8 ways to make your autumn more joyful

Autumn has officially arrived here in the northern hemisphere, and I’ve been thinking a lot about how to make this season as joyful as possible. 

It’s no secret that autumn is my favourite season (I often wonder whether it’s because I’m a November baby, or whether I just love the cooler temperatures and back to school feels!), but with a busier schedule and shorter days, it can pass us by if we’re not intentional.

So today I’m sharing 8 ways to make your autumn more joyful - I hope they help you to savour the season!

Make an autumn reading list

I’m not sure there’s a better time of year to curl up under a blanket with a good book! If reading is something you enjoy, add a little extra intention by writing your autumn reading list. Then light a candle, get comfy, and enjoy getting lost in a different world for a while. 

Get out in nature

Autumn brings so much beauty - from crisp blue skies and jewel toned leaves to epic golden sunrises and sunsets. Make the effort to get out there and enjoy it - not only is there plenty to admire, research shows that time spent in nature boosts our wellbeing and helps us to feel more grounded. Win win. 

Have a declutter

Why not follow nature’s lead and let go of anything that isn’t serving you this autumn? That could include having a physical declutter, or resetting your priorities and goals ahead of the new season. Remember that by letting go, you’re creating more space for the things that bring you joy. 

Connect with your loved ones

Connection is one of the key ingredients for a joyful life, and with less people tending to be on holiday in autumn, it’s a lovely time of year to plan a gathering. Whether you bring people together around your own dining table, or plan a catch up at a favourite pub or cafe, you’ll feel better for that time spent in the company of others. 

Enjoy all of the cosy movies

Some people love a scary movie at this time of year, but for me, autumn is all about the cosy rom coms. When Harry Met Sally and You’ve Got Mail are always top of my list, but anything that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside will do the trick. 

Savour the special occasions

From Halloween to Bonfire Night, autumn brings all sorts of reasons to celebrate. Even if you’re not super into these special occasions, consider whether there’s a way to mark them that feels good for you - perhaps you try some tarot journaling around Halloween for example, or add a little extra sparkle to your outfit on November 5th! 

Start some new traditions of your own

And of course, if you’re not a fan of the existing traditions, why not start some new ones of your own? Perhaps you want to bring the outdoors in and decorate for autumn, there could be a new recipe that becomes a family staple, or maybe there’s a local event that you want to become a regular fixture in your diary. 

Go with the flow

My last tip for making autumn more joyful is to embrace the changes that the season brings and go with the flow. Yes, it’s colder outside, and yes, the mornings are darker, but how can you celebrate that instead of resisting it? Finding ways to enjoy the changes at this time of year will help you to savour the joy on offer, instead of simply counting down to spring.

What are you favourite ways to make autumn feel joyful?