Autumn Self-Care: Simple Habits for Comfort

The Autumn season is a natural invitation to slow down, embrace cozy moments, and focus on wellness. As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to cultivate simple habits that nourish the body and soul. In this post, I’m sharing some of my favorite low-cost or free wellness habits that help me feel grounded, cozy, and well this Autumn. Let’s explore these easy-to-implement wellness tips that will make your Autumn even more enjoyable! (Keep scrolling to the end for additional resources, a free checklist and a yummy Autumnal soup recipe)🍂✨

1. Morning Walks in Nature 🍁

One of my favorite ways to embrace Autumn wellness is by taking morning walks in nature. The crisp air and changing leaves provide the perfect backdrop for starting the day on a positive note. Whether it’s a peaceful stroll through the park or a walk around your neighborhood, I find that spending just 15-20 minutes outdoors in the morning helps clear my mind and sets a peaceful tone for the day ahead.

Why it’s important: Autumn mornings are refreshing, with cool breezes and colorful foliage that make even a simple walk a sensory experience. Walking in nature is a great way to start the day with movement, fresh air, and mental clarity.

Tip: Try going for a walk first thing in the morning when the world feels a little quieter. Take time to notice the leaves underfoot, the smell of the earth, and the sound of birds. These mindful walks will help you feel more present and connected to nature.

2. Cozy Herbal Teas 🍂

Nothing says Autumn like a steaming cup of tea. Lately, I’ve been reaching for cozy herbal blends like chamomile, turmeric and ginger. Not only do they taste delicious, but they also bring a sense of calm and relaxation. Herbal teas are a simple yet powerful way to embrace wellness during the Autumn season, offering warmth and comfort with each sip.

Why it’s important: Drinking herbal teas is a wonderful way to slow down and nourish the body. Autumn is the perfect time to switch to warm, comforting teas like chamomile, ginger, or cinnamon, which provide not only physical warmth but also a sense of coziness.

Tip: Incorporate different types of teas into your daily routine to find what works best for you. Chamomile before bed, ginger tea in the morning for digestion, or cinnamon tea for an afternoon pick-me-up can make for comforting rituals.

3. Seasonal Meal Prep 🌰

This season, I’m loving cooking with Autumn’s best produce. From roasted butternut squash to apple crumbles, seasonal meal prep makes it easy to eat healthy while enjoying the flavors of Autumn. I like to dedicate a couple of hours each weekend to preparing simple, nourishing meals that carry me through the week. Plus, there’s something so comforting about a house filled with the scent of roasting vegetables or freshly baked apples.  For a cozy and delicious soup recipe check out my roasted pepper and tomato soup recipe at the end of this post.

Why it’s important: Autumn offers a bounty of seasonal ingredients like squash, sweet potatoes, and apples, which are not only delicious but packed with nutrients. Meal prepping with seasonal produce allows you to nourish your body and save time throughout the week.

Tip: Plan a simple meal prep day where you can roast veggies, make soups, or bake some seasonal goodies. Using fresh, in-season ingredients helps you stay connected to the rhythm of nature.

4. Mindful Moments 🧘‍♀️

I’ve found that Autumn is the perfect season to cultivate more mindful moments. Whether it’s sitting by the window with a cup of tea or just taking a few deep breaths in between tasks, these small pauses help me stay present and grounded. Even dedicating 5 minutes a day to mindfulness—whether through meditation, journaling, or simply taking in the view outside—can have a powerful impact on your well-being.

Why it’s important: Autumn’s slower pace invites more opportunities for mindfulness. Taking just a few minutes each day to pause, reflect, and focus on your breath can help reduce stress and increase feelings of gratitude.

Tip: Find a cozy corner in your home, light an Autumn-scented candle, and spend 5-10 minutes focusing on your breathing or simply enjoying the stillness. Mindful moments are a small but impactful way to boost wellness.

5. Warm Bath with Epsom Salt 🍎

As the days grow colder, I’ve been incorporating warm baths with Epsom salt into my nighttime routine. It’s such a simple way to relax and release tension, especially after a busy day. For an added touch of Autumn, I love using essential oils like cinnamon or clove in the bath. It feels like a mini retreat in the comfort of my own home!

Why it’s important:  A warm bath can work wonders in relieving stress and tension. Epsom salt is known for its ability to soothe sore muscles, and adding Autumn-scented essential oils like cinnamon or clove elevates the experience to pure relaxation.

Tip: Make your evening bath a ritual. Add candles, soft music, or your favorite book to the mix for the ultimate cozy wind-down routine.

