There’s something special about the changing of seasons. While we love a pumpkin spice latte and the colorful leaves falling in the backyard, more recently we’ve started to notice a shift in the way things feel when fall comes around.

It’s almost as if a new season means a change in the way we spend each day. In the midst of this, we’re preparing for fall not only by resuming weekly farmers market trips and making sure the pantry is full of baking staples, but by slowing down and making space for something new.

Honoring transitions and giving yourself the space to make gradual changes intentionally can help ease the stress of new routines, schedules, and priorities. So take the time to ask yourself what preparing for fall looks like for you. We’ve put together a list of 99 ways to start slowing down and embracing the shift.

Get cozy

1. Head to your local natural food store to stock up on loose-leaf tea blends. We especially love rooibos for fall.

2. Choose a new warm candle scent for the season.

3. Pull blankets and quilts from storage.

4. Open the windows to let in cool, crisp air each day.

5. Add throw pillows to your sofa, accent chairs, and bed set.

6. Make a list of extra cozy shows you’d like to watch over the next few weeks. You could start with “Virgin River,” “Gossip Girl,” and “Friends” to name a few!

7. Stock up on new pairs of warm, fuzzy socks.

“Open the windows to let in cool, crisp air each day.”

8. Add a few new titles to your home library. Whether you love romance, historical fiction, or self-development books, fall is a great time to get into (or back into) reading.

9. Create a fall playlist. Think Ed Sheeran, James Bay, and LANY.

10. Switch bright, cool-toned lights out for something warmer and dimmer.

11. Go thrifting for some cozy home decor. Vintage mugs, a cool lamp, and golden candlestick holders can add some depth and a vibe to your space.

12. Sign up for a newspaper, magazine, or literary journal subscription.

13. Change your sheets to brushed cotton or flannel.

14. Start incorporating fall pieces like heeled boots, cardigan sweaters, and belts into your wardrobe.

15. Bring in a rug to add more texture and depth to your space.

16. Source local firewood for your fireplace or fire pit.

Connect

17. Plan a retreat with your friends, maybe somewhere you’ve always wanted to go. Maine, Colorado, or Vancouver, anyone?

18. Take a long drive through the mountains with your partner. No music, just cool air and nice conversation.

19. Start sending letters to loved ones or even find a pen pal in a different state, industry, or season of life to connect with.

20. Volunteer in your local community. See if there are opportunities to help out with a local book drive, raking leaves for families in your neighborhood, or even a bake sale fundraiser!

21. Start a study group in your home. Together you could tackle a new subject, dig into religious texts, or learn a new game like Mahjong.

22. Host family or close friend nights for board games and puzzles.

23. Join a book club! This can be a fun way to get back into reading for the cozy season and connect with new people.

24. Go to a local football game. Check out the minor leagues!

25. Have you been traveling a lot recently? Schedule a coffee date to reconnect with your loved ones!

“Host family or close friend nights for board games and puzzles.”

26. Drop off baked goods for a neighbor, friend, or family member.

27. Introduce yourself to the regulars at your favorite local coffee shop. Those people you see every Tuesday at 8 a.m. may become close friends one day.

28. Make a list of ten things you love about your life right now.

29. Go on a hike with a special someone.

30. Host a fall-themed party this year with wreath building, pumpkin painting, and baking.

31. Think of topics of conversation you’d like to have with your family over the holidays.

32. Invite your neighbors over for dinner.

33. What are some ways you can connect on a deeper level with your partner this season? Maybe it looks like planning a weekly date night, enjoying your coffee together before work, or silencing your phones when you’re at home.

Settle in

34. Clear out your pantry to make room for seasonal favorites.

35. Make homemade jams and butters.

36. Service your lawn mower, leaf blower, and power washer to keep your yard landscaped this season. If you’re an apartment dweller, consider cleaning your appliances!

37. Buy a new pair of heavy-weight gloves to use for gardening and cleaning out the gutters.

38. Reset your tablescape with gourds, leaves, or other fall favorites.

39. Choose one thing to deep clean each week so you can keep a nice, tidy space.

40. Gather nourishing recipes like soups, stews, and casseroles.

41. Spend a Saturday handwashing your cashmere items.

42. Stock up on baking essentials like flour, sugar, and cinnamon, to name a few.

“Service your lawn mower, leaf blower, and power washer to keep your yard landscaped this season.”

