As the temperatures drop and the air turns crisp, it’s not just the leaves that start to change. Our bodies, minds, and even homes are influenced by the shift in seasons, making fall a perfect time to reassess our self-care routines. While autumn often brings the excitement of holidays and cozy nights watching TV curled up with family, it can also come with stressors—shorter days, busier schedules, and the pressure to meet those goals you set. This is exactly why prioritizing self-care as the season changes is so important. We all have a tendency to put ourselves on the back burner, but I’ve learned my lesson and realized that it doesn’t take a lot of time, money, or even EFFORT to take care of yourself.
Embracing small adjustments, from scheduling time to relax to checking in on your health, can dramatically affect your mindset. Even making household chores feel a little more luxurious can give you a sense of balance and positivity. Here’s why self-care matters this fall and how you can make it a priority in easy, impactful ways.
1. The Impact of Seasonal Changes on Your Mind and Body
Fall is a time of transition, not just for the weather, but for our bodies and emotions as well. The shortening of daylight hours affects your circadian rhythm and can leave you feeling tired or down. For some, the fall season triggers a touch of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as the daylight decreases, impacting mood and energy levels. For me, it means that my migraine headaches return and I have to remember to take my Melina which is chock full of the supplements that my neurologist prescribed for me to keep the migraines at bay.
If you suffer with seasonal ailments, allergies, etc., remember that the change in humidity and temperature can lead to dry skin, achy joints, and a weakened immune system as your body adapts to the cooler air. These subtle shifts can creep up on you, leading to fatigue, illness, or simply feeling “off.”
The key to managing these challenges is to proactively adjust your self-care routine to match the season. Just as you might switch out your summer wardrobe for cozier pieces, you should also tweak your self-care habits to give your mind and body the attention they need. It’s a good time to check in with your doctor to see if there’s anything that you can do to be proactive.
2. Relax and Reconnect with Yourself
It can be easy to get caught up in the busy pace of fall, with work, family commitments, and the upcoming holidays. But setting aside time to relax is a form of self-care that shouldn’t be overlooked. Relaxation doesn’t have to mean a lavish spa day (though that’s always a treat). It can be as simple as giving yourself permission to slow down, enjoy a cup of tea, or take a long luxurious bath.
Start by creating moments of calm in your day-to-day life. Light a seasonal candle with a warm, comforting scent like cinnamon or pumpkin spice, and let that fragrance be a reminder to take a deep breath and enjoy the moment. Set aside just 10 or 15 minutes a day for mindfulness or meditation, and you’ll feel more grounded amidst the hustle and bustle of the season.
I like to do double-duty by using Dr Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt products. Not only do I get to wind down in the tub, but they also help me with the aches and soreness that the colder weather bring on. Plus, my skin looks and feels so much softer after. Whether it’s taking a break for a bath in some Dr. Teal’s with some luxurious bath salts or going for a peaceful walk to admire the fall foliage, these small acts of self-care can help ease any seasonal stress.
3. Check in on Your Health
As fall sets in, it’s a great time to do a wellness check-in. How’s your health? Are you up-to-date on your flu shot, yearly check-ups, and other preventative measures? It’s easy to let these things slide when life is busy, but fall is a reminder that winter, and the potential for colds and flu, are just around the corner.
Fall is also an excellent time to start nourishing your body with seasonal foods that boost immunity, like hearty soups full of vegetables, vitamin-rich squashes, and antioxidant-packed apples. Hydration becomes even more important as the air becomes dry, so make sure you’re drinking enough water, and perhaps supplement with hydrating teas or broths.
Don’t forget about your skin, which can start to dry out with the shift in weather. Switch to a more hydrating moisturizer or serum with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, and consider adding a humidifier to your bedroom to counteract the dry indoor air.
Self-care also includes listening to your body’s signals. If you’re feeling fatigued, don’t push through it—allow yourself more rest, whether it’s through an early bedtime or a midday power nap.
4. Elevate Household Chores for a Better Mindset
Household chores might not seem like self-care, but reimagining how you approach them can turn them into nurturing activities. Fall is the ideal time to refresh your home, declutter your space, and make it feel warm and inviting. Simple tasks like folding laundry, cooking, or even sweeping can become mindful moments when you focus on making them more enjoyable.
Why not upscale your laundry routine by treating yourself to luxury laundry products that make folding clothes feel like a treat instead of a chore? Using high-quality, scented detergent pods and dryer sheets can elevate an otherwise mundane task into a sensory experience. There’s something satisfying about folding warm, fragrant laundry that you’ve washed in the scent of an Italian Bergamot by Laundry Sauce on a cool fall evening.
When it comes to laundry, swap out basic detergents for these with scents like Italian Bergamot, Mandarin, Pink Peppercorn, Philippine Elemi, and Cypress., which can not only leave your clothes spotless but surround you with an inviting seasonal fragrance. Put on some relaxing music or a podcast while you fold, making the experience more pleasant and less of a burden.
By turning these everyday tasks into enjoyable rituals, you’re reinforcing the idea that your home is a sanctuary, a place of warmth and peace that reflects the care you’re giving yourself.
5. Shift Your Mindset: It’s All About Small Wins
One of the most significant benefits of seasonal self-care is the shift in mindset. As the days grow shorter, it can be easy to focus on what you don’t have time for or feel overwhelmed by the to-do list that seems to stretch endlessly toward the holidays. But by reframing self-care as something you can sprinkle into your daily routine, you’ll start to feel more in control.
Instead of thinking of self-care as another item on your list, recognize that it’s about small, meaningful actions that support your well-being. These small wins—whether it’s taking time to relax, tending to your health, or making everyday chores more enjoyable—are what help you thrive through the busy season.
Each time you take care of yourself in these little ways, you’re giving yourself the tools to handle the challenges of the season with grace and resilience.
This fall, make self-care a priority by embracing the seasonal changes and aligning your habits to suit the cooler months. Whether it’s allowing yourself to relax, checking in on your health, or adding a touch of luxury to household chores, these little acts of self-kindness can shift your mindset and help you move through the season feeling balanced, refreshed, and ready for whatever comes your way.
After all, self-care isn’t just about pampering yourself—it’s about making sure you’re nourished in body, mind, and spirit, no matter what the weather brings.
Favorite Fall Products Mentioned:
- Melina Mighty – As you can see above, my neurologist actually prescribed the ingredients in this formula for my migraine headaches. It is also a great brain fog nutraceutical, combining 12 science-backed ingredients in a daily capsule supplement.
- Dr Teal‘s Shea Butter & Almond Oil Collection is formulated to nourish the skin and calm the mind. Infused with nourishing Shea Butter and a blend of Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, and Cocoa Butter to soothe dry skin and seal in moisture. Shea butter and almond oil soften and hydrate skin while essential oils soothe the senses.
- Laundry Sauce – Italian Bergamot is my favorite scent for Fall. My husband likes the scent as well! Just like layering personal fragrance, I love to layer my laundry s
cents which is why the Essentials Package is my favorite way to wash, boost and dry my clothes and linen.
