Bad news, babe: the weather has officially become nippier, the days shorter, and summer is on her last legs. To make the transition softer, might we introduce you to soft girl autumn? It’s a form of autumn self-care – popularised on social media – that helps soften the landing from summer to harsh, icy winter.
We’re only in the second quarter of the year, but many people are already reporting feelings of burnout and fatigue. A new report finds that 62% of call centre workers are burnt out from pursuing aggressive quotas. A Gallup report shows that 36% of South African workers experience “excessive daily stress”.
Why Autumn Self-Care Matters
While there isn’t always much we can do to lessen our responsibilities, there is plenty we can do to protect our physical and mental health. Self-care is one of the best things you can do when feeling tired, overwhelmed or stressed. Looking after your body and mind has significant health benefits – it’s easier than you think! Self-care doesn’t necessarily mean a day at the spa; it can be a nutritious snack, a few relaxing moments in the bathtub or an hour with a good book.
We’re constantly told to eat clean, exercise daily, manage stress, get enough sleep, and somehow glow while doing it all. But when we skip a workout or reach for something quick and comforting to eat, it can leave us feeling like we’ve failed.
This perfectionist mindset can be more harmful than helpful, says Karen Bester, Medical Training Manager at Lamelle Pharmaceuticals. “Health doesn’t have to mean getting everything right all the time. It’s about consistency, doing the little things regularly that support your body and mental well-being. Progress, not perfection, is what leads to lasting change.”
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So, Where Do You Start?
Start small and stay kind to yourself by picking one or two habits you can realistically stick with. It might look like taking a short walk in the morning, drinking more water, or building a simple bedtime routine that includes a nurturing skincare regimen. These soft girl autumn self-care tips will help:
Maintain A Consistent Routine
According to Northwestern Medicine, routines improve your health by providing structure and organisation. A good routine can help manage stress, improve sleep and diet and exercise. Consistency in sleep, meals, and physical activity helps regulate your body’s internal clock, which is especially beneficial during the shorter daylight hours of winter.
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Prioritise Natural Light
Limited sunlight in winter can lead to decreased serotonin levels, affecting mood and energy. Spending time outdoors during daylight hours, even on cloudy days, can help mitigate these effects. Your move: step outside first thing with a warm cup of tea or throw open the curtains and meditate in the morning light. Up before sunrise? Consider a daylight therapy lamp, which wakes you up with gentle, bright light to stimulate alertness.
Schedule Exercise – Regularly
Pencil it in. Make a date. Tick it off the list. Regular movement is the key to maintaining health in colder months. Regular exercise not only elevates mood and boosts energy levels but also supports immune function. Whether you prefer indoor workouts like yoga and stretching or outdoor activities such as brisk walking, staying active is crucial. Even short, daily sessions can have a notable impact.
See Your Friends
Like, actually see them. Studies have demonstrated that having a robust support network and actively engaging in social interactions can significantly contribute to lessening negative mental health symptoms. Make it cute: schedule a spa day with DIY masks, nail art and more. Or, read that book together you’ve been eyeing and make PPTs unpacking the best parts.
Get Mindful
Whether it’s taking ten minutes to be screen-free to stare at a swaying tree branch or to do some manifesting in the shower, mindfulness is a powerful tool to encourage yourself, reduce stress and improve mood. Can’t find the motivation to go for a run? Cue a meditating playlist, then step outside and get going!
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Romanticise The Small Things
Turns out, romanticising your life by engaging in soft girl autumn self-care routines can yield mental health benefits – no filter needed. It’s all about adding rose-tinted lenses to the mundane, kind of like imagining your life is a montage from According to experts, this positive mindset can help you find joy in everyday things. Ideas:
- Light a candle
- Burn incense
- Buy yourself flowers and smell them
- Curate a playlist and play it
- Add colour to your journal with coloured pencils
- Hang lavender or eucalyptus in your shower
- Take your time slathering on body oil
- Pick a colour and take a photo everytime you see it. (Beige in sand, croissants, wooden floors, curtains!)
- Focus on your senses during meals
- Make your living space look pretty
- Pick a special mug for your coffee or tea
- Take regular breaks for coffee or tea
- Try to make your plate of food look as pretty as possible (a great excuse to add colourful veg!)
- Pick a spot in nature to work out or work
- Reflect on each day
