The chill in the air inspires us to slow down a bit, find a cozy spot to relax, and show ourselves some TLC. Remember: it's important to have a healthy relationship with yourself. We've rounded up 11 ways to promote self-care this season that celebrate the changing of the leaves and the flavors of the season. Plus, these activities should help you de-stress and feel more grounded, which are important to set yourself up for a pleasant holiday season. Yeah . . . that's coming soon. Treat yourself right and you might just be surprised by how good you feel.
Drink a Golden Latte
Both spicy and sweet, a warming golden milk latte [2] is rooted in Ayurvedic medicine and known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It's delicious and caffeine-free, making it the perfect bevvie for an afternoon pick-me-up. Here's a golden milk recipe [3] to try.
Take a Hike
A recent, albeit small, study found that hiking is beneficial for the mind [4] as well as the body. Walking in nature can help decrease negative thinking, which is something we strive to do no matter the season, but honestly, hiking in Fall is the best. The temperature is just right, and the colors of the forest delight our senses.
Roast Root Veggies
Go ahead — crank up your oven; it's finally cool enough to roast veggies [5]. We're partial to the vibrant orange of sweet potatoes, but roasted cauliflower is also especially delicious. Be sure to make a big batch that you can eat throughout the week. And, yes, this counts as meal prep in our books.
Light Some Candles
Candles finally feel appropriate since the sun sets earlier and earlier each day. Go ahead — light your favorite candles, at least one per room, and feel the light wash over you.
Make Some Popcorn
Does popcorn make you think of Fall? Pop yourself a bowl for a cozy afternoon treat. Homemade popcorn [6] — we're not talking about the bagged stuff — can be a healthy, whole-grain treat that's high in fiber and low in calories, depending on how you season it. Let this honey-ginger-lemon popcorn [7] bring the flavor to your next binge-watching session.
Write a Thank-You Note
Prepping for Thanksgiving will be on our minds soon, but start the season of gratitude early. Write a handwritten thank-you note [8], which is so rare in the digital age, to your bestie, your mom, your sister, your mentor . . . as you can see, there are many people deserving of your thoughtful, personal recognition. It's a fun way to spend an evening (maybe surrounded by a bunch of candles and maybe noshing on some popcorn).
Bake With Pumpkin
Enough with the PSL! There are so many fun pumpkin-flavored treats [9] that you can make at home, from pancakes [10] to these pumpkin carrot cream bars [11]. The great thing about baking with pumpkin is you need less fat (oil, butter, and eggs) to create moist goodies.
DIY Pumpkin Face Mask
You can give your skin a pumpkin treat, too. This homemade mask [12] can be tailored to your skin's needs.
Whisk together and then apply to your face and let set for 15 to 20 minutes:
- 1/4 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 whole egg to nourish and tighten the skin
- For dry skin: 2 to 3 teaspoons of honey
- For oily skin: a splash of apple cider vinegar
Relax and enjoy.
Practice Yoga Outside
Running and hiking are not the only activities you can do outside. Take your mat and practice some poses [13] in the great outdoors. Nothing beats seeing the blue sky as you bend, twist, and fold. Here's a full-body yoga flow [14] to follow, but know you can always just work on perfecting your Vrksasana (aka tree pose) [15].
Take a Bath
It is finally cool enough to take a hot bath. But up the quality of your soak by adding some essential oils, like a mix of bergamot, lavender, and frankincense, which, based on a small study, might ease pain [16] and lift your spirits.
Take a Nap
After the Summer season of go, go, go, take time to slow down — way down. Take a nap in the middle of the day. Cuddle up with a good book, allow your eyes to slowly close, and drift off to sleep. Are we the only ones who feel like naps are empowering?