As we slowly approach the fall season, you can see the changes everywhere you look. The trees begin to shift into warm tones of auburn and brown, and pumpkin spice has found its way onto nearly every store shelf. A new season always brings some form of adjustment—just like life. Our wardrobes change, our bodies respond to the drop in temperature (some love the chill, others dread it), and the holiday season begins to loom, quietly hiding in the Halloween shadows. So, maybe it’s important to take a moment and really notice these shifts. Rather than just powering through the seasonal transition, what if we embraced it with some creativity and intentional care? Here are three fall-centered self-care practices I’ll be using this season to celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of autumn.
- Controlled Fear: Scary Movies & Haunted Houses as a Form of Release
Okay, this one might sound strange at first—but hear me out! There’s actual psychology behind why some people love horror movies and haunted houses. It’s called controlled fear: the idea that you get to experience the adrenaline and heightened emotions of a scary situation, but in a completely safe environment. You can press pause on the remote or walk out of the haunted house anytime you want. Your brain gets a jolt of fear, your body responds with adrenaline, and afterward? You often feel a weird but wonderful sense of relief and even relaxation.
It’s similar to the sensation you get from roller coasters. Once the “danger” is over, your nervous system gets a chance to reset, and that release can feel really satisfying. Plus, doing these activities with friends adds another layer of benefit: social bonding. Sharing laughter (and maybe a few screams) during a scary movie or haunted house visit can bring people closer together and create lasting memories.
So if you’re up for it, consider hosting a spooky movie night or gathering some friends for a haunted house outing. Of course, this kind of self-care isn’t for everyone—if adrenaline isn’t your thing, no worries. But if it is, embrace the thrill!
- Lean Into Cozy: Comfort with Intentionality
This might sound cliché, but fall truly invites us to slow down and get cozy—and there’s a reason we’re drawn to that. As the air cools, our natural instincts often lead us to create warmth and comfort within our spaces. This is the perfect time to ask yourself: What makes me feel safe and nurtured at home?
Maybe it’s pulling out soft blankets, slipping into a favorite sweater, or decorating with fall-scented candles and seasonal decor. For some, coziness might come from lighting string lights, baking something warm, or just spending more time indoors reading or journaling.
Intentionality is key here. As you walk outside and hear the leaves crunch beneath your feet, pause and really listen. Find your favorite color leaf. Breathe in the earthy scent of the season. These moments are small, but they’re grounding. They bring us into the present and remind us of the natural beauty around us—if we only take the time to notice.
- Ground Yourself with a Warm Drink
There’s something undeniably comforting about holding a warm drink on a crisp fall day. Whether it’s hot chocolate, a pumpkin spice latte, mulled cider, or herbal tea, the warmth of the cup in your hands is physically and emotionally grounding.
Warmth tends to signal safety to our bodies. Think hot tubs, heating pads, or warm showers—all of these bring a sense of calm and relaxation. Holding a mug of something warm can offer a similar effect. The sensation against your palms draws your attention to the present moment, helping you become more aware of your body and surroundings.
Even better, warm drinks often engage multiple senses—taste, smell, touch, even sight. That sensory experience helps quiet mental noise and foster mindfulness. And yes, it might seem silly to give a pumpkin spice latte this much credit, but sometimes it’s the little rituals—the ones that seem small or even silly—that ground us the most. In those simple moments, we often find gratitude.