Autumn squirrel

Autumn rituals: 7 autumn activities to slow down and relax

This post explores autumn activities that can be used to relax, rest and reset. As autumn arrives, many experience a natural shift in pace. The last of the summer sun is here, and the days are growing shorter and cooler. It is this time of the year that many of us start to feel the gentle pull of cosy evenings in. To me is always the season when we begin to think about the arrival of winter and Christmas. A season that encourages rest and reflection. If you are UK-based, also firework displays and cosy evenings in. It is a marked change from the momentum and buzz of summer. In this post, we’ll explore autumn activities that can support well-being by offering space to pause, reset routines, and reconnect with what feels nourishing. Read on for a list of fun autumn activities for you or your family.

1. Leaf spotting in local parks

Leaf spotting in autumn is a simple yet grounding way to reconnect with the season’s quiet beauty. Whether you’re walking through a local park, kicking up golden leaves or crunching them under your feet, or walking through a gorgeous woodland trail, the changing colours offer a gentle invitation to slow down and observe. Taking time to be mindful and present by noticing their shapes, textures, and different colours can help you feel more present and grounded. Let’s face it, young or old, everyone loves the changing colours of autumn and kicking through fallen leaves.

2. Cracking out the hot chocolate

To me, this is very much an autumn ritual. To me, summer is cool fruit presses of herbal teas, which give way to hot chocolate as summer ends and autumn arrives. Whether it’s a quiet moment after work or part of a weekend wind-down, preparing a warm mug becomes more than just a treat—it’s a pause. Nothing beats choosing your favourite mug and settling into a comfy chair, add in your favourite book and it turns the experience into a full-on calming experience. It’s a small act of care that signals rest, warmth, and emotional grounding—perfect for this transitional season.

3. Reading wrapped in your favourite blanket

For me, reading wrapped in a favourite blanket is a proper autumn or winter ritual. Summer is about lounging on the grass, whether that is in your garden or local park, whereas autumn, as the weather cools, there’s something deeply comforting about curling up under a blanket with a good book.  Whether it’s fiction that transports you to distant places or gentle nonfiction that inspires or soothes, reading in this way is a way to slow your thoughts, rest your body, and create a pocket of calm in the day. Couple it with number 2, and you’ve built a great calming ritual right where you are.  

4. Seasonal Wardrobe refresh

Refreshing your wardrobe for autumn isn’t just about staying warm—it’s a chance to realign with the season’s slower, more intentional pace. As the weather shifts, swapping out lightweight layers for cozy knits, soft scarves, and earthy tones can feel grounding and restorative. It’s also an opportunity to simplify: choosing pieces that feel comfortable, versatile, and emotionally resonant. Whether it’s pulling out a favourite jumper or investing in a pair of boots that make you feel rooted, this gentle transition can support both your well-being and your daily rhythm. Think of it as curating comfort—one layer at a time.

5. Slow cooking

I think the thing I love best about autumn is the cooking.  As the days cool and evenings stretch out, creating delicious, wholesome, nourishing, and quick meals to me becomes a ritual in itself. Whether it’s a hearty stew, spiced lentil soup, or baked apples with cinnamon, the process invites you to pause and be present. It’s also a way to nourish yourself with intention, choosing ingredients that feel wholesome and satisfying. Most things can be batch-cooked and stored in the freezer for those days when you have too much on.

6. Crafting

As summer ends, crafting is one thing I like to pick up again. It is a beautiful, mindful way to feel those darker evenings, warm and cosy inside against the changing weather. It does not matter what you are into, crafting, whether you’re stitching fabric, shaping clay, knitting some new cosy socks, gloves, or a scarf, the act of making is a chance to slow down and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. To connect more with the autumnal side of things, you could consider nature crafting. Nature crafting is the practice of making art or functional items using natural materials gathered from the environment—such as leaves, twigs, stones, feathers, bark, or seeds. Autumnal ideas include: a pinecone garland, a moss-lined journal cover, or a pressed-leaf collage. However, if you do decide to nature craft, please do so responsibly. Collect only what has naturally fallen—leaves, twigs, acorns, feathers—rather than picking live plants or disturbing habitats. If crafting outside, leave no trace and remember that taking stones and shells is generally not allowed on many beaches. These types of items are usually essential parts of their environments and, unlike leaves or twigs, are not easily replaced.

7. Journaling

I am a fan of journaling anytime of the year, but as the seasons shift, so does my journaling. Autumnal journalling offers a gentle yet purposeful space for reflection, aligning with the season’s natural invitation to slow down and turn inward. I find it a time to start thinking about one year closing and another beginning. It is a space to reflect on growth, challenges, and quiet triumphs, capturing lessons that might otherwise fade. It’s a time to reflect on this year’s goals and to think about one last push. Looking ahead allows you to think about next year’s goals with space to do this. No frantic scrambling around for New Year’s resolutions between Christmas and New Year. For busy women, journaling in autumn can serve as both a sanctuary and a compass. A chance to reflect and continue focussing on what matters most to you.

As we step into a new season, the invitation is clear: to pause, reflect, and realign with what truly nourishes us. Whether through journalling, nature crafting, or mindful planning, these gentle practices offer more than structure; they are a chance to relax, recharge, and move forward calmer and clearer.

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