I’m slowly walking into a new phase of my life. One that is sprinkled with soothing slowness and craving of clarity that is tucked away in uncertainty.

I write more poetry and for that I am grateful. I take more walks in nature while I ponder the future. I’m in the present moment with all its niceties and reminisce of lessons learned in a past that feels like another lifetime.

I feel different this Autumn. My heart feels deeper and more sincere. My writing is more authentic. The leaves seem more vibrant. My gifts are ready for harvest.

This is how I’m spending my cozy, slow, and mindful autumn in a small town and truly enjoying all the abundance of this wonderful season. My hope is that you, too, can be reminded of the beauty of the simple, intentional things.

My Favorite Ways to Slow Down In The Fall

1. Prepare Your Home With Seasonal Decor

My home is my sanctuary and I love to decorate it for each season but especially for fall. I tend to make most of my decorations myself because making things with my hands is soothing to me. I like to use natural elements like tree branches, pinecones, acorns, dried leaves, cinnamon sticks, and whatever I have at home.

To prepare your home for fall, you don’t need to spend a lot of money or even at all. It’s the intention that matters. If you need some inspiration, I have a Pinterest board dedicated to DIY fall home decor that you can follow below.

2. Read a Book Under a Warm, Fluffy Blanket

I was an avid reader as a child and it was a favorite activity of mine. As an adult, life is much more complex so I don’t make as much time. Even so, I still love to cuddle up with a good book under a warm fluffy blanket.

I make myself a cup of hot cocoa, invite my kitty to join me, and indulge in slow and serene moments of bliss. The smell of books and the sound of flipping the pages are so soothing to me.

These are some of the cozy books I plan to read this autumn/winter:

The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking

The Inviting Life by Laura Calder

Slow: Simple Living for a Frantic World by Brooke McAlary

3. Write in Your Journal by Candlelight

It’s been a while since I’ve written in a journal and even more time since I’ve written by candlelight. The warmth of the candle and the flickering flame are so meditative and the dimmed light always reminds me of times long gone when life was simpler.

I think it’s time to reignite my poetry again.

4. Bake Your Favorite Fall Goodies

Fall baking in my house has officially begun! I had so many apples that I didn’t know what to do with so the first thing I baked was apple pie. Then, I made honey-glazed baked apples, applesauce, and apple butter. I also saved some apple slices for my breakfast granola.

Here’s some inspiration for fall baking recipes you can try:

Healthy Applesauce from The Minimalist Baker

Healthy Apple Pie from Chocolate Covered Katie

Honey Roasted Apples by Dinner Then Dessert

5. Wake Up Early To See The Autumn Sunrise

Waking up early is something I’m still working on. I’m more of a nocturnal creature and thrive in the night. I am, however, determined to wake up earlier each day; my goal is 6:30 am – just in time to see the autumn sunrise.

During the winter months when the sun rises a little later, a sunrise alarm clock is the perfect way to wake up naturally, especially on gloomy days.

6. Create an Autumn Playlist

As a daydreamer, I love imagining a peaceful drive on an empty road among colorful trees. The leaves are falling slowly, the sun is warm, we’re drinking coffee, and listening to autumn playlists.

You can listen to my Autumn 2021 playlist here. It’s perfect for road trips and cozy days at home.

7. Take a Slow, Intentional Walk In Nature

My hubby and I go for a walk every day in the park near our house. It does wonders for our minds and bodies! Breathing in the fresh crisp fall air while watching the leaves dance in the air is pure bliss. Our walks are almost always filled with deep conversations, laughter, and gratitude.

8. Make a Fall DIY Project for Your Home

Almost every year, I make my fall home decor by myself. It’s such a slow, mindful, and present activity that doubles as me-time. I listen to soft indie-folk or lo-fi music and get carried away by all the possibilities I can try with my DIY supplies.

9. Plan a Road Trip to See the Fall Foliage

This year, for my birthday, we’re going to a small mountain town in my country. I’ve been in awe of the natural beauty, fall colors, and crisp mountain air last year that I decided to celebrate my birthday there this year.

On that note, experiencing Autumn in a small town in Vermont is one of my biggest goals in life. The small towns, the vibrant colors, and the sense of belonging and community are what my autumn dreams are made of.

10. Visit a Local Farmer’s Market for Fall Harvest Goodies

Every Tuesday, I visit the local farmer’s market to buy some fresh organic fruits and vegetables. I deeply appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into growing food so I cherish every bite and meal we cook. The food tastes completely different and is bursting with flavors when we cook with locally sourced ingredients.

