Staying connected to ourselves and practicing mindfully caring for ourselves in autumn can be a game changer. This is a wonderful time to practice some seasonal self-care rituals to bring a sense of calm and routine.

Fall can be an anxious time as we prepare for the death of summer and the rise of allergies and illness. Yet, it is also the season of gratefulness, harvest, and the gathering of families and feasts.

This is one of my favorite times of year to watch the world change in color and temperature. Time to break out sweaters, hot cider, and carve some pumpkins! This is a time to count our blessings and breathe in the cool, crisp autumn air.

Follow these tips for a more soothing and bountiful fall.

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Here are five ways to take better care during autumn:

Seasonal Self-care Tip 1: Be Grateful

Autumn has always been known as a time of gathering and being thankful for what we have. It has also proven that being grateful does wonders for our mental health. Here are some ways to practice:

• Begin a gratefulness journal.
• Start a gratitude jar on your own or with your family. (Write down what you are grateful for on pieces of paper, fill the jar, then open up and read those positive little notes after a month or when you are feeling down!)
• During dinner, go around the table naming what/who you are grateful for.

Seasonal Self-care Tip 2: Remember Ancestors

They say that the veil to the world of the dead thins during this time of year. This is the time to connect and remember those who came before us, keeping memories alive.

• Tell stories about loved ones who have passed, and don’t forget to collect stories before loved ones are gone to strengthen bonds.
• Go through old photo albums (physical or digital) and share pictures with the younger generation.
• Light candles, say your loved one’s name or go a step further and set up an ancestor altar.

Seasonal Self-care Tip 3: Gather and Feast

Autumn has always been the season of harvest and sumptuous feasts. Drawing together to prepare for winter and celebrate all that was accomplished during the year has been the tradition for centuries.

• Prepare stews, bake bread, and cook traditional fall-time meals passed down to share with friends and family.
• Play board games and shut down screens to connect meaningfully with those you love.
• Set a place at the table for loved ones who have passed to help stay connected to them. 

Seasonal Self-care Tip 4: Honor Transition

The days are becoming colder and shorter. Instead of feeling sad or anxious about winter’s eventual arrival, this is a beautiful time to honor and learn to flow with the coming season.

• This is the perfect time to walk in nature, observe the transition of the seasons, and see how it is reflected in your life. Nature is letting go. What can you let go of?
• Find items in nature to bring home to remind you of the season of change (a wonderful thing to do with little ones), and find acorns, leaves, or wildflowers that are safe to bring indoors.
• Practice deep breathing exercises to keep anxiety at bay and your mind at ease through fall time.

Seasonal Self-care Tip 5: Practice Grounding

Being grounded in any season is essential, especially in the fall when holidays are beginning, and many of us become swept away, stressed out, or depressed. Take time to find your center.

• Practice a walking meditation, or meditate with your palms on your knees.
• Connect with Mother Earth, close your eyes, and imagine her energy flowing through your feet and body, or acknowledge that the ground supports you beneath you.
• Practice Mindfulness to stay in the present moment.

Conclusion

Autumn is the season of change; if you can find a way to flow with it, you will connect physically and spiritually. Let yourself give in to change and honor your roots! Let these five easy seasonal self-care tips guide you to a more soulful fall!

Remember to ground yourself in your spirituality and beliefs, spend time with those you love, honor those you have lost, and stay grateful to help you through the cold, dark months ahead.

Need more self-care for the seasons? Check out my posts on winter, summer, and spring!

How do you connect to autumn? Let me know in the comments below!

Stay cozy, and have a soulful autumn!