10 Cozy Habits To Start This Fall For A Calmer Mind

The crisp autumn air, the smell of apples and pumpkin spice, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot — fall is the season of comfort. But while the world around us slows down, our minds often keep racing, jumping from one worry to the next. 

If you’re craving more calm and balance, this fall is the perfect time to lean into these 10 cozy habits to start this fall for a calmer mind that may help to soothe your soul and hopefully bring your brain some peace on your journey to living an intentional life.

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1. Light Candles or Use Warm Lighting

There’s something magical about the soft glow of a candle or warm lighting that instantly makes a room feel more inviting, signaling to your brain that it’s time to slow down and relax.

How to incorporate this habit:

• Choose Seasonal Scents: Pick candles with cozy, comforting scents like vanilla, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice. I also like woodsy scent candles. All of these scents not only add to the fall ambiance but also have calming properties.
• Layer Your Lighting: Beyond candles, think about how you can create soft lighting in your home. String lights, salt lamps, or dimmable lamps can help create a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for unwinding at the end of the day.
• Make It a Ritual: Lighting a candle can become a grounding ritual, signaling to your brain that it’s time to transition into relaxation mode. Use this as part of your cozy fall morning routine or when you start winding down in the evening.

2. Create a Warm Drink Ritual

There’s something inherently soothing about wrapping your hands around a warm mug, especially as the temperatures drop. A warm drink ritual is one of the easiest and coziest ways to carve out a few moments of peace during your day.

How to create your warm drink ritual:

• Choose Your Drink: Whether it’s a spiced chai, a cup of herbal tea, or a frothy hot chocolate, pick a drink that makes you feel grounded and relaxed. Fall is the perfect season to explore new flavors like cinnamon, pumpkin, or turmeric lattes.
• Savor the Moment: Don’t just gulp it down while you’re scrolling through your phone or rushing out the door. Set aside 5-10 minutes to enjoy your drink mindfully – without distractions. Let the warmth of the mug and the aroma of the drink be your focus.
• Use It to Anchor Your Day: Make this a part of your morning routine, or use it as an evening wind-down ritual. Having a small moment that’s just for you can help calm your mind and provide a sense of stability throughout the season.

3. Make a Cozy Space to Rest Your Mind

Your environment deeply impacts your state of mind. If your space is cluttered or overwhelming, your mind will mirror that chaos. This fall, focus on creating a peaceful, cozy space that invites relaxation and calm – think along the lines of hygge lifestyle.

How to create your cozy space:

• Clear Out the Clutter: Start by decluttering the areas where you spend the most time. You don’t have to go all-in Marie Kondo here, but removing unnecessary items and visual clutter will create space for peace. Focus on decluttering one corner or one room to get started.
• Add Comforting Elements: Introduce soft blankets, pillows, and even a heated throw blanket – these are the ultimate cozy companions. A heated blanket instantly makes you feel warm and comforted, helping your body relax and unwind.
• Incorporate Fall Decor: Soft, autumnal tones, candles, and maybe a FEW fall-inspired decorations can create a space that feels grounded and seasonal. 

By intentionally designing a space that feels comforting, you create an environment where your mind can rest and recharge. You may use this area simply for relaxing and meditating, or it could be your journaling or reading nook… all of which are perfect autumn cozy activities.

4. Practice Gratitude Journaling

Journaling is a powerful way to process thoughts, release tension, and gain perspective. And fall, with its invitation to slow down and reflect, is the perfect time to introduce a gratitude practice into your routine.

How to start gratitude journaling:

• Keep It Simple: Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. They can be small – like your favorite blanket, the sound of rain, or a kind text from a friend. The act of focusing on positive moments shifts your mindset from stress to appreciation.
• Create a Routine: Whether you journal in the morning to set the tone for your day or in the evening to reflect, having a consistent time helps make this habit stick. Pair it with your warm drink ritual for added calm.
• Feel the Gratitude: As you write, take a moment to really feel the gratitude for each thing on your list. This helps cement the positive feelings and provides a deeper sense of peace.

Related post: 22 Fantastic Gratitude Journal Prompts You Need Today {Free Printable}

5. Enjoy a Creative Hobby

Creativity can be a wonderful way to calm your mind. Focusing on a creative task allows you to get into a flow state, where time seems to slow down, and your mind feels lighter.

How to start a creative hobby:

• Choose Something Calming: Whether it’s knitting, painting, or baking – or something else entirely – pick a hobby that allows you to focus on the process rather than the outcome. Fall is a great time to try new things, like making homemade candles or baking pumpkin bread.
• Dedicate Time Each Week: Set aside time to enjoy your hobby without distractions. It doesn’t have to be long – just 20 minutes of creative flow can do wonders for your mind.
• Don’t Stress About Perfection: The goal isn’t to create a masterpiece. It’s about immersing yourself in the joy of creating, which can be incredibly calming and satisfying.

Related post: 12 Outstanding Creative Outlets for Non-Creative Adults

6. Take Slow, Mindful Walks in Nature

Autumn is the perfect season to enjoy nature – cooler (but not yet frigid)  air, vibrant leaves, and the crunch of foliage underfoot. Walking slowly and mindfully can be a powerful way to quiet your mind and connect with the present moment.

