Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall: How to Shift to a Slower Pace During the Fall Season

By Isabella Perez on Oct. 13, 2022 at 5pm

The summer season is known to be a time of frequent travel, spending time with friends and family, and soaking up every second of free time. Although this is a much awaited time of the year, I find myself longing for a slower pace after a while. In every season, there is something to look forward to. For me, the fall season has always been a time to slow down. As the weather cools down, I fancy the idea of cozying up at home instead of making plans to go out. I find that the fall season is a great time to ground myself before entering the holidays. Read on for ways to implement a slower pace into your lifestyle this fall!

Set a rest day in your week

Contrary to what society says, rest is necessary and essential for a healthy life both physically and mentally. Rest days should be a time where you avoid the to-do list and simply relax. This can be choosing to spend time alone and set boundaries to not make plans with people on this day. You can avoid social media, go out in nature if the weather permits, and practice being present. I love my rest days, and I find I always look forward to them during the busy seasons of life. I enjoy going to a local park and spending some time reading, journaling, and just soaking up the stillness of life. I’ll visit local thrift shops, tend to my plants, bake a sweet treat, the possibilities are truly endless. In order to show up daily as the best versions of ourselves, it’s important that we take rest days to regather ourselves mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Be extra intentional with spending time in God’s word on your next rest day!

Wind down earlier

During the summer months, it’s easy to stay up late and stray from our usual routines. As you enter the fall months, start implementing a regime that allows for a healthy wind down process before going to bed. This can look like making dinner, tidying up your living space, taking a shower (or bath), and watching your favorite show or reading a book. I suggest creating a cozy space that you look forward to at the end of a long day; fall scented candles, warm blankets, relaxing ambient music, a cup of tea, lamps instead of overhead lights, etc. Doing this will allow your body to recognize the routine of when it’s time to relax and prepare for bed and the day ahead.

Participate in fall-themed activities 

One thing I love during the fall season is going to a pumpkin patch. The environment always manages to get me into the fall spirit. There are so many activities that are better enjoyed during the fall season like apple picking, harvest festivals, baking seasonal desserts, and more! I suggest looking into local events in your area for an alternative to long commutes. Engaging in these seasonal activities really helps with being present and enjoying this time of year as much as possible. It can also get you excited for the holidays to come.

Isaiah 40:31