11. Burn Fall-Scented Candles or Make Your Own From Scratch

Most store-bought candles have a lot of harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients so the healthiest option is to either make your own or buy organic natural scented candles.

Look for candles made of soy wax, beeswax, coconut oil, natural essential oils, and cotton or wood wicks.

12. Write 10 Things You’re Grateful for This Fall

Cultivating gratitude for the little and big things in life can help you change your perspective and mindset towards a more abundant one.

Here are some of the things I feel grateful for this fall:

Sunny autumn days. The warmth of my home. My husband and our love for each other. My cat who loves sleeping by the fire. My family’s health and wellbeing. The abundance my husband and I have created together.

My ever-growing library of books. Healthy and nutritious food on the table. Being able to write and create freely. Finding joy in the little things. Daydreaming.

13. Watch a Cozy Autumn Movie or TV Show

I’m a Hallmarkie. I love the stories, the softness and honesty of the characters, and of course, the scenery. I think I fell in love with small-town living just from watching Hallmark movies.

As for TV shows, I’m currently re-watching Dickinson until the Season 3 premiere in November. I’m so enthralled by Emily’s character and her passion. So much so that I started writing poetry again after watching Season 1 a few months ago.

14. Make a Hearty Fall Soup

I love soups and stews of all kinds. It’s such a comfort food full of warmth, nutrients, and flavors. I’m always on the lookout for new hearty recipes while also cherishing my old favorites.

15. Make a Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

Making things from scratch has to be one of the simplest ways to slow down in the fall. Since there’s no Starbucks in my country, I still haven’t tried their famous Pumpkin Spice Latte. I did find a great recipe to make my own at home, perfect for welcoming the season.

16. Have An Autumn Picnic

Sunny Autumn days are made for picnics at the park. You can make mini sandwiches, bring a slice of pie, sip on some wine or champagne, and chat away with good company.

17. Buy An Assortment of Fall Spiced Teas

The smell of spiced autumn tea that permeates the house is such a dreamy way to enjoy fall. My favorite fall flavor has to be lavender tangerine loose leaf tea with hints of cocoa nibs and nutmeg. Here are some aromatic and delicious tea flavors and blends for you to try this fall:

• Cinnamon, orange, and sweet clove
• Spiced apple cider
• Honey vanilla chamomile
• Lemon lavender
• Caramel chai

18. Enjoy a Slow Breakfast at Home

I like to cook my own breakfast at home since I work from home on most mornings but I also love bakery-style pastries and donuts. I try to savor each bite to enjoy the festival of flavors while I look outside my window and watch my little town wake up.

19. Make Homemade Apple Cider

In all honesty, I’ve never had warm apple cider – it’s just not something we make in my country. I do want to try it, so I found some great recipes for homemade apple cider. It sounds delicious and just what I need to warm my soul.

20. Take a Warm Bubble Bath

Once a month, I love to take a warm and relaxing bubble bath. I place candles all over my bathroom, play soothing music, add bath salts, and let the water take away the stress. In the fall months, I love to sprinkle some dried leaves, cinnamon sticks, and a splash of oat milk to soften my skin. It’s such a replenishing and rejuvenating ritual.

21. Make a Fall Spice Natural Beauty Mask

I love making things from scratch and this goes for beauty masks too. The divine smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, pumpkin, and cocoa is like a pumpkin spice latte on my face. Plus, my skin looks glowy and refreshed and I feel even more autumnal if that’s even possible!

22. Have a Fall Spa Day

Sundays are perfect for a fall spa day. In fact, any fall day can be a spa day, especially rainy, gloomy, I-don’t-feel-like-doing-anything days. You deserve a few hours to yourself, whether you visit a spa center or make your own fall spa day at home.

23. Book a Countryside Weekend Getaway

I’m smitten with country estates with endless green meadows and lush forests. The air is crisper, the sun is warmer, and the stars are brighter. The peace and quiet of the countryside in a cozy cabin with a crackling fireplace and a cup of tea is exactly what my heart and mind need this fall.

One of the best ways to slow down in the fall is to book a weekend getaway away from the city. When you’re surrounded by nature, you’re healing and resting and tending to your needs — and that is priceless.

Autumn, Cozy and Slow

Whether you do all these fall activities or just some of them, let the beauty be in the journey. Take each moment as a step towards bliss. Even if you do just one thing on the list, these ways to slow down in the fall will help you enjoy the season with all your senses.

I invite you to join me on Instagram and share your favorite slow fall activities. I can’t wait to hear what you have planned for this season.

In the meantime, check out some of my other autumn blog posts to find more seasonal inspiration.