“Somehow life gets in the way of living”
I heard someone say this once in a YouTube video and I resonated with this sentiment in a way that I am certain most would. While we may be wanting to slow down more in our life it seems that at times it simply moves faster than we expected. To truly slow down and savor in this modern day one must be Interntional about doing so because if time is not created for us to simply slow down, then most likely the opportunity will never come to do so.
Now that autumn is here for us to enjoy in the northern hemisphere, let us create our own opportunities to slow down and savor the things that make life more enriching this time of year. If you work full time like me, then be aware that there are only eight weekends left to enjoy this enchanting time of year, so why not slow down and savor the season all the more? Here are 10 ways that you can slow down and savor autumn this year. These ideas are meant to be slow and intentional to create a simple, yet effective seasonal experience.
-Make a Pot of tea
Not simply a quick cup with a teabag thrown in but make a whole pot of tea to be savored. Enjoy the sounds of the kettle coming to a gentle boil, the aromas of the tea as you pour in the water, the gentle steam rising from the teapot, the visual pleasure of a delicate teacup as it’s being poured into. I will create an entire tea tray with my pot of tea to savor which you can read more about here. But even if you just want a simple pot of tea to enjoy, take the time to slow down and enjoy the process of making a pot of tea as much drinking the tea itself.
-watch the leaves change
Not just merely all around although that too is a great way to savor the season but notice in particular the trees around your home. Maybe you have a favorite tree in autumn that turns a more vibrant color than the others, or maybe there is a group of trees that you particularly enjoy. Notice every few days how the leaves are starting to change colors and fall. This is a practice in being mindful as well as appreciating the beauty of a rhythmic nature that we can always depend on.
-visit your favorite cozy shop
A cozy shop for me are shops like a bookstore, a cooking store (like Willams-Sonoma or Sur La Table) or a home decor store. I love to visit these types of shops at any time of year, but especially so during autumn. Around this time, you will start to see all of the autumn decor as well as so many seasonal items to be enjoyed as well. I will make a plan to stop off at a coffee shop to get a drink, put in my air pods and then simply walk around the shops and savor the atmosphere. It’s a solo date that I schedule to be able to slow down and really savor my favorite shops as well as getting inspired by the different ideas that they have displayed for the season.
-Enjoy Soup sundays
As the temperature starts to make its most noticeable decline this time of year, it creates the perfect opportunity to cook something cozier in the kitchen. This is the time of year where I implement cozy Soup Sundays. I will make soups that are familiar favorites as well as try a few new recipes too. I savor the experience of the chopping, sautéing, cooking, and the aromas of the soup as it cooks away on the stovetop. I am able to put on my autumn playlist and slow down and be present in the moment as I create a dish that will be comforting and thoroughly enjoyed.
-take an early morning walk
Whether in a park, a garden, an arboretum or simply around the block, plan to keep an early morning open for the opportunity to take an autumn walk. I will purposefully wait for a foggy or cloudy morning too because these are my favorite kinds of mornings to enjoy an early morning walk. You get to savor the crisp air and the smell of the fallen leaves. It will create a quiet and gentle atmosphere to calm the senses and an opportunity to simply slow down. Make a hot drink to take with you, maybe even invite someone to keep you company, but try carving out some time to be able to simply wake up, bundle up in a cozy sweater and scarf and take a walk.
-plan a cozy homebody weekend (or two)
While being out and about is a nice way to experience the season, it’s also nice to simply stay home and be cozy for the weekend as well. To plan a cozy homebody weekend is to also create a loose agenda of what you would like to experience this during time. Try not to plan to stay home with no agenda and then accidently find yourself scrolling the phone all weekend. This is about intentional time to be cozy and enjoy home comforts and hobbies. A homebody weekend for me may look like coffee in bed then a simple breakfast followed by curling up under a blanket to read a book, then a nutritious lunch, afterwards enjoy putting together a puzzle with a fun snack like pumpkin spice popcorn. Then, time to start making a cozy dinner followed by an evening teatime and more reading or coloring. These activities will then be repeated the next day as well. This is time set aside to enjoy a more digital free relaxing, to enjoy hobbies that are enriching to us and helps us to slow down. Some other hobbies that can be enjoyed are knitting, painting, crafting, scrapbooking, baking, or even taking a mid-afternoon nap. Use this time to enjoy cozying up at home and savoring some seasonal themed activities.
-put on a seasonal playlist and enjoy a fireplace
There is something so soothing about the glow of a fireplace. Even if you do not have a traditional fireplace (I do not as I live in a high-rise apartment) I highly recommend even getting a small faux fireplace to enjoy during this time of year. I got mine from Amazon for only $77 and it was worth the purchase. It can also be used as a space heater as well, but that is a function that can be turned off if not needed. I love that this can be enjoyed so simply and that it provides a cozy ambience to enjoy many things such as reading or any other hobbies. I will put on my autumn playlist on Spotify, turn on my little fireplace and just cozy into my corner chair and savor the peaceful moment.
-savor coloring or painting a seasonal picture
Just like when I am doing a jigsaw puzzle, whenever I am coloring time seems to slow down and becomes peaceful. There is something that is just so fun in coloring a seasonal autumn picture. It is such a small investment too as you can get coloring books and markers from Amazon. If you enjoy painting, then you can find those as well. Either one is a good practice in savoring the moment and to watch a picture come alive as you color in all of the spaces. You get to be as creative and colorful as you like and to savor a moment of seasonal joy in the quiet and comfort of your home.
-plan an autumn movie night
I love watching movies, especially those that take place in Autumn. There are so many movies out there that can be enjoyed, so why not plan a cozy movie night to enjoy some before the season ends? Bake a batch of seasonal cookies, pop some popcorn, make a seasonal drink or simply bring in your favorite movie snacks. Light the fall scented candles and put on a cozy movie. Some of my favorites are You’ve Got Mail, Practical Magic, Knives Out, The Fantastic Mr. Fox and The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. Pick a movie or two this season and plan to have a cozy movie night.
-Visit a new town
You may be already familiar with all that your town has to offer during autumn, so why not visit a new town during this time of year as well? Find something that you enjoy doing such as visiting a park, a museum, a specific shop, an antique shop, a cafe or restaurant. Plan a day where you take a small road trip to visit a new place and let it delight you in all they have to offer for this time of year. Take your time and meander and notice all of the details and enjoy discovering someplace new that may become a favorite spot to visit.
Wendy Soares says
I really enjoyed reading this blog post! Thank you for the inspiration.🍂😘
ThePetiteTresor says
You’re very welcome Wendy and I’m so happy that you enjoyed reading today’s post 😊