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Spooky season is right around the corner—a night filled with mystery, magic, candy, and family time. Halloween has its roots in ancient Celtic traditions. Originally meant to be a festival marking the end of summer and the onset of winter, it was called Samhain and believed to be a time when the veil between the living and the dead was thin. In years since, Samhain became Halloween, a global celebration that came to be defined by imaginative costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky decorations.
But behind all the festivities, fun, and frolicking is a seasonal transition that influences our bodies and minds! And so, the holiday is also a time when you may need some good old TLC to keep the seasonal flues away. Our mood and energy levels tend to shift with the days growing shorter. And it’s important now more than ever to incorporate wellness rituals into your routine to stay balanced.
Autumn is a season that can bring melancholy or anxiety. A sense of unease kicks in as the leaves change colors, trees start shedding, and the temperatures drop. And this is where wellness routines play a key role in cultivating a sense of calm.
Wellness activities can help you
No one likes change, especially if it comes with many transitions. So here’s a top list of 15 wellness rituals that combine it all—the cozy, the spooky, and the soothing to tackle the season of horror in every sense of the word.
1. Eat Dark Chocolate
We’re not just suggesting candy because it’s Halloween—dark chocolate is a powerhouse of antioxidants, boosting your mood and reducing stress. Indulge in a piece (or more, we won’t tell) of the richness of dark chocolate while also extracting its health benefits. Even better if you grab a warm mug of spiced tea with it for the ultimate autumn comfort.
2. Take a Walk in Nature
Crisp fall air and changing leaves—the perfect time to get moving! The sights, sounds, and smells of autumn you experience on a walk can be incredibly grounding, helping to clear your mind and elevate your mood. A walk in nature can remind you why it is important to let go.
3. Go at the Leaves
We all have an inner child that loves to come out to play, so why not let it? Find the nearest pile of leaves, and jump right in! As you hear the crunch of the crispy leaves, welcome the wave of nostalgia washing over you, and embrace spontaneity and joy to release the tension and stress.
4. Enjoy a Warm Bath
A warm bath on a chilly night (or day!) can be transformative. Uplevel your regular bath into a fall-inspired spa. All you need is apple tea or a few drops of cinnamon essential oil. Add them to your warm bath and be overcome with bliss! These scents fill the air with warmth and cosiness, while the bath helps relax your muscles and rejuvenate your spirit.
5. Start Your Journal/ Doodle Journey
Writing gets a lot off your chest as you self-reflect on your life. Grab a notebook or a diary and start with fall-themed journaling prompts like “What am I ready to let go of?” or “What do I want to manifest this season?” Because fall is all about transformation and good things coming your way, we think it’s the perfect time and reason to get introspective.
6. Create a Gratitude List
Harvest is ending, so jot down everything you’re grateful for. Start practicing gratitude daily by listing five things you’re thankful for each day. Focus on the positive to cultivate a mindset of thankfulness and abundance, while nature slowly moves into its dormant phase.
7. Light Fall-Scented Candles
Scents like pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and apple pie evoke warmth and comfort, instantly transforming your space into a cozy haven. These fragrances ground you in the present moment, filling the air with happiness. Surrounded by such delightful aromas, you can’t help but feel uplifted and at peace—that’s what true contentment feels like.
We love anything that smells good (especially a good pumpkin spice latte from our favorite coffee shop). Cinnamon, clove, pumpkin spice, apple, and vanilla are all classic fall scents known for their grounding and comforting qualities. They evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia, which helps us feel relaxed and at ease. They’re perfect for candles, essential oils, or even simmering on the stove in a pot of water with some fruit peels.
8. Eat Fresh and Seasonal
Fall brings the harvest season, offering an abundance of fresh, seasonal produce. Embrace the joy of this time by cooking with ingredients like squash, apples, broccoli, and root vegetables such as radishes, carrots, and beets. Cooking can be a meditative experience, bringing you into a state of harmony while nourishing your body with wholesome, healthy foods. And if you give it a chance, you’ll find it can be truly enjoyable, knowing you’re fueling yourself with nature’s best.
9. Do Yoga With a Twist
Yoga—the best self-care routine there is. It’s good for your body, mind, and soul. Now add the spookiness of Halloween to this mix, and you have a hit in your hands. Practice yoga to a Halloween-themed playlist; the eerie tunes add a playful element to your practice, while the movements help stretch and strengthen your body. Stick to gentle movements so as not to aggravate your vata this season. Here’s our pick of fall asanas, just add a Halloween Spooky Yoga playlist (yes, they’re out there!) from Spotify, YouTube, or Apple, and you’re ready to go!
10, Start a Vision Board
Fall is the transitional time, a perfect time to gain clarity and focus on your goals and dreams. Let your creative juices flow and create a vision board filled with images, quotes, decor ideas, maybe even lyrics of songs and movie lines that inspire you. With Halloween marking the end of one cycle, you could start the next by visualizing your future.
11. Donate Fall Clothing
Want to know a really nice way to feel good about yourself? Through an act of kindness. And one way to do it is by donating to charity. Give back by going through your wardrobe and donating gently or rarely used fall and winter clothing to your local shelters. Acts of kindness help others and help you by boosting your sense of well-being and connecting you to the surrounding community.
12. Host a Party
It’s game time, folks! Halloween-themed games are always a riot, especially when you include friends and family to this gala. Connection and laughter are essential to wellness, and this fun ritual can provide a much-needed break from daily stress factors. Sit around a fire or a candle-lit living room telling ghost stories, add some Halloween-themed refreshments, and you’re hosting an unforgettable night!
13. Carve a Pumpkin
Yes, it’s that time of the year—pumpkins are everywhere, from porches to stores to roadside farm stands. So let’s get carving, shall we? Carving pumpkins isn’t just for kids, adults can have fun too. When you get creative and express yourself, the tactile activity helps you focus on the task while relaxing at the same time. Once you’re done, add a flickering candle to symbolize the light amidst the darkness.
Not a fan of carving? Nobody is stopping you from painting your pumpkin, attaching a store-bought decorating kit, or using it to create a pumpkin-inspired tablescape!
14. Complete a Fall Cleanup
Decluttering always helps, be it indoors or outdoors. Your space is sacred, and clearing it of all the accumulated mess can help clear mental and emotional clutter. A clean, organized space brings about a sense of calm, helps you feel more in control, and keeps you happy. And that’s really important as we flutter around the busy holiday season.
15. Plan Your Holiday Spending Early
Finally, for most of us, Halloween kicks off the holiday season. What is the best solution to not letting financial stress get to you this year? Take a proactive approach. Start buying early and plan what you can afford to spend on gifts and food for the upcoming celebrations. Budgeting and organizing your finances will reduce anxiety and allow you to enjoy the festivities with peace of mind.
Halloween is the perfect opportunity for self-care and celebration. Start slow, and try out one or two of our wellness rituals. You’re sure to find balance, calmness, and a sense of relief as you enjoy the magic of the season.
