The crisp and refreshing smell of rain, the luminous glow of the moon, and those dark nights– scattered wild with stars. Despite being surrounded by beauty, we tend to take things for granted, and fail to appreciate the moment. Today, I’ll be sharing some tips with you on how to make the best out of this exquisite season, and embrace it before the frosty winter.

1. Perfecting Your Space
Autumn is definitely the season for redecorating. It doesn’t have to be a major renovation, but creating a cosy space at home is crucial for fully enjoying this season. Personally, I can’t stand bright lights— they always give me headaches. If you're someone who often uses a lot of light, why not try a lamp or a few candles this October? They create a soft, ambient glimmer that’s ideal for setting a serene atmosphere and can significantly reduce stress. Additionally, as the days get shorter, a calming atmosphere is key to getting better sleep. If you, like me, have struggled with sleep in the past, a dim, peaceful environment can work wonders.

You can also incorporate little touches of decor! Dainty fairy lights can give off that magical feel, and thick, cuddly blankets are perfect for keeping warm as the temperatures drop. My favourite part of my room are the plants. My bookcase is adorned with long, dark green vines, and if you know me, you'll always find white and pink lilies nestled in a corner. However, if you’re not the best at keeping plants alive, artificial ones can still help you add a lovely touch!

2. Books & Movies
Books and movies are key— arguably, one of the most important on this list. Since there is much to cover, I’ll give you a few of my favourites. For books, I would recommend If We Were Villains by M.L Rio, and The Secret History by Donna Tart. Despite their similarities, these two are still some of my favourites. Although I’ve never read it, I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier! Or you might enjoy more classics, such as Jane Eyre or Little Women? It’s all up to you, whatever your taste may be! I’m sure almost all of us have read Harry Potter, but that series usually evoke feelings of nostalgia and magic, so perhaps autumn could be time for a reread

Now, let’s move on to movies and TV shows. Starting with the obvious, Gilmore Girls. There really is no better time to watch this warm & cosy series, especially the first few seasons. I would also whole-heartedly recommend Anne with an E. It’s such a classic, I’m sure you’ll love it! As for movies, I've always found solace in Fantastic Mr Fox and Coraline because of their whimsical, yet slightly unsettling, atmospheres. For those who prefer scholarly surroundings, Dead Poets Society is an excellent alternative if stop motion isn't your style. And, of course, the Harry Potter films are ideal for a fall movie marathon. I especially love the feeling of The Half-Blood Prince– the scenery in that movie is breathtaking.

3. Fall Activities
There are lots of pastimes and pursuits that evoke the ideal autumnal spirit. Many of them can be done from the comfort of your own home, so let me suggest a few of them. First up, knitting! It may sound mundane, but knitting is such an amazing way to unwind and concentrate. I’m almost finished creating an exquisite, cosy white scarf to wear, and it’s the best. Next up, art projects. I’m a big artist, and I love painting landscapes, especially this time of year. You are not required to follow suit. There are various art forms to experiment with, so venture out and remember to enjoy the process! And finally, writing— in any form really. You could draw inspiration from the world around you for a fictitious novel, or even compose a letter to your future self. It can be anything at all, from poetry to stories to blogs. Writing is an amazing way to express yourself— try it out sometime!

4. Drinks & Treats
Autumn is a treasure trove for seasonal beverages, bursting with all things pumpkin and cinnamon, so let me share a couple of my personal favourites! As the weather gets cooler, I find myself drinking more coffee. I love coffee-flavoured goodies, including coffee cake, cookies, and ice cream, but I realise it's not everyone's cup of tea (I also love green tea). You could say it’s one of my top drink choices… However, for those who prefer sweeter options, I’ve got just the thing! My favourite fall-inspired beverage from Starbucks is the Pumpkin Spice Chai, which goes great with a sugar cookie. It’s so luscious! However, if it’s cold outside, you might want to opt for a hot alternative, such as hot chocolate (another one of my favourites).

When it comes to treats, the possibilities are limitless. Personally, I’m all about cinnamon rolls, chocolate chip cookies, and rich brownies. Just like books, there’s something for everyone—so go ahead and indulge in a little taste-testing. Enjoy!

