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Slower Living & Mindful Mornings
A few years ago, I made one of the biggest changes in my life. After working in municipal government through the chaos of Covid and the 2020 election, I hit a breaking point. Before that, I had been a librarian, but the pressure of those years pushed me to complete burnout. I was mentally and emotionally drained—the constant grind had taken its toll, and I knew something had to change.
Leaving my job felt both terrifying and necessary. Up until then, blogging about native plants, herbs, and nature was just a hobby, but during those challenging times, it became my refuge. It wasn’t just about learning plants anymore; it was about reconnecting with something deeper—an urge to slow down and listen to life. That decision transformed everything. It allowed me to embrace a slower way of living, and as autumn approached, it felt like the perfect season for reflection and change.
One of the first shifts I made was in how I approached my mornings. In the past, I’d wake up with my mind already racing, consumed with thoughts of work and a never-ending to-do list before I even got out of bed. Now, I treat my mornings as sacred. Autumn, in particular, encourages me to slow down. The crisp air and softer light feel like an invitation to be more mindful. I begin my day with a warm cup of herbal tea—chamomile or lemon balm are favorites that help me feel grounded. I move through my morning slowly, savoring the quiet before the day truly begins.
Often, I step outside for just a few minutes to feel the cool breeze and watch the trees shed their leaves. It’s a simple, grounding practice that connects me with the natural rhythms of autumn, reminding me that even nature slows down during this season. This moment of stillness helps me start my day with calm intention, rather than rushing into the demands of the day ahead.
Here is a list of actionable items you can incorporate into your slower living routine to create a more mindful morning:
Herbal Tea Meditation: Start with a warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or lemon balm. Take a few deep breaths as you sip, focusing on the warmth and calming scent.
Step Outside for Fresh Air: Spend just a few minutes outdoors each morning to feel the cool breeze and observe the changing leaves, helping you connect with nature’s slower pace.
Practice Gentle Stretching or Yoga: Incorporate a short stretch or yoga routine to ease into the day and release any tension from the night.
Mindful Breathing: Take a few moments for deep breathing exercises. Inhale deeply, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly to center your mind and body.
Morning Journaling: Reflect on your intentions for the day by journaling. Ask yourself: “What can I do today to slow down and nurture myself?” and “What part of autumn am I most grateful for today?”
Gratitude Practice: Write down three things you are grateful for each morning to set a positive tone for the day.
These simple practices can help foster a sense of calm and presence, allowing you to align with the slower rhythms of autumn.
Eating with the Season
Another way I embraced slower living was by paying attention to what I ate. During autumn, I naturally felt drawn to hearty, nourishing foods like squashes, root vegetables, and soups. Slower living isn’t just about slowing down your schedule—it’s also about being mindful of what you put into your body. For me, eating with the season has helped me connect with the earth and its cycles.
Cooking has become one of my favorite autumn rituals. I love spending an afternoon preparing a meal from scratch, letting the aroma fill the house, and then sitting down to a cozy dinner. It’s a way to honor the harvest and feel more connected to the natural world.
I often turn to these seasonal recipes, which not only embrace the flavors of fall but also nourish the soul:
- Apple Crisp – The perfect dessert for an autumn evening, made with freshly picked apples. The warm, spiced topping brings out the best of the season’s apples.
- Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Crumb Topping – This moist, spiced bread is ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack, and the crumb topping makes it irresistible.
- Butternut Squash Pie – A rich and creamy alternative to pumpkin pie, highlighting one of fall’s best vegetables.
- Sweet Potato Soup – A comforting, warming soup with sweet potatoes and a hint of spice, perfect for chilly days.
- Pumpkin Crisp – A fun twist on traditional pumpkin pie, with a crunchy oat topping that adds a delightful texture.
- Chai Tea – Brewed with cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, this cozy tea is my go-to drink for settling in with a good book.
- Mulled Cider – A warming drink infused with spices like cinnamon and cloves, making it a perfect treat after a long day outdoors.
By incorporating these seasonal recipes into my routine, I’ve found that the simple act of cooking becomes a meditation in itself—an easy way to align with the rhythms of the season.
Here are some FREE seasonal eating meal planner pages I made. I hope you like them!
Cozy Self-Care Practices for Cooler Days
As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, I’ve learned to embrace the art of slower living by weaving cozy self-care rituals into my routine. Fall is the perfect time to shift gears and prioritize nurturing practices that bring warmth, comfort, and stillness into our lives. After years of burnout, I know how important it is to replenish my energy, especially during the darker months.
One of my favorite ways to unwind is through bath rituals, where I often use bath melts instead of essential oils. These small, luxurious additions melt into the water, releasing skin-softening butters like cocoa and shea butter, along with soothing herbs like chamomile and oats. These bath melts are particularly calming for dry skin, and turning a regular bath into this soothing experience aligns perfectly with the slower pace of autumn.
Incorporating elements of Hygge, the Danish and Norwegian concept of coziness and comfort, is also an essential part of my self-care. As a woman with Scandinavian ancestry, I’ve naturally gravitated toward Hygge practices, especially in autumn. Creating a warm atmosphere at home—lighting candles, sipping warm tea, or wrapping up in soft blankets—are small but powerful acts of nurturing that help me stay grounded.
Finding Stillness in Nature
One of the most profound ways I’ve embraced slower living is by spending time outdoors and connecting with nature, especially during autumn. The quiet of the natural world as it prepares for winter resonates deeply with me, reminding me to slow down, let go of unnecessary distractions, and savor stillness. For years, I rushed through my days without pausing, but nature has taught me that there’s a lot of value in simply being present.
I often take long, leisurely walks in the woods, observing the changing colors, the crispness of the air, and the gentle fall of leaves. These nature walks are a grounding practice, one that helps me realign with the seasonal rhythms and find peace amidst the busyness of life. If you’re interested in incorporating this into your routine, consider adding forest bathing and mindful journaling, which are simple ways to deepen your connection to nature. These activities encourage a slower pace, allowing you to savor the beauty of the season.
When I walk, I often carry a nature journal to jot down my observations or thoughts. It’s a small practice that helps me stay rooted in the present, and it deepens my appreciation for the natural world. Writing about what I see and feel during these moments of stillness has become one of my most cherished self-care habits, offering a sense of peace and reflection.
Slower living is about finding these moments of stillness, and for me, nothing offers that more than nature. Whether it’s a hike through the woods or simply sitting quietly in my garden, nature has become my refuge—an essential part of my self-care.
More to Explore
If you enjoyed exploring ways to embrace slower living this autumn, be sure to check out my other popular articles on autumn self-care, slow living, and seasonal celebrations. Dive deeper into the beauty of autumn with more tips and ideas to enrich your seasonal journey!
- Fall Self-Care: 12 Beautiful Practices for a Season of Renewal
- Homemade Chai Tea: A Cozy Delight for Autumn Celebrations
- 10 Sacred Ways to Celebrate the Season of Autumn
- Slowing Down in Autumn: 9 Beautiful Ways to Find Joy in the Season
- Autumn Season: 8 Tips for Hosting a Magical Fall Gathering
- Discover the Magic of Seasonal Living with Wild Seasons Workbooks
