"While some hate saying goodbye to the freedom of summer and the easy-breezy beach days that celebrate warm weather, I’ve always felt like my best self in the fall, wrapped in a fuzzy blanket with a candle lit. The past several months have meant embracing the idea of hotness in every sense—from saying “yes” to new adventures to embodying your most confident self. And while we can still be “that girl” in any season, designing our wellness routines looks a little different when it’s no longer summer. Known as “Cozy Girl Fall,” the moniker defines the vibe of the season post-“Hot Girl Summer.”
My fall wellness routine keeps my mind settled, my body happy, and my emotional health at peak fall bliss; what you need in fall is very different than what you need in summer. So read on for the wellness tips, tricks, and rituals that pair perfectly with a cozy pair of sweats, your favorite fall beverage, and a big embrace of all things Cozy Girl Fall™.
1. Take time to reflect
I’m a stickler for taking time to connect with myself and take stock of my life before making any changes. As we move away from Hot Girl Summer, the push to gather indoors, layer up your wardrobe, and swap out smoothies for soups can feel like a total 180. While it can be exciting to jump right in, first set an intention for what you want out of this fall. The change of seasons can be an ideal time to pause, contemplate goals, and pivot where necessary. Do your dreams still align with the highest version of yourself? Instead of moving to a new city, would you now rather make the most of your current situation and focus on new activities that will help you make new friends or potentially meet “the one”? Or are there steps you can take to get closer to turning the passion you’ve recently discovered into a career? I’m all for a good theme, and the same is true for my seasons. This fall, try identifying one area you’d like to focus on and stick with it.
2. Do a life edit
Fall is the perfect time for a life edit. Because my summer was filled with lots of travel, a packed social life, and overcommitting, I’m entering fall disorganized and scattered. And it applies to all parts of my life, from my physical environment to my headspace. Plus, fall feels like a fresh start, thanks to back-to-school energy. So, a life edit this time of year helps me identify what’s working and what’s not. Take a deep dive into all facets of your life: digital, home, finance, wellness, mental health, and social relationships. Ask yourself what you want more of in each area, how you can feel even just 1 percent more fulfilled, or what you can release. By divvying up your life by sections and taking time to thoroughly edit each, you’ll feel more confident about what you need to change in your life.
3. Prioritize workouts that align with your shifting energy
Your body needs different things in different seasons, and we’re meant to adapt—that goes for movement, too. I’m less inclined to do a high-energy HIIT sesh in November than my summer self may have been. Having a Cozy Girl Fall is all about staying true to where your energy, mindset, and emotions are during this time of the year. Whether that’s embracing hygge and doing a cozy cardio session or binge-watching Gilmore Girls for the umpteenth time as you work out lazy-girl style, your choice of movement should match the slower pace your body likely craves in the fall. During the colder months, prioritize gentle yoga flows, Pilates, and leisurely walks (even if it means habit-stacking your walking pad strolls with answering emails).
4. Double down on your immune-supporting routine
With cold and flu season upon us, balancing your immune system is top of mind. And with endless supplements promising a supported immune system, there’s a lot of info to sift through. But wellness doesn’t have to (and shouldn’t) feel complicated. It’s often the simple habits that ensure your body is getting what it needs, including for the immunity. Here are some of my go-to tips:
- Eat in-season whole foods that are rich in vitamins and nutrients and support the body’s seasonal needs. For example, keep an eye out for pumpkins packed with vitamin A, apples that are high in fiber and vitamin C, and kale loaded with vitamins A, C, and K as well as fiber and known for their anti-inflammatory properties—all of which support the immune system.
- Explore the wide (and delicious) world of fermented foods. Picks like kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, tempeh, kombucha, and yogurt add tang to your daily diet while aiding immunity.
- Cook with more spices and herbs. Dr. Erin Stokes and Tieraona Low Dog M.D. recommended loading up on flavors like garlic, ginger, basil, cilantro, and cinnamon since they are immune-supporting powerhouses.
5. Start a mood-boosting routine
If you are prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder or just feel blah when the weather gets bleaker, don’t wait until you’re in the thick of it to ask for support—start a mood-boosting routine now. In addition to seeking professional help, start a mood-enhancing routine to help keep you as energized and happy as possible for the months ahead. For example:
- Try light therapy. Get as much sunlight as possible throughout the day—especially morning sunlight first thing upon waking up. If you’re going through cloudy stretches where there’s limited or no sunlight or it’s too cold to head outdoors, try a lightbox or a light therapy device.
- Lean on a schedule. As someone who has experienced depression apart from seasonal shifts, I can say that sticking to a schedule has been immensely supportive in helping me keep up with everyday activities when I don’t have the energy or desire. A schedule can give you things to look for throughout the week that can boost your mood. So, while you’ll want to pencil in your working hours, be sure you’re also setting aside time to see your friends, watch a movie, or do another cozy activity that you love.
- Talk to your doctor about your vitamin D intake. Because we absorb vitamin D primarily through sunlight, the season’s darkness can lead to low vitamin D levels. This can, in turn, perpetuate symptoms of SAD. Check your vitamin D levels and talk to your doctor about whether supplementation is right for you.
Remember: Any wellness practice isn’t one-size-fits-all. Experiment with the tools that resonate with you to find what works best.
6. Commit to a weekly self-care date
A weekly self-care ritual is the new morning routine. While I find keeping #thatgirl Reels on repeat an inspiring social media habit, the sped-up videos of my favorite influencers running through their GRWM morning routines can be a bit intimidating, especially in the fall when I want to sleep in and therefore have less time to get ready. Enter: a once-a-week “me-date” to weave in some wellness and self-care.
While you can do this any day you’d like, I’ve found that my natural fall rhythm sets aside Sunday as my slower, self-care-focused day. (It helps that my partner is tied up with football for 12 hours.) I’ve also found this incredibly helpful in terms of getting over my Sunday scaries since I feel refreshed knowing I took time to pour into myself without letting the rush of any obligations get in the way. Some ways you can spend your self-care Sunday during #CozyGirlFall:
- Take your favorite book to a new coffee shop.
- Take a bath with a stack of your favorite magazines and most luxurious products.
- Take an everything shower.
- DIY a lymphatic drainage massage.
- Hot girl walks are seasonless. Pop in your favorite podcast, bundle up, and get moving.
- Meal-prep cozy and comforting fall meals. I love making soups, cooking grains, and chopping up squash for bowls. (Oh, and don’t forget the dessert.)
- Plow through a few episodes of a new show and try one of these activities to keep you off your phone while you’re watching.
- Invest some time in a new hobby (punch needle embroidery, anyone?)
Of course, it’s also important to carve out time for your daily wellness rituals that make you feel your best. But it can be overwhelming to feel like you have to fit it all in during the 30 minutes you have before you log into work. Remember: Fall is all about embracing our cozy, quiet, and slower lives—you don’t have to do everything to feel productive or enough.
Isabelle Eyman
Isabelle is a Chicago-based writer and editor. She is currently the Managing Editor at Camille Styles, sharing inspiration and uncovering the beauty all around us through food, design, and wellness editorial.