#romanticizing fall

An infographic I made for fun ^^

I don't know about you, but for me fall is a tough time. I completely adore Halloween but it is, after all, just one day. And many people don't like Halloween at all.

But for those of us who do cherish sweet Samhain, outside of that one lovely spooky day, autumn is three whole months. I can't really get excited in September; I'm too busy mourning the death of my favourite season. And November just feels like a grey, joyless slide into winter (especially if you live in a Thanksgiving-less country).

In the same vein as my romanticising winter after Christmas post, I thought I'd include some tips for people like me (as well as myself!) who truly struggle with the slow death of the year.

Be honest with yourself about your climate

If you live in a southern climate, you're probably not going to feel that chill on the first morning of October. You may not live close to foliage that's turned any shade of orange, but you can identify and romanticise what the change in the seasons looks like to you.

When romanticising fall, make sure it's the fall that you get to experience. That might look like:

🍂 noticing any change in the trees (where I live they don't turn orange, but end up a mix of green, gold and brown)

🍂 noticing the firsts. This could be the first time you had to put a jacket on, the first rain you've had in weeks, or the first pumpkin you see on someone's doorstep.

You probably won't get that New England fall if you don't live in New England, and that's okay! Your own climate's autumn may come earlier, later, or look totally different but it's still a beautiful part of the changing seasons across the globe.

Dress properly for your autumn

This is kind of linked to the above. As someone who's extremely sensitive to the cold, I need to accept that I can't just throw some 80 denier tights on under a miniskirt and be fall-ready. I'm currently typing this with a layer of thermal leggings under my jeans and two pairs of socks and for once I actually feel warm. If you're at all like me, here are some ways you can layer up without feeling frumpy.

🍂 thermal tights

🍂 those tights that look sheer but have a fleece layer underneath

🍂chunky knitted socks to go over your regular socks

🍂boot-style slippers instead of those breezy backless ones.

🍂 fingerless gloves. (amazing if you're someone who types a lot or spends a lot of time on your phone. Seriously, even a thin pair will keep heat in your hands and help extend it to your fingertips.

🍂 more sweaters than you think you'll need! You will end up layering them.

🍂 thermal/heattech leggings and long sleeve tshirt combo. These can slot nicely under an outfit you love to extend its life until winter!

Rest

Being able to rest when we need to is a huge privilege and it shouldn't be. I know not everybody can afford to take a day or two off work when their battery runs low, but I truly believe our culture needs to prioritise rest over endless hustle.

For me, it wasn't that I necessarily couldn't afford it, but that I would keep working past my limits because I thought I should. I've deliberately taken more time off for myself this fall and, even though I have to fight that inner voice telling me I'm just lazy and should work harder, I've gotten sick way less than this time last year.

Rest is what the body does to heal itself when it's sick, injured, tired or fighting infection. Many of us need a little more of it in these darkening days when getting up and doing life feels harder. If you are able to prioritise rest, please don't feel guilty about doing so!

Take your vitamins

If you live in a northern climate, you should be taking vitamin D. Likely more than you think you need and earlier than you think you need - if you start in the dead of winter your body won't have enough time to build up healthy reserves.

Different countries have different baselines of what is considered the minimum healthy amount. For example, I'm only barely vitamin D deficient in my country but in Canada I would be quite severely deficient.

Seriously, I'm not a doctor but it's worth getting your blood checked regularly and if your D levels aren't robust, throw a couple 1000IU into your daily routine.

Vitamin d also supports healthy immune function - definitely needed during the season of colds and flus!

Indulge in the little things

Whether you have seasonal affective disorder or just get a little glum this time of year, you need to treat yourself. Think about it: summer is its own treat, and Christmas is so full of treats in the form of bright lights, festive cheer, sweet snacks and hot drinks. We're left with a grey in-between time than can feel comparatively barren. That's why you have to create your own treat-like moments! Especially if you can make it into a new tradition to carry forward.

🍂 Sweet, fall-based treat (my local bakery makes gingerbread in the shape of a witch!)

🍂 Snuggling under a blanket (or two!) while it's raining outside

🍂 Buying yourself a new book in your favourite genre

🍂 Making a decadent hot chocolate, PSL or chai latte

🍂 Loading your couch or bed with soft, textured cushions and having a late morning nap

🍂 Lighting candles at home - more than you think you'd need for maximum coziness!

Don't let the brands boss you around

With mention of PSLs, I feel like I should emphasise that you should not feel beholden to brands and corporations to have a good time. Companies will always insert themselves into community events and make you feel the need to buy their stuff to feel involved.

🍂 Make your own pumpkin spice syrup for lattes

🍂 Bake your own snacks