6. Declutter & Cozy Up Your Space 🍂

This season, I’ve been focusing on simplifying my space and adding cozy touches. Decluttering not only clears physical space but also frees up mental space, making room for rest and relaxation. I like to layer in Autumn-inspired elements like warm blankets, candles, and soft lighting to create a cozy retreat. There’s something so soothing about curling up in a space that feels both calm and inviting.

Why it’s important: A cluttered home can lead to a cluttered mind. Decluttering and adding cozy elements like blankets, candles, and soft lighting creates a peaceful, inviting space perfect for relaxing.

Tip: Start with one area of your home—maybe your living room or bedroom—and add small touches like Autumn-scented candles, warm blankets, or pillows in Autumnal hues.

Embracing simple, cozy wellness habits in the Autumn can help you feel more grounded, present, and connected to the season. Whether it’s taking a morning walk, sipping on herbal tea, or adding cozy touches to your home, these small changes make a big difference in your overall well-being. What are some of your favorite Autumn wellness habits? I’d love to hear how you’re embracing coziness and wellness this season—share in the comments below! 🍁✨

Let me know in the comments which wellness habit you’re most excited to try! Please share your own Autumn wellness tips and routines.  Feel free to download or print my Autumn Wellness Checklist (printable version here)  and keep scrolling for a delicious Autumnal soup recipe! Also , you will find regular updates on life in our little house in the country over on Instagram – don’t be shy, pop over and say hi!

Chat soon

Ciara

Further Resources on Autumn Wellness:

Websites & Blogs:

1. The Mindful Movement  

Website: [www.mindfulmovement.com](https://www.mindfulmovement.com)  

Offers a variety of mindfulness practices, guided meditations, and wellness tips for intentional living.

2. MindBodyGreen  

Website: [www.mindbodygreen.com](https://www.mindbodygreen.com)  

 A go-to resource for wellness articles, seasonal wellness tips, and self-care routines.

3. Be Well by Kelly  

Website: [www.bewellbykelly.com](https://www.bewellbykelly.com)  

Focuses on holistic health, including seasonal meal prep ideas and wellness inspiration.

YouTube Channels & Videos:

1. Yoga with Adriene  

Channel: [Yoga with Adriene on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene)  

Video Suggestion: *Yoga for Self-Care* or *Cozy Yoga Flow for Autumn*  

Adriene’s calming approach and gentle yoga routines are perfect for Autumn relaxation and mindfulness.

2. Pick Up Limes  

   – Channel: [Pick Up Limes on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/PickUpLimes)  

Video Suggestion: *Simple, Cozy Recipes for Autumn* or *Minimalist Wellness Habits for the Season*  

A blend of minimalist wellness tips and seasonal recipe ideas that align perfectly with intentional living.

3. The Cottage Fairy  

Channel: [The Cottage Fairy on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/TheCottageFairy)  

Video Suggestion: *A Cozy Day in the Countryside: Simple Living & Nature Connection*  

This channel offers cozy, slow living inspiration perfect for anyone looking to embrace a simpler, more intentional Autumn.

Podcasts:

1. The Simple Sophisticate  

Podcast: [The Simple Sophisticate](https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/podcast/)  

Episode Suggestion: Living the French Way: Embracing the Autumn Season with Mindfulness

Focuses on simple, intentional living, and has many episodes on seasonal wellness and slowing down.

2. On Being with Krista Tippett  

Podcast: [On Being](https://onbeing.org/series/podcast/)  

Episode Suggestion: *The Art of Stillness: Embracing Mindfulness and Quiet*  

Deep, thoughtful discussions on mindfulness, wellness, and how to embrace slow living in a fast-paced world.

Books:

1. “The Little Book of Hygge” by Meik Wiking  – This book delves into the Danish art of cozy living, offering ideas on how to cultivate comfort and happiness at home during the colder months.

2. “Autumn: A Spiritual Biography of the Season” by Gary Schmidt  – A reflective collection of writings about the spiritual aspects of the Autumn season, perfect for those looking to slow down and embrace Autumn.

3. “The Art of Simple Living” by Shunmyo Masuno  – Offers practical tips on how to simplify your life, be more mindful, and live more intentionally—a perfect companion for Autumn wellness routines.

4. “The Cozy Life” by Pia Edberg  – A great resource on how to incorporate more hygge into your life, especially during the Autumn and winter months.

Simple Autumn Wellness Checklist 🍂  (free printable version available here)

How many will you try this Autumn? 📝

🍂✨ Cosy Roasted Pepper & Tomato Soup with Freshly Baked Bread✨🍂

As the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing like a bowl of warming, roasted soup to keep you snug. Here’s a simple yet soul-soothing recipe for you to try—perfect for those cozy Autumn nights. 🍁