A slow living fall routine is definitely needed this time of year.
If you’re anything like me, your life has probably been all over the place since summer.
I’m talking burnt out, overstimulated, and living in complete chaos.
From getting back on track after vacation to catching up on work and other projects, you may feel like you haven’t had a chance to catch your breath.
I feel you, and I’m with you.
Now that we’re in a new season, it’s the perfect time to get cozy, press the reset button, and take a slower approach to life.
So, I’ve been doing a few things differently in my daily routine this season and the impact has been phenomenal.
I have more energy, I’m less stressed out, and I find myself living more in the present moment.
What changes did I make, you ask?
Well, I’ve been leaning into slower living with 15 intentional lifestyle changes.
I’m not one to gatekeep, so you I’ll let you in on my secrets. 🤫
If you’re ready to embrace a slow living lifestyle this fall, keep on reading!
*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the product or service, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Click here to learn more.
15 Intentional Changes for a Slow Living Fall Routine
🌅 Slower Mornings
1. No phone for the first 30 minutes
How many mornings have you reached for your phone as soon as you woke up?
Checking emails, scrolling on social media, replying to texts, etc.
For so many of us, this simple act feels second nature, but it’s not doing us any good.
I don’t know about you, but starting my morning with screen time makes me feel really anxious.
It feels as if the entire world is suddenly in my bedroom impatiently waiting for my next scroll or click.
It’s a very heavy feeling that I’d rather not experience as soon as I open my eyes (or at all tbh).
Instead, I now take a few minutes to wake up by wiggling my toes, stretching my arms towards the ceiling, and just lying there until my body feels ready to get up.
And I’ve been feeling so mentally refreshed and relaxed afterwards.
I highly recommend giving this one a try.
2. Enjoying a warm drink by the window
Nothing says “slow morning” like sipping on your favorite beverage as you gaze out the window thinking of your day ahead.
There’s nothing better than letting the morning light wash over you and indulging in some quiet moments before getting ready.
Or maybe you’re the type to enjoy a hot drink with breakfast or while you read the newspaper (people still do that, right?).
Whichever you choose, just bask in the calmness of the autumn season and savor every moment of it.
Here’s to spending more time with yourself!
3. Journaling one page a day
A great way to add some peace to your morning routine is by journaling.
This is a no-pressure activity, and you can write about anything you’d like.
Maybe some song lyrics popped into your head that you don’t want to forget.
Or maybe you need to do a brain dump because there are a million and one things floating around in your head.
Essentially, all you’re doing is checking in with yourself.
I’ll link my favorite journal below for you.
📌 Related: 100 Fall Journal Prompts to Embrace Growth and Change
🤸🏽♀️ Mindful Movement
4. Taking slow, intentional walks
Going on more walks throughout the week has done wonders for my mental health.
Feeling the cool breeze on my face and hearing the crisp leaves beneath my feet fill me with so much joy.
Life really is all about the little things.
I challenge you to get out of the house more this season and just go outside. No destinations, no headphones–just vibes.
You’d be surprised at how amazing a short walk can make you feel.
This is especially important since our chilly evenings now come with a lack of sunlight, so we could all use the extra vitamin D.
5. Stretching for 5–10 minutes after waking up
Stretching is a great way to loosen up stiff muscles and get some movement in before starting your day.
This will feel really nice if you sit at a desk all day for work, have an intense workout routine, or simply didn’t sleep the best the night before.
All you need is 5-10 minutes to wake your body up and feel ready to take on the world.
Go at your own pace and do what feels good to you.
6. Trying gentle yoga once or twice a week
Nothing lifts your mood and gives you a sense of peace like a relaxing yoga session.
This is a low effort, grounding practice that I’ve been trying to incorporate more into my weekly routine.
The benefits of yoga are incredible, and the best part is that it’s perfect for all skill levels.
It’s completely up to you if you want to sign up for an actual class or do an at-home session courtesy of Youtube.
So, grab your yoga mat and give it a try!
🧘🏾♀️ Protecting Your Peace
7. Turning off non-essential notifications
I am the QUEEN of do not disturb.
I typically have my phone on DND for a good chunk of my day, and nothing matches the peace of mind that I get from it.
If you find yourself glued to your phone, checking every little chime and ding as they come in, that’s a sign you need to take your peace back.
Never feel bad for putting your phone on DND for a bit and taking some much needed “me time.”
The world won’t come crashing down if you respond to things a few hours later.
So, in the name of slow living, turn off those notifications!
