Dear reader,
It’s finally fall. In just a few days, the temperatures will drop, causing me to pull out all of my sweaters and flannels.
I have been waiting for this time all year and it’s finally here. The leaves are turning and falling, every store is stocked with pumpkin everything and my fall playlist on Spotify is playing.
In my opinion, fall is the best time for self-care. To be honest, I think it’s because I’m the happiest in the fall. The energy is just too good.
I want to list out some of my favorite forms of self-care you can use while in college to destress and unwind. Classes are starting to pick up, so this is a great time to start setting aside some time for yourself.
Drink pumpkin everything
Grabbing a pumpkin drink is one of my favorite forms of self-care. Starbucks is my favorite place to get one. I love an iced pumpkin spiced latte, but my favorite is an iced white mocha with pumpkin cream cold foam.
If you’re not a coffee person, I’m gonna grace you with the best recipe at Starbucks you will ever receive, one my sister found a while ago: an iced pumpkin cream chai with two pumps of brown sugar. Trust me, you will crave this drink all year round.
If you don’t want to go off-campus, The Cabin in Davies has fall menu drinks, and they taste almost identical to the Starbucks drinks.
If Starbucks is out of the budget or you’re just not a fan, I suggest Caribou, The Goat or even Dunkin Donuts.
Study under a tree
This may sound silly, but go out and find the prettiest tree you can find and do your homework under it. Throw on your favorite fall playlist and take a deep breath of the fall air.
Just being in nature during fall brings me so much serotonin. The smell, the colors and the cool breeze. Don’t even get me started on the sound of crunching leaves. It’s almost too perfect, and a great way to get things done.
Light a fall candle (optional) and journal
If you’re not in the dorms, light a fall candle and grab a journal. If you’re in the dorms, please only grab a journal and not the candle.
Find a window to sit by, one of which shows the trees outside. Grab a pen and start writing about anything and everything. This would be a great time to think about your goals for the rest of the semester.
I also recommend grabbing a cozy blanket to snuggle up under and get comfortable. The only way the inspiration will flow is if you relax and enjoy yourself.
Go to an apple orchard
Going to apple orchards is one of my favorite things about fall. The pumpkins, the apples, the hayrides and the corn mazes. It’s the perfect way to spend a fall day.
We have a few options in Eau Claire, such as Ferguson’s Orchards, Leffel Roots Apple Orchard, Maple Leaf Orchard, Connell’s Family Orchard, among many others.
I could probably come up with a million other ideas for fall self-care, but these are my favorites.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself. I know school can start to get very stressful, but keep finding time for yourself and celebrate the fall season.
I hate to remind you, but in just a few months, the snow will be back for a while. Take advantage of being outside and enjoying the weather.
Now, grab a fall drink, relax, and continue to find ways to prioritize your mental health as the seasons change.
Lots of love and hugs of encouragement,
Skyler
Schad can be reached at [email protected].
