Waiting for Autumn...
Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash
I don't know about you, but I go into a state of limbo every September. The excitement of summer is gone, but the weather still sucks. I'm ready for sweaters and pumpkin spice, but I'm stuck sweating in shorts as I chug my fiftieth cup of ice water. The anticipation of waiting for fall weather is one of the most frustrating times for me throughout the year.
That said, now that I'm a grown adult (who goes to therapy once a week), I've found some techniques for getting into the autumn spirit while waiting for autumn weather. I'll share my tips and tricks in this blog and, hopefully, give you some cozy feelings along the way. Feel free to share your tips in the comments- how do you get into the spirit of autumn?
1) Decorate Your Home
Few things bring me more joy than waking up to see my house full of pumpkins and fall garlands. Some years, I began decorating in August to give the universe a little push in the right direction. It may be hot and humid outside, but it's cozy and autumnal in my house (with the air conditioning on).
Photo by Andrew Tirpok on Unsplash
2) Fall Scents
Whether you’re a candle or wax melt girly or prefer the essential oil life, switch up your home’s signature scents for autumn. I love the smell of cinnamon and pumpkin this time of year, and it’s always a special treat to pick up a new candle or two when I’m out and about. Just yesterday, I picked up two new candles from Bath and Body Works, and they made my evening feel extra magical.
3) Get Outside in the A.M.
Where I live, it’s finally starting to get cool in the mornings. By 10am it’s already hot and humid, but early in the morning it’s starting to feel like fall. One of my favorite things to do recently is to get up early in the morning (I’m talking 5:00 a.m.) and sit on my back porch with a cup of pumpkin spice coffee. Breathe in that cool (still humid…thanks, Kansas) air and remind myself that we’re getting closer to my favorite weather. Just don’t forget to light a citronella candle if you live somewhere with mosquitos…I learned that the hard way.
4) Fall Music and Ambience
Music is a massive part of my life, and what I listen to completely changes my mood. Recently, I’ve been loving whimsical and dark academic playlists on Spotify. Here are a few I’ve been loving:
Dark Academia Studying and Reading Instrumentals
I will listen to Halloween playlists constantly as it gets closer to Halloween. There’s nothing quite like a little “Monster Mash” to put me in a spooky mood.
Along with Music, I love playing ambiance videos on Youtube in the background. There are tons of great autumn and Halloween-themed videos. My favorites are the ones with fireplace crackling or rain and some cozy images. Here are a few that I’ve been using:
These videos are fantastic in the background at work or while reading. Sometimes, I even put them on when cleaning my house or making dinner.
5) Watch the Leaves Change
Finally, and maybe the most important tip, is to pay attention to changing leaves. About a decade ago, my husband and I walked along the river in December, and I suddenly said, “oh my gosh! There are no leaves on the trees! When did that happen?!” I realized I had utterly missed the changing seasons while living my busy life. Since then, I have paid close attention to the trees and foliage on my daily drives and walks, noticing when individual leaves turn red, orange, and yellow and finally fall. It makes waiting for cozy weather a bit sweeter when you see the world around you slowly changing.
Photo by Enes Gundogdu on Unsplash
What are your favorite ways to get into the autumn spirit? Leave a comment below!
