Autumnal self-care
Although summer isn’t truly over yet, the pumpkin spice latte has arrived back for its annual appearance. For that reason, I’d say it’s safe to start talking about autumn! Autumn, or fall, depending on your preference, is a time of change, deeper colors, chilliness, and of course, spooky season. While some people may be die-heart autumn fans, others see it as a time where their seasonal depression will begin. No matter where you stand on the scale, autumnal self-care can be an essential part of your season. With these self-care ideas, let’s romanticize the arrival of fall!
The first thing that pops into my head when thinking about autumn is the weather, and therefore the fashion. It’s time to put away your summer denim shorts, sandals, bathing suits, and instead pile up your jeans, leggings, boots, flannels, and of course, knit-sweaters. Maybe treat yourself to a new sweater, pair of jeans, or scarf! Work with the autumn color palette of deep warm colors! Think about how comfy sweat sets can be. Autumn fashion is a time where you can get very creative in your styling, but also be extremely comfortable. Sometimes I style my outfits as if I was a main character on one of the classic fall-aesthetic TV shows like Gilmore Girls or The Vampire Diaries. Any way to romanticize your clothes is ultimately great!
Another gigantic part of autumn is the food! If you can, grab or make apple cider, pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice lattes, or any other foods that you associate with the season (especially while wearing your fall fashions). If possible, go apple picking! As a native Long Islander, during the fall I love going out east to go apple or pumpkin picking, grabbing some apple cider donuts, honeysticks, and feeling like my day was as autumn as it could get (minus the part of being chased in a corn maze by a scarecrow).
Of course, Halloween is next on the list. However, this can be whatever you want it to. If you’re someone who loves Halloween, celebrate it as much as you can! Allow your inner-child to be joyed with watching Halloween movies or episodes, snacking on some candy, and dressing up in costume. Don’t feel silly for enjoying Halloween at any age. However, if you’re not one into Halloween, forget it! Allow yourself to sit in the night and chill. If you’re one that prefers skipping to Christmas, go all for it (although, controversial). Overall, it’s about having fun.
There’s many smaller ways to celebrate the season as well. Walk through leaves! Is there anything more satisfying than walking on colorful fallen leaves and hearing the crunch? No! Also, why not add some autumn-related music? I hear Ed Sheeran is releasing his new album “Autumn Variations” on September 29! Maybe listen to some “Red”, “Folklore”, and “Evermore” by Taylor Swift too. Or, if you’re not into those, there’s always “What Are You Going To Be For Halloween?” by Matthew Gray Gubler. My personal favorite, however, is listening to, on repeat, the “Goosebumps” theme. As soon as I hear those first “da da da da da” I know it’s going to be fall and I’m going to be happy. Seriously though, listening to fall or Halloween music that you loved as a kid feels like the ultimate type of self-care to me.
Additionally, you can incorporate the autumn color palette into your life during the season. Last year I studied abroad in Prague for the fall semester, and I only allowed myself to buy one nail polish. I found the most perfect deep burgundy color, which to me was the epitome of fall. I wore that color every week, always redoing them (as we know nail polish always chips). But I felt cool with a burst of serotonin everytime they were freshly done.
With autumn being the time of new beginnings with school specifically, I know it can be truly stressful. I also know that you might feel you don’t have time to enjoy the season as much as you’d like to. Remember that everything needs balance. Yes, getting back into the grind of the school semester or work is especially important, but don’t neglect this side either. Without having time to relax and enjoy the nature of life, you won’t be charged to do the first at your highest capacity. Allow yourself to romanticize the season even though you’ve experienced it many times before! Drink your pumpkin spiced latte in your thick sweater while reading a horror story, cuddled up in a warm blanket! At Berry, we will be, and you can too!
-Lila