43. Hang new art in your space.

44. Switch out your current laundry detergent for something with a warm, spiced scent.

45. Harvest summer vegetables for canning and pickling.

46. Make a fall wreath for your front door.

47. Spend a weekend swapping out summer flowers for fall veggie crops.

48. Organize your tea and coffee pantry with your favorite seasonal mugs, local blends, and homemade syrups.

49. Fill your bird feeders with sunflower and safflower seeds to keep the birds around for the season.

50. Pull out your favorite heavy-duty appliances like standing mixers, bread makers, and cast iron skillets.

Reflect, imagine, plan

51. Make a list of goals you wish to accomplish by the end of the year.

52. Take intentional time to let go of old habits and make room for new growth.

53. Choose one self-care activity to commit to every single day.

54. Think of one habit you would like to break and list intentional ways you may be able to do so.

55. Take time to dream. No boundaries, no rules, just simply…dream.

56. Organize your calendar. Are there any areas of your life you can cut back on to create space for rest in this season?

57. Create a daily checklist.

58. Reach out to some of your long-distance relatives or friends! This is a great time to connect.

“Organize your calendar. Are there any areas of your life you can cut back on to create space for rest in this season?”

59. Is there a creative project that’s been on your mind recently? Maybe now is the time to start.

60. Reflect on the last two seasons (spring and summer) and set intentions for fall based on what you’ve learned about yourself this year.

61. Answer the question: If you could live abroad for one full year, where would you go?

62. Designate a time each day to sit in silence and just be. You are allowed to simply enjoy the stillness.

63. Ask yourself: Have I accomplished something I set my mind to this time last year?

64. Write to a journal prompt each day.

65. Think about what a new season means to you. Do you enjoy change?

66. Think about some ways you can prioritize taking care of your body and mind this season. Write them down, work through them, and set a time to reflect on how things have changed.

Take care

67. Stock up on your favorite bath oils and Epsom salts.

68. Switch up your current gym routine. New movements can do amazing things for your mindset and muscle growth.

69. Eat a colorful plate full of fall veggies like squash, brussel sprouts, and sweet potatoes.

70. Book a facial.

71. Invest in immune-supporting supplements to protect your body from winter colds.

72. Swap your current moisturizer for something a little heavier for the drying, colder months.

73. Take any fall pieces that need it to your local alteration studio.

74. Schedule your annual checkups with your dentist, doctor, etc.

“Eat a colorful plate full of fall veggies like squash, brussel sprouts, and sweet potatoes.”

75. Make homemade face masks with natural ingredients from your kitchen.

76. Stretch daily to aid muscle recovery, stability, and posture.

77. Swap warm summer blushes for something deeper and richer.

78. Take walks to wind down at the end of each day.

79. Make a big batch of homemade bone broth to keep in the freezer for recipes and to have on hand as a wholesome cold remedy.

80. Buy a new journal for the season.

81. Prioritize true, deep rest.

82. Visit an infrared sauna. This is so good for your body and can be the perfect way to warm up on chilly fall days.

Try something new

83. Join a class at your local pottery studio.

84. Step out of your comfort zone with your personal style. Switch things up with a new color or pattern you’ve never worn before.

85. Go camping in a new area.

86. Try one new fall recipe each week.

87. Go to an open mic night with an open mind. Hear from local poets and maybe even share a piece yourself.

88. Order seasonal menu items from three locally owned restaurants.

89. Explore a town close to where you live. You never know the hidden gems you might find just a few miles away!

90. Take horseback riding lessons.

“Step out of your comfort zone with your personal style. Switch things up with a new color or pattern you’ve never worn before.”

91. Go apple picking and bake a pie after.

92. Join a run club. Those cooler hours of the day are perfect for getting in a run, and what better way to do so than with your local community?

93. Try learning a new language.

94. Take a candle-pouring class. Extra points if you use one of their fall scents!

95. Adopt a puppy or kitten. It’s so special to experience the joy of giving a sweet furry friend a new home!

96. Put together a puzzle and frame it as artwork in your home.

97. Sign up for a new workout class with friends.

98. Add a new type of flower to your grocery list each week. It’s the little things, you know?

99. Take the leap and try that thing you’ve always wanted to try. You know the one!