Let’s face it, you need a break. With the kids back in school, you have more free time to finally indulge in self-care, which does not include taking care of basic hygiene or sleeping eight hours. You’re going to treat yourself this fall and you’re going to love every guilt-free minute of it. Here’s how.
1. Buy a Cozy Sweater
Fall is the perfect season for comfy sweaters that are a couple of sizes too big. Hit up your nearest thrift shop and buy that ugly Thanksgiving sweater, you know the one, that’s oh-so-soft and will pair perfectly with a glass of wine and Netflix.
While you’re at it, grab some fuzzy socks to complete your staying-at-home-on-a-snow-day look. You deserve it.
2. Eat Pumpkin Pie
On a chilly autumn evening, calories from pumpkin pie don’t count. Or at least they shouldn’t. Indulge in a sweet treat at a bakery or whip out a pie pan and make one yourself.
If you eat the whole thing before the kids wake up the following day, you won’t have to share. This may not be health-conscious, but it is entirely understandable.
3. Get a Haircut
A great way to treat yourself this fall is to pick a different hairstyle or color. You can choose a deep auburn, chocolate brown or silvery highlights for a brand new look that feels just as refreshing as the cold autumn air. Why not add some layers to your hair or get those side-swept bangs you’ve always wanted?
Plus, as exciting as it is to walk out of the salon looking like a newer, more attractive version of yourself, it’s even nicer to have someone wash your hair for you. There’s something almost magical about those head massages.
4. Read a Good Book
Visit the library and check out a novel, then take it to a coffee shop and read while sipping a latte. Bundled up in your cozy scarf and beanie, get lost in a world of romance, mystery or espionage as you enjoy the flavor of pumpkin spice. It doesn’t get much more autumnal than that.
You could also pick up a book that teaches you a skill you’ve always wanted to learn, like knitting or candle-making, then go home and practice.
5. Visit the Farmers’ Market
Grab some cash, stroll around the marketplace and chat with the local farmers and bakers. Go on an empty stomach and see if you can score enough free samples to skip breakfast. While you’re there, make it a point to try something new, like a spicy apple cider.
Attempt to barter. If you fail at negotiations and pay $8 for a cider, you might still enjoy every tingly sip of it.
6. Get a Real Massage
If you think a hairstylist scrubbing your head over a sink is lovely, you’re going to adore getting a massage from someone with actual training in the art of backrubs. Splurge a little and get a deep tissue treatment.
You can often find coupons for discounted packages online or you can goad your partner into giving you a massage. They might not put hot stones on your back, but you love them anyway.
7. Go on a Retreat
What better way to unwind than to visit a place that offers yoga, swimming and spa treatments? If you want a break from helping with homework, crave a quiet moment without the sound of Baby Shark playing on repeat or just need a chance to relax, a luxurious stay at a retreat might be the perfect solution.
Odds are, you’ll come back feeling invigorated and be ready to mediate another meltdown over whether to watch Frozen or Coco for the hundredth time. On second thought, maybe you could book another retreat.
8. Get a Manicure
Choose a theme like Halloween or autumn, then let a professional clean up your nails and paint them. Some ideas for themed nail art include foxes, sunflowers, jack-o’-lanterns and fallen leaves. Or, choose a simple color scheme like orange, red and gold to reflect the changing seasons.
Men, don’t think you can’t get a manicure, too. Treat yourself.
9. Take a Walk
Here’s another excellent way to unwind, find a park with plenty of crisp, red and gold leaves on the ground, then delight in crunching them under your boots. Stroll through the mud, snow or icy grass and let the cool wind invigorate your body.
You can even bring your book or coffee and find a secluded place to relax in solitude. Phone, silent. Obligations, zero.
10. Make a DIY Body Scrub
Are you stuck at home for the day? You can still pretend you’re at a spa.
Mix sugar, olive oil and an essential oil of your choice in a bowl to make a coarse scrub with the consistency of damp sand. In the shower, use it to rub your skin from head to toe, exfoliating your whole body. Then, soak in a bubble bath or take a hot shower to wash it away.
You’ll feel softer than ever and pretty soon, people will start wondering where all the olive oil has gone. They don't need to know.
Enjoying the Season
There are so many ways to treat yourself this fall. Venture outside your comfort zone and try something new or stick with time-honored comforts like curling up on the couch with a good book. Whatever you choose, relax and take comfort in the fact that you’ve earned it.
