The pumpkin spice floodgates have opened. It's Autumn, and with it comes the irresistible urge to create a seasonal to-do list. We scroll past lists filled with grand, weekend-consuming plans: elaborate pumpkin patch visits, sprawling corn mazes, and apple-picking trips that require an hour-long drive. And while those adventures are wonderful, they often leave us feeling like we're chasing autumn instead of simply living in it. This year, before the holiday rush takes over and turns our focus to gifts and garlands, let’s make a pact: let's not wait for the weekend to celebrate this season. Let’s bring a little "Autumn everyday" into the routine moments that usually go unnoticed.
The real magic of autumn isn't found in a crowded festival; it's in the quiet, five-minute pauses that bookmark your day. It's about finding the simple, sensory pleasures that ground you in the now. No matter what your day entails—whether you're rushing to work, managing a busy household, or powering through a pile of emails—you can infuse the spirit of the season into the mundane. For today's Blogtober post, I'll be sharing some simple ways to build a gentle, daily appreciation for the season.
MORNING MOMENTS
- Change your mug. Retire your standard mug for one that feels cozier. This simple change will elevate the entire experience of your morning coffee!
- Start with scent. As soon as you wake up, light a pumpkin spice or cinnamon candle, letting the delicious scent help you welcome the day ahead.
- Take a porch pause. Take your first sip of coffee standing on your porch or by an open window. Feel the crisp air and listen to the birds sing as you feel the sunshine on your face.
- Upgrade your breakfast. Stir in a bit of pumpkin puree into your oats or add pumpkin pie spice to your french toast. Transform your usual breakfast into a sensational treat in minutes!
- Listen to the leaves. On your commute, roll your windows down, if only for one block, and enjoy the sound of the wind and the rustling of the leaves, nature's pure Autumn soundtrack!
MIDDAY MAGIC
- Switch up your wallpaper. Change your phone/computer background to a beautiful photo of your favorite Autumn scene. Every time you check your screen you get a mini-dose of your Autumn delight!
- Enjoy the view. Take some time to sit outside or by the window, perhaps during your lunch break, and enjoy nature, taking in the beautiful Autumn colors in real time.
- Have a library date. Stop by your local library and enjoy walking through the quiet aisles to find your next cozy read!
- Tune out or lock in with a playlist. Whether you have some things on your to-do list to take care of or just want to disassociate from reality for a bit, press play on an autumn playlist (like this one!) to match the mood of the season.
- Treat yourself! You deserve a pick-me-up for all of your hard work, and now is the only time of year when you can enjoy that caramel apple or a Reese's peanut butter pumpkin! Autumn can be a delicious experience!
EVENING UNWIND
- Comfort food for dinner! Cozy nights in call for the comfort and warmth of a home cooked meal.
- Dim the lights. As the sun sets earlier, replace harsh overhead lighting with table lamps with soft, warm light bulbs to make the night instantly cozier!
- Slow down with a cozy hobby. The long Autumn nights are perfect for putting together puzzles, coloring with the kids, or getting a head start on sewing together those Christmas ornaments you've been wanting to make. Just be sure to pick a hobby that doesn't require internet access or a screen.
- Enjoy a sip (or several)! Candlelight and a mug of hot cocoa or cider will warm your heart and soul as you prepare to end your day.
- Slow down with a seasonal story. Instead of endless scrolling, spend half an hour before bed reading to help you wind down. Choose something with a moody, dark-academia, or small-town feel to lean into the season.
This autumn, let's stop treating the season like a checklist to be conquered. Let's treat it like a warm blanket we get to snuggle into every single day. The "grand plans" will happen when they happen. For now, just enjoy the subtle, glorious, and completely free moments of Autumn everyday.
What small, daily autumn ritual are you going to commit to this week?
