20+ Cozy Fall Self-Care Ideas for 2024
Fall is the perfect time to prioritize self care. As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, is the perfect time to indulge in candles, bubble baths and cosy dressing gowns. In this post, I wanted to share 20+ fall-inspired self care ideas that you can use to level up your next self care Sunday and treat yourself this autumn.
I also wanted to give away a FREE copy of my planner which you can grab below!
Why should you take the time to enter your email address and download? THIS is the planner that helped me to get my sh*t together, create an achievable action plan and reach my goals this time last year!
Now that you’ve downloaded your free planner (trust me, it’s worth it!), let’s get into 20+ self-care ideas for fall.
1. Go for a Walk
Walking is one of my all-time favourite self-care activities, especially when the leaves turn orange and the air feels crisp!
Perhaps the best thing about this self-care activity is that it is completely free! All you need is a warm jacket and some shoes (which you probably already have in your wardrobe!).
Breathe in the fresh air, listen to the crunch of leaves underfoot, and take a moment to appreciate the calmness that comes with it.
Plus, it’s great exercise, and we all know how good that is for mental clarity!
2. Visit a Petting Farm
If you want to sprinkle a bit of cuteness into your day, a visit to a petting farm is just what you need.
Surrounded by animals and the rustic charm of the countryside, you’ll feel an immediate sense of calm. Interacting with animals has been proven to reduce stress and boost happiness levels.
Whether it's stroking a fluffy lamb or feeding chickens, it's a heartwarming way to connect with nature.
3. Invest in a Guided Journal
Journaling is an amazing way to reflect, and investing in a guided journal can make the process even more rewarding.
Whether you're jotting down your thoughts or working through prompts designed to boost self-awareness, a journal is a powerful tool for mental well-being.
It’s like having a little therapist in your hands!
4. Pick Your Own Seasonal Veg
There’s something incredibly satisfying about picking your own produce. Whether it’s pumpkins, squash, or apples, heading to a farm and gathering fresh, local ingredients is both a mindful and rewarding activity.
Bonus points: You can use what you pick to make a delicious autumnal meal!
This self-care activity is perfect for mums who can take their kids to a pick-your-own and have a great time, as a family, doing something autumnal.
5. Make Seasonal Cookies
Is there anything cozier than the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home?
Take some time to bake cookies using seasonal flavors like pumpkin, cinnamon, or ginger. Not only will you enjoy the process, but sharing them with friends (or indulging yourself) is a sweet treat for the soul.
6. Invest in Seasonal-Scented Candles
Scents can instantly change the atmosphere of a room, and nothing says “fall” like the smell of spiced apple, cinnamon, or woodsy pine.
Light a seasonal candle in the evening, cozy up with a good book or film, and let the warm, comforting fragrance help you unwind.
My favourite candles at the moment are these La Jolie Muse pumpkin scented ones!
7. Give Your Wardrobe a Refresh
It's not just your home that could do with an autumn makeover—your wardrobe deserves one too!
Go through your closet, donate what you no longer wear, and bring out your favourite knits, scarves, and boots. Fall fashion is all about feeling cozy, and a wardrobe refresh will have you stepping into the season in style.
If you really want to treat yourself this season, invest in some good-quality jumpers and jackets. I find that wearing high-quality clothing makes me feel 100x better - especially when its cold!
Also read: How to look expensive on a budget
8. Pumpkin Picking
It’s almost impossible to talk about fall without mentioning pumpkins! Head to a local pumpkin patch and pick out a few to carve, cook, or simply decorate your home with.
It's a fun, low-pressure activity that helps you to get outside and do something seasonal. This is another great one to get your family and friends involved with!
9. Start a Daily Gratitude Journal
In the hustle of life, it's easy to overlook the good things that happen every day. A daily gratitude practice is a fantastic way to focus on the positive.
Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for—it’s an instant mood booster and helps shift your mindset towards abundance.
