As fun as it is to binge Gilmore Girls and scroll through social media for hours on rainy October days, it can be easy to get stuck in a slump in the fall season. With your academic to-do list growing by the day, and the hours of daylight doing the opposite, fall can become more of a stress-inducing season than a cozy one. Here are a few ways to enjoy the autumn season while taking a brain break from all the noise online and in the classroom.
- TAKE A FOLIAGE WALK
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Sometimes, it’s as simple as taking a minute on your walk to class to appreciate the changing leaves around you. Put on your earbuds, start a fall playlist, and make it a goal to just notice the different shades and colors in the plants and trees you pass.
If you’re looking for even more color, a walk in the Boston Common, the Charles River Esplanade, or through Brookline will definitely contain all the colors the season has to offer.
- BAKE OR BUY SOME TREATS
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One of the best ways to welcome fall is through the senses of taste and smell. Filling your kitchen with the smell of warm spices, apples, and cinnamon, or a baked pumpkin treat, is the epitome of cozy fall (bonus points if it’s raining outside!).
If you’re dorm-bound, check out a new cafe or bakery in your area and order a fall special. A little treat is good for the soul, especially if it’s pumpkin spice.
- TAKE AN HOUR TO BE CREATIVE
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There’s something about returning to a nostalgic hobby that is so relaxing and enjoyable. Lately, I’ve been using coloring books to destress. Using your hands to create something is a great way to turn off the busy part of your mind and be fully present in the moment. To make your arts and crafts time even cozier, light a candle, turn on a nice playlist, and take this time to focus on what’s right in front of you.
- HOST A GIRLS’ NIGHT IN
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Get your girls together and plan an evening free from screens where guests can fully connect. Think harvest charcuterie boards, pumpkin cheesecake bites, and a game of Cards Against Humanity. You could do a Halloween costume DIY activity, or even make it a potluck-style gathering. End the evening feeling grounded, grateful, and more connected to your friends (who probably also needed a fun social reset).
- VISIT AN APPLE ORCHARD OR PUMPKIN PATCH
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If you’re really dedicated to making the most of the fall season, do some research to find some nearby pumpkin patches or apple orchards to check out. Nothing says fall quite like a steaming cup of cider and a fresh apple cider donut. If you can make it happen, getting out of the city to enjoy an orchard or pumpkin patch is a great nature reset. Plus, the photo-ops are perfect for adding more fall to your feed!
- READ A BOOK
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Another easy way to slow down and take an hour to unwind is to curl up with a good book! And if it’s assigned reading for school, it doesn’t count! Make a warm cup of tea, sit by a window, put your phone on “Do Not Disturb,” and dive into a story from your favorite genre. The cozy vibes will be off the charts!
Hopefully, you’re inspired to unplug and do some self-care, all while taking advantage of the cozy fall season!
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