Autumn has finally arrived in Arizona! After a long, hot summer where temperatures barely dipped below 40°C, the cooler weather is a much-anticipated relief. For most, 34°C might still seem warm, but after enduring months of extreme heat, it feels like a breath of fresh air. Autumn is a season I wait for all summer long, and while it takes a bit longer to arrive here – usually around mid-October – it is worth the wait. The mornings are cooler, and the fresh air makes everything feel new again.
In this post, I’ll share my fall morning routine, which has a unique twist for the season. Unlike a routine you follow all year long, this one is specifically tailored to autumn and helps me embrace the changes this season brings. Everyone’s routine will look a little different, but I hope you’ll find some inspiration to create your own.
1. Wake up with fresh air
I start my day early, around 6:10 a.m. when it is still dark outside and the air is crisp. One of my favorite moments is opening the windows to breathe in the fresh morning air. It is such a small thing, but it wakes me up and energizes me for the day ahead. The birds are active and undisturbed at this hour, making the world feel peaceful. It is a perfect way to gently transition from sleep to wakefulness.
2. Morning movement: a simple walk or yoga
Movement in the morning doesn’t have to be about hitting the gym or working up a sweat. Sometimes, gentle movement is exactly what your body needs to shake off sleep and get ready for the day ahead.
After I drop Marco off at the bus stop around 6:50 a.m., I take our dog, Blue, for a short walk. It is important to move your body as soon as you wake up, and this could be a walk, yoga, or even a few minutes of stretching. For me, walking Blue helps me feel present and connected to the moment. I focus on noticing the small things, like the leaves changing colors or the songs of the birds, and it grounds me for the rest of the day.
3. A warm breakfast
Once I am back home, it is time for breakfast. I keep it simple with tea, bread, butter, and jam. There is something about having a warm drink in the autumn that feels like a comforting embrace. This small ritual gives me time to sit with my thoughts and enjoy a few peaceful moments before the day fully begins.
4. Journaling to clear my mind
Mornings are a perfect time to clear your mind, and journaling can be a great way to do that. Even just a few minutes spent writing down your thoughts, reflections, or goals for the day can help create mental clarity and give you a fresh perspective. Whether you use prompts or simply let your thoughts flow, journaling can be an effective tool for aligning your intentions for the day. Consider keeping your journal next to your bed or in your kitchen, so it is easy to reach for in the mornings. Use this time to reflect on your goals, dreams, or even just how you are feeling in the moment.
While I eat breakfast, I like to spend a few minutes journaling. This doesn’t have to be anything deep or profound – sometimes it is as simple as writing down what I dreamt about (if I remember it!) or responding to a journal prompt. Journaling helps me process my thoughts and clear my mind for the day. On days when I am feeling more reflective, I might jot down what I am grateful for or what I hope to accomplish. At the start of each month, I write out my goals and plans, and at the end, I take time to reflect.
5. Reading for inspiration
Morning reading can be a wonderful way to introduce a sense of inspiration and reflection into your day.
I always set aside a few minutes for reading. At this time of day, I usually choose a self-help book and only read a few lines – just enough to give me something to think about throughout the day. The goal isn’t to finish the book quickly but to really let the ideas sink in so I can reflect on them later, especially when I journal in the evening.
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- The morning has gold in its mouth and the early bird catches the worm
6. Using aromatherapy to set the mood
Autumn brings with it a unique sensory experience, and scent plays a huge role in creating that cozy, fall feeling. Whether it is lighting a candle or using a diffuser, bringing the aromas of the season into your home can instantly shift the atmosphere and make your mornings feel warm and inviting.
I like using a diffuser with seasonal scents like orange or cinnamon. The aroma helps me feel calm and relaxed, and it sets a cozy atmosphere in the house. I prefer subtle scents so they don’t overwhelm me, but using natural aromas is a perfect way to invite the feeling of fall into my space.
7. Skin care routine
Fall is a great time to refresh your skincare routine. Consider switching to a richer moisturizer or adding a hydrating serum to help your skin adjust to the changing weather.
After my morning rituals, it is time to get ready for the day. Even though it is no longer summer, I still apply sunscreen to my face and chest. Arizona’s sun is strong year-round, and since my skin burns easily, I prefer to stay protected. I follow up with a moisturizer to keep my skin hydrated, especially as the air gets drier in the cooler months. Taking these few moments for self-care helps me feel ready to tackle whatever the day brings.
8. Caring for my plants
Another small, yet centering part of my routine is watering my plants. There is something soothing about tending to them, especially in the quiet of the morning. It brings me joy and helps me start my day with a sense of calm and accomplishment.
9. Making the bed
I wasn’t always consistent about making the bed, but in recent years, it is become part of my daily routine. After Pietro wakes up, we make the bed together and chat for a few minutes. It’s a small act, but it feels like closing the chapter on the night and officially starting the day. Plus, it is always nice to return to a made bed at the end of the day.
10. The power of routine
Routines give structure to the day and signal to our bodies and minds that it is time to get going. They offer a sense of stability, especially during times when we feel tired or worn out, like the end of the year. For me, having a fall morning routine helps me feel centered and in control, especially after the long summer months. By the time autumn arrives, I am more than ready for the shift in weather and pace.
Everyone’s morning routine will look a little different depending on their life and needs. Some people might need to rush off to work, while others, like me, have a bit more flexibility in the mornings. What matters most is creating a routine that works for you. If you are feeling overwhelmed or tired from the year, now might be the perfect time to create a new routine that brings you back to the present moment.
As you consider your own cozy fall morning routine, think about what small changes could bring you joy and peace this season. Maybe it is as simple as waking up a little earlier to enjoy the fresh air or adding a fall scent to your morning space. Whatever it is, let your routine reflect what makes you feel good.
Thank you for spending time with me today—looking forward to hearing about your fall mornings!
Valentina
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