Yes, I know, I’m always harping on about self-care. But that’s because I believe that nurturing our own well-being is incredibly important.
In the past, I completely neglected self-care; pushing myself past breaking point and trying to run on empty, often with disastrous consequences.
But with a combination of therapy and a whole lot of support, the popular self-care adage is burned into my brain: You can’t pour from an empty cup.
With this in mind, I make a point to include some form of dedicated self-care in my daily routine. It’s not always the same activity; there are lots of forms of self-care, including physical, psychological, emotional, social, environmental, spiritual (etc) so I try to cover those different areas with different activities.

I also believe that certain self-care activities are particularly beneficial at certain points in the year. For example, spending an afternoon in the garden could be great in spring or summer, but possibly a little chilly and uncomfortable in autumn or winter!
So, I’ve put together a list of 31 autumn self-care activities that I’m going to share with you today. Think of it as a bit of a challenge!
It doesn’t matter when you begin; don’t feel like you have to wait for the first of the month, just start today! You don’t have to do them in order – honestly, you don’t have to do any of them that you don’t want to. You may find that you want to repeat one that you’ve already done and that’s totally fine! Just try to do at least one activity per day. I honestly believe you’ll reap the benefits.

You’re welcome to print a copy of this checklist for your personal use (right-click and print). You could also pin it for later. I’ve left some space at the bottom for you to add your own self-care ideas if they come to you.
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#1. Sit outside with a hot drink
#2. Read a cosy book
#3. Warm your pyjamas on the radiator
#4. Write a poem about the season
#5. Go for a walk in nature. Crunch leaves.
#6. Meditate by an open window
#7. Take some autumnal photos to share
#8. Watch a wholesome film
#9. Light a scented candle
#10. Set a small, short-term goal

#11. Moisturise your hands
#12. Wash/dry clean your coat
#13. Get an early night
#14. Watch the sunset
#15. Stargaze
#16. Create an autumn music playlist
#17. Help a neighbour
#18. Add a pinch of nutmeg to your coffee
#19. Make toffee apples
#20. Cuddle your pet/a stuffed toy

#21. Make art with natural materials
#22. Put out cat food for hedgehog visitors
#23. Write a letter to someone far away
#24. Have a long catch-up with a friend
#25. Set up a mood-tracker
#26. Treat yourself to a good lip balm
#27. Declutter and cleanse your space
#28. Join an online community
#29. Listen to ASMR
#30. Hang fairy lights in your bedroom
#31. Make a list of your achievements and successes from the year so far

I hope you enjoy this 31 day autumn self-care challenge. Please feel free to let me know how it goes in the comments. If you have your own ideas for autumnal self-care, I’d love to hear them!

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I’ve just been writing a “christmas bucket list” of sorts to try and pull myself out of the bad place I’m in and this post has given me so many more ideas – thank you 🙂
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I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling at the moment, but I’m so glad you found this list helpful! Sending love x
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