How to make your walks more mindful:

• Be Present: Leave your phone at home (or at least in your pocket) and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of fall. Notice the colors of the trees, the way the air feels, and the rhythm of your footsteps.
• Slow Down: Resist the urge to power-walk. Instead, move slowly and intentionally. Let the crisp air refresh your mind and body.
• Breathe Deeply: As you walk, take deep breaths and let the fresh air fill your lungs. This simple act helps calm your nervous system and lowers stress.

7. Read a Comforting Book

There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a good book, especially as the weather cools down. Reading not only helps distract your mind from overthinking, but it also allows you to immerse yourself in another world, which can be incredibly soothing.

How to build a reading habit:

• Pick the Right Genre: For fall, cozy up with books that make you feel good. Think heartwarming novels, light mysteries, or nostalgic reads. Avoid anything too intense or anxiety-inducing if you’re trying to calm your mind.
• Create a Reading Nook: Set up a special place where you can read undisturbed. Layer blankets and pillows, add a heated throw blanket, and keep your favorite book within reach. Don’t forget a place for your reading glasses and your favorite beverage.
• Set a Time to Read: Dedicate at least 15-20 minutes in the evening or before bed to unwind with a book. This can help ease the transition from a busy day into a restful night. If you have a difficult time fitting reading into your day, try getting up a few minutes earlier and reading a few pages in the morning.

Recommended resource: I love paper books, but I’ve been surprised at how much MORE I love the Kindle Paperwhite that I bought a couple of years ago. With the adjustable light and font sizes, it makes reading on dark autumn evenings so much easier! 

8. Create a Calm Evening Routine

An intentional evening routine can signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down, helping you relax and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

How to build a relaxing routine:

• Set a Wind-Down Time: Start your routine at least 30-60 minutes before bed. During this time, avoid screens and opt for calming activities.
• Incorporate Relaxing Activities: ‘Put the house to bed’ by doing a 10-minute tidy, making sure exterior doors and windows are locked and secure, and doing a final kitchen check before starting the dishwasher. Then, light a candle, do some reading, journaling, or daily planning, and sip on a calming drink. Leave time for personal care before slipping into your cozy bed.
• Be Consistent: Stick to your evening routine as much as possible. The more consistent you are, the more your body will begin to associate these activities with relaxation and sleep.

9. Make Your Own Broth

There’s something incredibly comforting about the slow process of making your own broth. Whether it’s chicken, beef, or vegetable, homemade broth is a nourishing and grounding addition to your meals that fills your home with cozy aromas. Plus, it’s a simple, hands-off task that allows you to slow down and savor the process of creating something from scratch.

How to start this habit:

• Use Kitchen Scraps: Making broth is a great way to repurpose vegetable scraps, chicken or beef bones, or leftover herbs. Keep a bag in the freezer for scraps, and a separate bag for bones. When you have enough, toss them into a pot or a slow cooker with water and let the slow simmering process work its magic. It’s low effort but high reward.
• Simmer Low and Slow: Let your broth simmer for hours – this slow cooking process not only extracts all the nutrients and flavors but also creates a sense of peace in your kitchen. The gentle bubbling on the stove and the inviting aroma will make your home feel even cozier. (*Note: Beef broth, while incredibly nutritious, does NOT smell great when simmering. When I want a delicious scent, I prefer to make chicken or vegetable broth.)
• Freeze for Later: Once your broth is ready, freeze it in portions so you always have a base for soups, stews, or sauces. I also like to drink broth in place of coffee sometimes. It’s a little bit of fall comfort stored away for the colder days ahead.

Making your own broth is the ultimate fall habit—it’s nourishing, slow, and provides an ongoing sense of coziness throughout your home. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to know you’ve created something homemade that will keep giving back in future meals.

Related post: 56 Delicious Crockpot Soups for Fall (Perfect Cozy Recipes for Crisp Days)

10. Unplug and Be Present

With the constant noise of social media and news, it’s easy for our minds to become overstimulated. Unplugging for a little while each day and doing something cozy – but NOT sitting under a blanket and scrolling – gives your mind space to breathe and be present in the moment.

How to unplug:

• Schedule Tech-Free Time: Pick a time each day when you can put away your phone, turn off the TV, and just be present. Use this time to read, walk, talk with your family, or simply sit in silence.
• Create a ‘Digital Sunset’: Turn off screens at least 30 minutes before bed. This gives your brain a break from overstimulation and helps you wind down for the night.
• Embrace Quiet Moments: Take time to enjoy silence and stillness without feeling the need to fill the space with distractions. Sometimes the simplest moments are the most calming.

More Fall Inspiration

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My Cozy Fall Inspiration List on Amazon

10 Productive Things To Do In The Fall to Build Your Best Life

57 Delightfully Cozy Fall Quotes And Sayings To Share This Autumn

By practicing these 10 cozy habits this fall, you’re not only welcoming the cozy beauty of the season, but you’re also taking intentional steps to calm your mind and create moments of peace in your everyday life. Each of these habits reminds us that we can find calm in simple, everyday actions.

As the leaves change and the air gets crisp, remember to create space for coziness and calm. Don’t feel pressured to do everything at once – start with just one or two habits that fit into your lifestyle. Over time, these small changes will help you feel more grounded, centered, and at peace, no matter how busy life gets.

If you’re looking for even more ideas to make the most of the season, I’ve created a Realistic Fall Bucket List for Adults to help you enjoy all the cozy activities that autumn has to offer. It’s filled with simple suggestions that align with the vibe we’re all craving this time of year.

Click here to get your free printable Realistic Fall Bucket List, and start filling your fall days with activities that bring both joy and coziness!

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