10. Have a Digital Detox
We’re all guilty of spending too much time glued to our screens. This fall, why not schedule in some digital detox days?
Turn off your phone, close your laptop, and focus on offline activities—read a book, bake, or simply relax without the constant ping of notifications.
Excessive screen time has been shown to contribute towards anxiety, depression, insomnia and higher BMIs.
Trust me, your brain will thank you for the break!
11. Book a Spa Day
A bit of pampering goes a long way.
Whether it's a full-on spa day or simply a massage, taking time to look after your body is a perfect self-care strategy. It’s your chance to relax, unwind, and let someone else do the hard work for a change!
I love doing this self-care activity with a friend. It’s a great way to have a catch up whilst treating yourelf.
12. Buy a Wall Projector and Have a Cozy Film Night
Why not transform your living room into a mini cinema this fall?
A wall projector is an affordable and fun way to bring the big screen to your home. Grab some popcorn, your fluffiest blankets, and settle in for a cozy movie night with your favorite autumn films.
This wall projector is just $60 and work’s amazingly!
13. Start a New Fitness Class
As the days get shorter, it can be easy to let fitness slide. Keep your body moving by trying out a new fitness class—whether it’s yoga, pilates, or something more high-energy like spinning.
Exercise is a fantastic mood-booster, and signing up for a class can help you stay motivated.
14. Make Hot Chocolates with Friends
Who says hot chocolate is just for kids?
Gather your friends, experiment with different flavors (think dark chocolate, mint, or even a pinch of chili), and make a cozy evening of it. You can add whipped cream, marshmallows, or even a shot of Baileys for a grown-up twist!
This is a great, fall-inspired, alternative to cocktail-making nights.
15. Watch the Sunset
There's something magical about watching the sun set on a crisp autumn evening. Find a spot with a good view, wrap up warm, and take some time to sit back and enjoy nature’s beauty.
It's a great way to slow down and practice mindfulness.
16. Go for a Meditation Walk
Walking doesn’t just have to be about getting from A to B—it can be a meditative practice too.
As you walk, focus on your breathing, take in the sounds around you, and try to be fully present in the moment. It’s a wonderful way to reduce stress and center your thoughts.
You can find walking meditations on YouTube or streaming apps such as Spotify. Simply pop your headphones on and use your walk to get into a meditative state.
17. Start Knitting
Knitting is the ultimate cozy fall activity. It’s creative, relaxing, and productive all at once. Plus, you get the added bonus of having something handmade to show for your efforts—a scarf, blanket, or hat to keep you warm through the colder months.
18. Buy an Adult Mindful Colouring Book
Coloring isn’t just for kids anymore.
Adult coloring books have become popular as a form of mindfulness practice. The repetitive, creative nature of coloring can be very calming, and it’s a great way to switch off from the stress of daily life.
19. Host a Fall Craft Evening
Gather your friends and host a cozy craft evening! From making your own autumn wreaths to painting pumpkins, there are so many fun, seasonal DIY projects you can do.
It’s a great way to spend time with loved ones while embracing your creativity.
20. Cook a Romantic Dinner for Your Partner (Or Yourself)
There’s something wonderfully indulgent about cooking a special dinner just because. Whether it's for you and your partner, or just a treat for yourself, a candlelit dinner with seasonal produce can be a lovely way to enjoy a quiet autumn evening.
21. Go for a Carvery
This has to be up there with my favourite fall self-care ideas!
It’s not fall without a hearty roast dinner! Treat yourself to a delicious Sunday carvery, complete with all the trimmings—roast potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and Yorkshire puddings. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a chilly autumn afternoon.
There’s no doubt that autumn is the perfect season to slow down, get cozy, and focus on yourself. Whether it's baking cookies, journaling, or simply watching the sunset, taking time to practice self-care is one of the best ways to embrace the season.
So, why not make the most of the crisp air and golden leaves? Pick a few of these cozy self-care ideas and start your fall reset today!
