While the temperatures haven’t exactly reflected it lately, the fall semester is in full swing and the first day of fall is today! If you’re anything like me, you’re ready to be bundled up in a cozy sweater with a book and a cup of hot cider. One of my favorite things about fall is the amount of seasonal self care activities we have to choose from and how those help me reset from stress.
Self care is extremely important for college students, considering a lot of us are under heavy amounts of stress and anxiety. According to an article by Timelycare, participants in a national survey said self care gave them the benefits of “enhanced self-confidence (64%), increased productivity (67%), and higher levels of happiness (71%).” Some basic forms of self care would include keeping a regular sleep routine, eating well, and exercising as often as possible, but there’s so much more we could do. I’ve divided some of my favorite ways to relax and take care of myself during the fall season between body and mind. Let’s get into it, shall we?
Body:
-Make your favorite soup:
Fall is THE soup season, and anyone who thinks otherwise may talk to the wall. Some of my favorite soups I make every year are chicken noodle, taco soup, and split pea. Our bodies always need nutrition, but we require it even more with walking all over campus, working, and studying. Why not make something comforting, and delicious too?
-Create a seasonal Sunday body care routine:
This was probably the best thing I did for myself while I was in community college. I would sit down every Saturday night and make a list of how my body physically felt, like if my skin was dry, I had dark circles under my eyes, and my hair felt like straw (’tis the season). Then on Sundays, I would do a face and eye mask that was usually pumpkin themed, moisturize my skin with apple scented body wash and lotion, and make my own hair mask to help bring some life back to myself physically. Yes, of course my shampoo and conditioner was pumpkin apple, thank you very much. It always helped me start the week off feeling my best and feeling like I could take on the world.
-Go on a long walk:
Taking a walk when the leaves are changing colors, falling on the ground, and the leaves are crunchy when you step on them? Nothing in this world beats that feeling. I usually go on a long walk when I’m stressed out and I just need to take a break and breathe. Put on your headphones, listen to your favorite playlist, and go frolic through some leaves. I promise you’ll feel so much lighter after.
Mind:
-Read a book with fall vibes:
Reading a book with a cup of tea and my fall playlist playing in the background is one of my favorite experiences of all time. I usually read either poetry or romance books, which are (in my opinion) the best books to read this season. Reading is also extremely relaxing and gives you a break from technology. For anyone who doesn’t know what they’d like to read, there are tons of fall themed reading lists, especially through your local bookstore/library or TikTok! Or check out our book club segment of the Just for the Record podcast!
-Follow along with a fall meditation:
I know when I’m stressed, the thing I need to do most is breathe slowly and deeply. When stress hits hard, we tend to breathe shallowly and quickly, which can lead to shortness of breath. That’s why taking a few minutes to recollect is so important. I like to follow along with a guided meditation, which I find on YouTube. It’s also fun to find themed meditations, and there are actually quite a few fall themed ones online!
-Write a fall journal prompt:
Sometimes you just need a break from doing writing for homework, but not necessarily writing as a whole. I absolutely love writing, and journaling is one of my favorite things to do. It helps me relax, and I’m usually able to write about heavy things that weigh me down throughout the week. Pinterest is a really good place to find seasonal writing, poetry, and journaling prompts. It’s nice to be able to sit down and just write for a little while, with your thoughts and ideas as your only guideline to follow.
Fall is by far my favorite season, and the amount of things you can do for the next two to three months are endless. Readers, I hope whatever activities you find are fulfilling, relaxing, and most of all fun. Enjoy the season!
