Fall brings busy schedules, make sure to schedule time for yourself.
As the school year begins, the carefree days of summer give way to a more structured routine. Your skin carries a golden tan, and your hair displays sun-streaked highlights from countless days at the pool, playground, and other outdoor adventures with your kids. Now, sports practices, dance classes, and a myriad of other activities are vying for your time outside of school. It’s easy to lose sight of self-care amid the whirlwind of caring for your family and managing your busy schedules.
Before motherhood, my Sundays were dedicated to self-care, preparing me for the week ahead. As a mom, I often find myself passionate about the idea of self-care, but it’s the first thing that tends to be sacrificed when life gets hectic. Fall arrives with a sense of change, making it the perfect season to prioritize yourself. It’s crucial for moms to embrace this season of change and rediscover self-love. Here are some fall activities tailored to help you harvest the self-care you truly deserve.
- Cultivate Self-Care Rituals: Self-care can take many forms, and it’s unique to each individual. Take a moment to reflect on activities that promote positivity, alleviate stress, or bring joy into your life. Start small with activities that can become cherished rituals in your routine. While we may not magically find a whole day to dedicate to ourselves, can we carve out a space in our week for uninterrupted self-care? Whether it’s engaging in yoga or hiking to invigorate your body, practicing mindfulness through meditation or deep breathing, or pampering your skin with a jade roller or facial, these rituals are investments in your well-being.
- Rekindle Your Passions: Rediscover those passions that have been pushed to the back burner. I, for one, had forgotten my love for writing, as my scribbles had been limited to grocery lists for the past few years. Allowing myself the time to nurture this passion has rekindled a joy I thought was lost. It’s common to feel guilty for taking time for ourselves, but remember that when we invest in self-care, we become better moms.
- Create a Cozy Oasis at Home: With the weather turning cooler, transform your home into a haven of comfort. Bring out blankets and throw pillows to craft a reading nook or a peaceful spot for sipping a hot drink. Light some candles to infuse your space with the soothing scents of fall. Establish an inviting sanctuary where you can fully focus on your self-care.
- Morning Strolls: Begin your day with a refreshing morning walk. Pop in your earbuds and immerse yourself in peaceful music or your favorite podcast while relishing the crisp autumn air. Take a moment to soak in the beauty of the season as you observe the changing foliage.
- Create an Autumn Bucket List: As moms, we often prioritize making fall memorable for our children, from pumpkin patch visits to crafting picture-perfect home décor and assembling the ultimate Halloween costumes. While it’s delightful to experience these joys with our kids, it’s equally important to savor the season for our own fulfillment. Craft an Autumn bucket list just for yourself. Include solo activities like morning walks to admire the changing leaves or outings with friends. You can also plan family activities, but be sure to incorporate elements that make it a joyful, stress-free experience for you as well.
- Harvesting gratitude: We excel at teaching our children about gratitude in the lead-up to Thanksgiving, but it’s equally essential to focus on our own gratitude daily. Consider keeping a gratitude journal, as the transformative effects of gratitude can be truly remarkable.
This fall, don’t forget to nourish your soul alongside your family. Embrace the changing season as an opportunity to prioritize self-care and rediscover the joys that make you the amazing mom you are. Happy autumn!
Written by Carrie Sak, a wife and dedicated mom to a lively 4-year-old daughter. Originally from Indianapolis, Carrie has lovingly called St. Louis home for the past 11 years. She enjoys spending her time crafting, writing and attending multicultural events and festivals with her family.