8. Having one screen-free hour each day
Imagine having an hour every day dedicated to something you enjoy doing. And most importantly, something that doesn’t involve a screen.
We live a in a very digital world, and electronics are ingrained into every aspect of our daily lives.
However, if you want to experience a true slow-living lifestyle, having more screen-free time is a step in the right direction.
Your options of activities are limitless!
Cozy up on the couch and dive into a good book.
Hop in the car and take a trip to your local pumpkin patch.
Or maybe play some board games with a significant other.
What will you do this week for your screen-free hour?
9. Choosing presence over productivity
This particular tip has been a huge game changer in my slow living fall routine, and I’m sure it will be in yours, too!
Start asking yourself, “Do I need to do this right now?”
So simple, right?
Productivity can be a good thing, but sometimes we go overboard filling in every gap in our schedules.
Being intentional with your life means staying present and creating space in your daily routine to breathe and reflect.
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you don’t need to tackle everything on your massive to-do list in one day.
🕯️ Cozy Evenings
10. Lighting candles or using warm lighting
Creating cozy moments in my home are some of my favorite ways to embrace a slow life.
All a girl really needs on these crisp, chilly evenings are soft blankets and a warm slice of pumpkin bread.
I recommend transforming a space in your house to be your own personal cozy oasis.
Light your favorite candle and turn on a couple of lamps to create the perfect autumn ambience.
After that?
Relax and bask in calmness.
If you need some candle recommendations, I’ll link some of my favorites below.
11. Reading a physical book before bed
What’s a better autumn activity than reading a book before bed to unwind?
I’ve started doing this again recently, and it’s been helping alleviate the stress of my busy day.
Reading gives your mind a chance to relax and completely immerse yourself in a new world.
You’ll often get lost in the pages, and before you know it, you’re dozing off with the book still in hand.
I recommend a physical book rather than an ebook (although I do love a good Nook moment) because there’s something so magical about feeling the pages between your fingers.
And that nostalgic book smell is something that can’t be replicated!
If the slow life is what you crave, head over to your local library, B&N, or peruse Amazon to find something that looks interesting.
12. Doing a 3-step wind-down ritual
Another thing I’ve been doing differently this season is simplifying my wind-down routine.
Some nights, I dreaded getting ready for bed because there were so many steps involved.
It had gotten to the point that I was more exhausted from my routine than relaxed!
Instead, I now try to stick with a simple 3-step routine.
For me, this looks like a quick shower, Sleepytime tea, and a good book.
You can create and customize your routine to work best for your needs, but try to make it only three steps.
This simple act of paring down your daily wind-down ritual will bring you closer to living the slow life this season.
🥧 Fun Seasonal Activities
13. Baking something once a week
Your slow living fall routine just got a whole lot sweeter!
Autumn is a great time to bake some delicious treats for you and your loved ones.
Baking can be very peaceful, and it’s an excellent mindfulness activity.
As a hobbyist baker, I love making new seasonal pies, cookies, and cakes to enjoy while watching my favorite Halloween movies (Hocus Pocus enters the chat).
The number of fall recipes out there are endless, so find some that look good to you and grab your apron!
14. Visiting a local market or fall festival
Something on my bucket list this season: visiting the pumpkin patch.
I’ve missed going the last couple of years because, well, life. 🙂 But that will be changing this year (and every year after)!
Autumn is the perfect season to have mini adventures throughout the week. There is always something fun going on.
Take a trip to your local market to see what seasonal trinkets vendors are selling.
If there’s a fall festival in the area, grab a friend and get some pumpkin spice lattes and caramel apples while you’re at it.
What adventures will you get into?
15. Creating fall diy projects
Now, I may be a little biased with this one because I love doing diy projects throughout the year.
However, my favorite time to do them is in autumn.
Fall wreathes, mantle decor, and table centerpieces HATE to see me coming!
You don’t have to be the most creative person in the world to have a good time doing a diy project.
This can solely be an activity that keeps you in the present moment and brings you a sense of relaxation.
If you’d like a super easy fall diy, check out my stovetop potpourri!
Ready, Set, Fall!
There you have it! You now have some of the easiest ways to enhance your slow living fall routine.
These seemingly small tweaks to your daily life will yield significant changes.
Remember that you don’t have to do things perfectly, just with more intention.
I promise you’ll feel happier and less stressed sooner than you think.
Drop a comment: what are some ways you’re changing up your routine this season?
Then, check out how you can have the coziest fall reset day this week!
Peace, love, and good vibrations. ̴(•◡•)̴♡
