10 Simple Fall Rituals To Help You Slow Down And Enjoy the Season

Although Fall is a transition into a dormant period, nature-wise, it’s one where you can find yourself again after a busy summer. It’s time to slow down and unwind, and we have 10 Fall rituals you can explore this season. 

The days may be shorter, and the air has a nip to it. But that’s OK.

Here at Spruce and Heron, we are all about creating self-care rituals every season that help us balance busy lifestyles with much-needed time outdoors and good-for-you activities.

What we’re sharing with you are autumn rituals - from Fall self-care ideas to the perfect fall bucket list additions. 

Let’s delve in and get inspired. 

1. Take A Morning Nature Walk

Heading outdoors for a weekend morning nature walk is a perfect Fall ritual to add to your bucket list. 

What we love to do: head to a local conservation area or park and do a short 2 to 3 km loop trail through the woods. 

After a busy week of school, work and daily life activities, we need to get a dose of nature, see the changing leaves, and smell the smells of Fall. It’s a fantastic way to balance our busy lifestyle with the relaxing benefits of time spent outdoors. 

2. Start A Fall Journal

Fall days are often disrupted by rainy weather. It’s the perfect time to reflect, with a cozy blanket, a cup of coffee or tea, a Fall journal and your favourite pen. 

Write down your daily thoughts or reflections on the past year. Draft your dreams and goals for the upcoming year. 

Check out our Ferns in Fall large notebook - perfect for notes, doodles and more. 

3. Have A Screen-Free Evening

We know it’s tempting with the Fall line-up returning, but try this: turn off the TV, snuggle up with a good book, and unwind after a long day with soft ambient music or nature sounds. Our favourite is the sound of a soft rainfall. 

4. Press Autumn Leaves

You know that morning nature walk we’ve recommended? If you find a few lovely leaves during your walk, take them home. Pressing autumn leaves is a cool little hobby. 

Here’s how to do it easily: 

• Make sure your leaves are fresh, pliable and free of mould or damage
• Use absorbent paper such as newspaper, parchment paper or printer paper
• Place the leaves between the paper. 
• Place a few heavy books on top
• Leave the leaves to dry in a cool spot for about 1 to 3 weeks. Thicker leaves will need more time. 

5. Read Outside On Lovely, Sunny Days

There’s something soothing about soft sunlight, chilly air and a cup of your favourite brew while you lose yourself in a book. With Fall scents around you, and the occasional sound of a falling leaf, it can be a magical, memorable experience. 

6. Create A Seasonal Playlist

Consider some of these genres for your Fall rituals seasonal playlist: 

• Soft jazz: think “Autumn Leaves” - Nat King Cole
• Ambient: check out Brian Eno
• Classical: get lost in the dramatic melodies of Felix Mendelssohn’s The Scottish Symphony or Vivaldi (Four Seasons - Fall)

7. Make A Favourite Fall Drink

We have our favourite Fall drink that we always make every year - based on whiskey, a bit of mulled orange and ginger beer, with a splash of bitters. But you can make your own favourite drink a Fall ritual. It can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

Pumpkin-spiced latte is your thing? Go for it. Chai tea latte? Or something stronger… Pair it with a moment on a sunny day outdoors while reading, and you’ve got yourself a bona fide autumn ritual.

8. Photograph The Changing Landscape

The Fall season is one of the richest when it comes to colours, textures and moods. Even a gloomy, rainy Fall day can produce gorgeous print-worthy shots. 

Make it a Fall ritual to photograph your favourite places in nature. Create a seasonal series. 

9. Have A Cozy Breakfast

Here’s something we love to do on a slow Saturday or Sunday morning: a cozy breakfast, with all of the fixings. Your favourite comfort breakfast is great for the start of the Fall season. For us, we like to do a full breakfast with eggs, bacon and a good, strong cup of coffee. 

Make it a ritual! If the weather is nice and the temperature isn’t too low, see if you can have breakfast on your backyard patio or deck. Squeeze in one last moment of dining al fresco. 

10. Start A “Things I’m Grateful For” Practice

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, for some, it’s easier to focus on what they are grateful for, and the Fall season is perfect for this. 

Note it down in your Fall journal. With an annual autumn ritual like this, you can look back over the years at what you’ve been thankful for in your life. 

Fall Rituals For Self-Care

Fall rituals are a self-care activity that you can do every year. They help build positive memories, help you unwind and balance the busy Fall season with a much-needed slowdown in life. 

Which ones are you going to try this year? 

Looking for more journals? Check out our selection of soft-cover notebooks and spiral notebooks. 

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