can’t grow if nothing changes. And the changes I make in my life are the ones that I believe my heart and soul have called out for. Whether the changes are physically redecorating my home or spiritually releasing old wounds – my mind, body, and soul always feel lighter and serene whenever I give them the rejuvenation they need.
- Make a vision board – through pictures or words, printed or digital. Realign your goals so they align with your current mindset and passions, and keep short-term goals as realistic as possible so that they are more desirable to obtain.
- Use Aromatherapy scented candles, body wash, oils, etc.
- Declutter your home and digital media.
- Keep a journal – express your thoughts and feelings, write down daily gratitude, set long and short-term goals, plan a routine, etc.
- Change up a habit, big or small, such as making your bed every morning after waking up.
- Yoga, meditation, and listening to soothing instrumental music.
- Ask for help from your close family or friends – talk out your feelings, set boundaries, and let go of people who no longer parallel your energy.
SHARE YOUR BLESSINGS
Autumn is a beautiful season to be celebrated. It is a season that has always humbled me even more whenever it comes around. It is a season to give thanks for all that I have and share some of my blessings with those who are guided to receive them.
- Contribute to a cause you believe in.
- Spend a day at an animal shelter, a children’s hospital, or a retirement home.
- Volunteer in your community – help set up a haunted house, participate in environmental clean-ups, and give out food at a soup kitchen.
- Bake some delicious goodies and share them with the neighborhood.
- Donate belongings – clothes, furniture, toys, accessories – that haven’t been used in six (6) months or longer to those who are in need of a new home.
- Have a lovely conversation with a child or an elderly.
- DIY holiday cards and give them to employees in the 24/7 industry (those who work long hours, 6-7 days a week, and are serving the community).
REVEL IN THE LITTLE THINGS
We see the leaves changing colors. We feel the cool, crisp air. We touch the warm blankets. We smell cinnamon-scented candles. We taste the sweets and the baked deliciousness of turkey. We hear the sound of laughter of families enjoying a lovely picnic at the park. With the rush of everyday life, the autumn season reminds me to take things slow and savor the little quirks of life.
- Enjoy the warmth of the sun.
- Read a lovely book at the park – or simply sit down on a bench and let your eyes and mind observe the present moment.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Video call a long-distance friend – or family member, relative, or past instructor/mentor.
- Grow or buy an indoor plant.
- Take naps under the coziness of a thick blanket – turn off your alarm and savor the journey of being in lalaland.
- Write a list of things that make you happy.
Autumn is not simply about the holidays or pumpkins or the leaves changing –
it is a season that brings light to endings and beginnings, as well as appreciating, loving, and sharing every blessing in life.
Let's Chat!
Why is self-care important to you this holiday season and what are some self-care tips and ideas you look forward to doing?