5. Fashion
The fascinating thing about fashion is that every person has a unique sense of flair. There’s no need to alter your style, but if you want some inspiration, here’s a little peek into mine! For pants, I adore low-rise and flared styles. Low-rise flared jeans in blue or navy are perfect for pairing with sweaters. I’m also a big fan of flared leggings, especially in black and sometimes light grey.

There are so many options for tops. Hollister’s tops look great with the pants I stated above. In Autumn, I tend to wear a lot of heavy-knit sweaters in deeper shades like red or navy (my favourites!), but I still love long-sleeve button-up shirts and any other type of long-sleeved tops (especially when they’re not cropped). My all-time favourite is definitely an oversized jacket. Right now, I’m wearing a white one! It’s warm and fashionable, therefore I wholeheartedly suggest getting one if you need one. And when it comes to shoes, I’m not a big shoe person, but I love a cosy pair of Uggs this time of year. It's crucial to dress in layers to be warm because you can easily get cold!

6. The Outdoors
If you're not typically an outdoors person, now’s the perfect time to change that, at least for this season! I understand the allure of lounging about indoors, but the psychedelic colours and crisp air of autumn are just too lovely to pass up. Throw on a cosy sweater and take a stroll—trust me, you won’t regret it. I’m lucky enough to have a forest near my house, and the scenery this time of the year is absolutely stunning. It’s also an ideal opportunity for photography, if that’s something you enjoy. It’s an amazing feeling— being able to capture the splendour of autumn, so why not give it a try? The things you uncover will astound you.

7. Music
Do you have an Autumn playlist? If the response is negative, then we need to fix that. Along with taking nature walks, having music to match your setting is a must. Playlists differ for everyone, but when it comes to fall music, my favourite artists are most likely Girl in Red, Mac Demarco, Steve Lacy, The Neighbourhood, and TV Girl! Songs like Sweater Weather and We Fell In Love In October just give off those vibes, you know? Nevertheless, the best part is that it’s all completely customisable. Whichever genre of music you lean towards most, make it your own and have fun listening!

8. Candles & Aromas
Ah! If there is one thing I love in life, it’s good fragrances. In particular, candles and perfumes. Candles not only provide soft, warm light, but also fill your space with scents that transform the entire atmosphere. This time of year, I love lighting candles that smell like spices or the crisp outdoor scent. My favourite Bath & Body Works candle to date is Cinnamon Spiced Vanilla. Mmm!

When it comes to perfumes, I tend to go for more earthy hues, such as vanilla. Vanilla has been my go-to scent, and it’s ideal for this time of the year. Once you discover your signature scent, never let it go. Whether it be a dash of spice or something else entirely, the perfect fragrance can leave a lasting impression, and can greatly improve your confidence!

9. Mindfulness
Many of us have exams approaching, and with the new year ahead, now is an excellent opportunity to practise mindfulness! There are several options you could go about doing this. Personally, I love to meditate. If you don’t already meditate, you should give it a shot. There are numerous great guides available on Youtube and even Netflix! It’s surprisingly soothing and relaxing to just take some time to breathe. Plus, you can do it however you like: sitting, standing, outside or inside – anything works.

Although, if that doesn’t appeal to you, there’s also the option of starting a gratitude journal. Take some time to ponder and express gratitude. It might be a better alternative if you’re more of a writer :) However, just know that none of this is necessary. Even going outside for a stroll or taking two minutes to take some deep breaths will work. Just remember to give yourself a break sometimes, because your mind will work better when it's rested.

10. Quotes
This may not apply to everyone, but I love all quotes, especially those from my favourite books! It’s a lot of fun creating vision boards and collecting quotes— I highly recommend it. To wrap up this chapter, I’ll leave you with some of my favourite quotes about autumn:

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” – Albert Camus

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” – L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

“And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.” – Oscar Wilde

Unfortunately, that’s all for this chapter. Hopefully, it gave you some inspiration for celebrating the season. In case you missed it, all of these suggestions centre on solitary pursuits – whether it's shopping for a new wardrobe, unwinding with a good book, or enjoying a leisurely nature hike. I hope it serves as a reminder that spending time alone is perfectly okay! Remember, it’s not about being lonely, but rather finding balance and appreciating your own company. Taking a moment to savour the little things is what makes this time of year truly special, and it’s moments like these that make me love life :) And remember, at the end, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Written by Daphne Clarke.
Edited by Marlee Potter.
Proofread by Hazel Antler.