12 self-care ideas perfect for a cozy autumn
Autumn is the season of coziness. Days grow shorter and darker, and the air crisper. This makes it the perfect time of the year to snuggle up on your couch with a warm cup of your favorite drink and a good book to relax and unwind.
It is the time to nurture yourself with cozy and relaxing activities that will help you embrace the change in the air, and reconnect to yourself to recharge.
So here are some of my favorite self-care ideas perfect for a cozy autumn.
12 simple self-care ideas for a cozy autumn
1. Light a Fireplace or Candles
Nothing creates a more cozy atmosphere than a crackling fireplace, so if you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace in your home, you should light it up and enjoy its warmth and crackling sounds as you relax with a good book. And if you don’t have a fireplace, then you can always opt for candles instead. Simply choose your favorite scented candles and light a few of them to create a soft, comforting glow in your living space.
2. Wrap Yourself Up in a Blanket
What is a better way to spend a perfect cozy autumn evening than to wrap yourself up in your favorite blanket? It’s the perfect way to get comfortable and warm when you need time to relax and recharge. So choose a blanket that’s perfect for snuggling and enjoy yourself on your couch while you watch a series, a movie, or read a book, maybe even with a cup of your favorite warm beverage to help you unwind even more.
3. Sip on a Delicious Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolates are truly the best beverages in the world. Warm, comforting, and healthy with the right ingredients. And they come in so many different sorts and versions that you’re sure to find one that you absolutely adore. So if you need a moment for yourself to relax, then make yourself a delicious cup of hot chocolate. And then take a moment to enjoy its comforting warmth and taste as you sip it.
4. Read a Book
Books are always a powerful way to relax and slow down. So if you’re in need of some down time, then pick up either a new or old book you’ve been wanting to read (or re-read) and then dive right into it. The crisp air and quiet of an autumn evening is always the perfect time for getting lost in a good story (either familiar or new).
5. Watch an Autumn Movie
Movies are little windows of time that help distract you from everyday stress, worries, and challenges. So why not pick a favorite autumn-themed film (either a comforting or a spooky one that fits the vibes of the season) and make an evening out of it. Bring some seasonal snacks, a blanket, and a hot cup of tea.
6. Bake a Treat
Autumn is really the season of comforting treats. When you need some comfort, then go ahead and bake some cinnamon rolls, or apple or pumpkin pie, or any other autumnal treats that you love. And as a nice bonus (other than having something delicious to enjoy), all the aroma from your baking will fill your home and make it even more cozy and comforting.
7. Do a Puzzle or Play a Board Game
Having fun is always a nice way to decompress and enjoy yourself. So do not hesitate to engage in a relaxing activity like maybe doing a puzzle or inviting friends or family over to play a board game. Games are always a fun and nice way to slow down and enjoy the moment, either with people you love or just yourself if you’re in need of some peaceful downtime and a break from social time.
8. Take a Warm Bath
I know – I always recommend a warm bath – but you’d blame me? Warm baths are truly the most comforting and relaxing activity to relax and come back to yourself. They are perfect little moments of peace and serenity (if no one disturbs you, of course). So after a taxing or cold day, draw yourself a hot bath, and maybe add some Epsom salts or essential oils if you have them. And lit up some candles to make it a truly cozy moment. Then simply let the warmth of the water and the soothing scents melt away all the pent-up stress and tension from the day.
9. Snuggle up in your favorite sweaters and cardigans
Autumn weather is sweater weather – I think we can all agree on this. When the air grows crisp, one of the most pleasurable things to do is snuggle up into favorite sweaters and cardigans, as well as scarves and hats. Only a few things bring as much comfort as putting on your comforting layers and snuggling in them to feel soft and warm.
10. Write in a Journal
Writing is a nice activity all year long, especially for self-introspection and reflection. But I really like to journal during autumn and make something cozy and atmospheric out of it. So I usually pick up seasonal prompts to welcome autumn when it rolls around, and reflect on what I could do to embrace it more in my daily life. And to make it even more special and autumn-themed, I’ll write by candlelight – it just makes the moment even more cozy and atmospheric.
11. Decorate your home
What better way to embellish your home and make it a cozy and comforting living space than by bringing some of nature’s beauty inside? Autumn is really a nice time of year to decorate your home to fully embrace all the comfort and coziness of the season and create a serene and cozy ambiance.
12. Go on nature walks
Nature is so particularly lovely during autumn that going for walks or hikes makes it one of the most pleasant activities to practice to truly embrace the beauty of the season. Layer up and get out of human civilization for a bit, and go into nature to relax and reconnect to yourself.
If you have any suggestions of self-care activities and rituals perfect for autumn, please share them in the comments below.
I hope you have a great autumn, and that you remember to take time to nurture yourself and be kind as the colder seasons rolls around.