20 Fall Self-Care Bucket List Ideas
Updated: Oct 13, 2022

“Self-care is not a waste of time; self-care makes your use of time more sustainable.”
-Jackie Viramontez
When you hear the term "self-care" you may think that means a face mask and a complete restart to your life. If that's what you want, sure, make your self-care complicated.
Self-care looks different for everyone, "self" is in the term. One person's self-care routine may be re-watching Grey's Anatomy when they need a pick me up. Another person's self-care routine may be going for a run outside. Whatever works for you to recharge is perfect because it is your routine.
As we grow through life, we are evolving and changing. What used to work for us to recharge may not work ten years later. In high school, my self-care was either going for a run or watching Grey's Anatomy. I don't know why that's what worked for me. In college, my self-care was a face mask, tanning lotion, lighting a candle, and whitening my teeth. Now, I am all about making different playlists on Spotify to listen to, like a fall playlist or a rainy day playlist, or a country playlist. I'm sure I will have a new routine a year from now.
Self-care is beneficial to our health because it helps us recognize our emotions and build resiliency to those emotions and stress. Having a self-care routine can help you create coping skills to better manage your stress.
Below are 20 fall-inspired self-care ideas to try.

1. Make a new fall recipe
Make a new pumpkin pastry item, dessert, or coffee.
2. Aventure out and make a new Healthy fall recipe
Chose healthier recipes to try this season. Check out my recent blog post with 10 Healthy Fall Recipes.
3. Make a fall playlist to listen to
If you don't want to make a fall playlist, there are a bunch on Spotify already made that you can start jamming too.
4. Have a cozy night in filled with fall candles, chunky blankets, your favorite
childhood Halloween movie, fuzzy socks, and sweats
What is better than a cozy night in? My favorite Halloween movie growing up was The Haunted Mansion.

5. Go to a pumpkin patch and apple orchard with friends
I did this the first week in September because I got so excited about fall! Look for local orchards near you.
6. Drive or walk somewhere to see the changing leaves
The Midwest thrives during this time of year. Taking a walk or drive to see the changing leaves is an instant mood booster.
7. Decorate your house for the season and make DIY decorations
I am not a DIY person, but there are so many inexpensive decoration ideas on Pinterest that I would love to try. Decorating for a season or holiday is the perfect way to get in the spirit and a friendly reminder that you have something to look forward to.
8. Have a backyard campfire with s'mores.
Okay, who doesn't love s'mores?!
9. Make a fall-inspired Pinterest board
I made a fall Pinterest board this season and look back at it when I am feeling down or need a little inspiration.

10. Chose fall vibes to paint your nails
Maroon is my go-to color in October.
11. Make apple cider
My family has made our apple-cider in the driveway for years. It's a tradition. Everyone knows homemade is better, but storebought is also an option.
12. Treat yourself to a new fall-inspired outfit
I may have taken advantage of this self-care idea a little too much this season. Target knows what's up.
13. Order a fall coffee from Starbucks
I have loved trying new Starbucks drinks this season and adding pumpkin to them to branch out of my comfort zone. It's the little things.
14. Write down what you are grateful for
Writing down what you are grateful for is something so easy and yet so beneficial to your mental health. Everyone has something that they can be grateful for.

15. Read a thriller novel
If you aren't into thrillers, maybe a sci-fi or fiction book instead.
16. Make your favorite fall blend in your air diffuser
What scents remind you of fall? Create those in your diffuser.
17. Use a fall scented lotion
Bath and Body Works is the place to go!
18. Journal about the emotions you feel that day
Whether you are stressed or happy, write down how you feel in the moment and why. What is causing you to feel that way? Notice your triggers.
19. Rake your neighbor's leaves
A simple act of kindness goes a long way... bonus points if you jump into the pile after!
20. Have an outdoor football party with friends
Social wellness is very hard to practice during this pandemic but there are always ways around the restrictions.
Self-care is not selfish. Take care of yourself through little acts of love.
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