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Let’s talk about something we all need but rarely get: proper, guilt-free ‘me time.’ And no, I don’t mean scrolling through your phone in bed until your eyes burn (Guilty). I’m talking about an actual, soul-soothing fall evening routine that’ll help you unwind and recharge.
Sounds like a dream, right?
But trust me, it’s more doable than you think, even if life’s throwing everything it’s got at you.
Whether you’re juggling work, family, or just the general chaos of life (hello, adulting!), autumn is the perfect season to slow down and focus on yourself.
So, let’s build the ultimate cosy fall evening routine that’ll leave you feeling relaxed, recharged, and maybe even a little bit smug about how well you’re looking after yourself.
Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Set the Scene
First things first, if your evenings currently look like you racing around trying to get everything done – STOP.
The laundry can wait.
Your emails? They’ll still be there in the morning.
The first step in winding down is creating space to actually breathe. Maybe for you, that’s when the house finally goes quiet, or it’s when you get home after a long day at work.
For me, it all starts once I’ve finished the day’s must-dos. I’ve got a baby at home, so when he’s down for the night, that’s my signal to switch gears.
The scene setting starts with lighting a few fall candle scents. Think pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and vanilla—those cosy, nostalgic autumn vibes instantly put me in a relaxed state.
Then, it’s time for a little lavender-scented lotion to add to the cosy feel, creating a spa-like atmosphere in my own bedroom. This combination is key to my cosy night routine aesthetic.
Whether it’s baby bedtime or just the moment the world slows down, make this your ‘me time’ marker.
Step 2: Autumn Skincare & Self-Care
Next up, let’s talk about skincare because autumn calls for a bit of extra TLC for our skin. My fall skincare routine is non-negotiable. Cooler weather can wreak havoc on my dry skin, so I focus on nourishing it with hydrating serums and moisturisers.
I love the calming ritual of applying these products before bed, and it’s a crucial part of my nighttime routine.
In the spirit of keeping things cosy and calm, I also like to spend a few minutes with my gratitude diary. It’s a simple but effective way to end the day on a positive note.
By writing down three things I’m thankful for, I shift my mindset from any stress or chaos to what really matters. Plus, it’s such an easy way to practice mindfulness.
This small habit is a key part of my slow evening aesthetic and helps me wind down in the most meaningful way.
As you’re winding down and getting into the flow of your evening routine, why not take it up a notch with a little extra self-care? Creating a Self-Care Boo Basket is a fun, autumn-inspired way to treat yourself and make those cosy nights even more special.
Step 3: Swap the Phone for Something Creative
Let’s be real, mindlessly scrolling isn’t exactly relaxing – it’s more like getting trapped in a vortex of distractions. So, instead of falling into the phone trap, why not do something creative that actually helps you unwind?
Personally, I’ve become a huge fan of adult colouring books. It’s such a simple activity, but there’s something so calming about it.
I sit down with my favourite colouring book (this one is PERFECT for spooky season and these are my current fave pens), grab a hot chocolate, and just zone out.
There’s no pressure to be perfect, just the joy of colouring inside (or outside) the lines.
Find something that lets your mind slow down – it could be drawing, crocheting, or even journaling.
The key is to make it low-pressure and enjoyable.
Step 4: Embrace the Bath Life
If there’s one thing that screams ‘autumn relaxation,’ it’s a long, warm bath. And look, I get it – sometimes life is so hectic that squeezing in a bath feels like an indulgence.
But listen, you’ve got to take those moments when you can. When you finally slide into that tub, it’s like the world disappears for a bit, and that’s priceless.
For me, it’s even more essential these days because my lower back’s been giving me grief since having a baby (the joys of childbirth, right?).
So, after a bath, I make sure to get in some back stretches and even treat myself to my heated back massager for 15 minutes. It’s like hitting the reset button on my body and my brain.
A bath, paired with some relaxing autumn skincare products like bath salts or essential oils, is my favourite way to unwind.
Step 5: Cosy Gaming or Comfort Shows
Now, this is where you really get to relax. Once you’ve done all the essential wind-down activities, it’s time for a little indulgence.
Personally, I’m all about cosy gaming. There’s something so soothing about the gentle pace of games like Wylde Flowers, Stardew Valley, or Go-Go Town.
No stress, no high-pressure missions. Just pure, laid-back fun where you can lose yourself in a simpler world for an hour.
But, if gaming’s not your thing, let’s talk comfort shows. Autumn is the time for those binge-worthy, feel-good series and films that make you want to curl up with a blanket and a cuppa.
My go-to autumn shows? Gilmore Girls (because who doesn’t love Stars Hollow in the fall?), Buffy the Vampire Slayer (a little bit of nostalgia, a lot of slaying), and The Vampire Diaries (because broody vampires just feel right this season).
And don’t get me started on films – if it’s not Lord of the Rings, Twilight or Hocus Pocus gracing my screen, I’m not doing autumn right.
Whether you’re gaming or catching up on comfort TV, the point here is to let yourself enjoy something easy, familiar, and cosy.
No pressure, just pure relaxation.
If you’re loving the cosy vibes of an autumn evening routine, why not keep the autumn magic going all season long? My Fall Bucket List is packed with 31 cosy ideas to fully embrace everything autumn has to offer.
Step 6: Finish with a Good Book
Let’s be honest – nothing beats ending your day with a good book. And autumn is the perfect time to curl up with a magical or mysterious read.
Here are some of my favourite autumn books that are absolutely perfect for those cosy evening aesthetic vibes:
Perfect Autumn Reads
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna: Think a little bit of magic mixed with friendship and finding where you belong. Perfect for an autumn evening with a cuppa.
Weyward by Emilia Hart: This one’s not so much “cosy”, it’s more “female-rage coded”. It’s dark, atmospheric, and has a powerful message about womanhood and nature.
House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland: This one’s on the darker side – an eerie, haunting story about three sisters with a supernatural past.
Caraval by Stephanie Garber: It’s magical but with a dark edge – perfect for autumn.
The Only Purple House in Town by Ann Aguirre: It’s all about finding your tribe and embracing your weirdness.
Step 7: Keep it Simple and Consistent
Now, look, I’m not saying you’re going to nail your fall evening routine every single night.
Life happens.
Sometimes you’re going to be too tired, or the chores will call, or maybe you’ll just need to crash.
But here’s the thing – creating a consistent, simple fall evening routine like this can make a huge difference over time.
It’s not about doing everything perfectly every night, but about building moments of calm and joy into your evenings, whenever you can.
On the nights when the baby wakes up, or you’re running behind on work, I still try to squeeze in one small act of self-care – whether it’s 10 minutes with my back massager or even just a few pages of a good book.
Because those small moments add up, and they matter.
Just like a solid evening routine helps you unwind and recharge, a morning routine sets the tone for the day. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my post on creating the perfect fall morning routine to kickstart your day with the same cosy, intentional vibes.
After all, balance is all about how we start and end our days.
You Deserve This Time – So Take It
So, there you have it – your ultimate guide to a cosy fall evening routine.
The secret?
Prioritising yourself.
Because at the end of the day, you can’t pour from an empty cup, and autumn is the perfect season to slow down, get cosy, and recharge.
Even when it feels impossible, or you’re tempted to just tackle that to-do list, remind yourself that you deserve a bit of time just for you because you do.
By incorporating elements of organisation, skincare, relaxation, and a little creativity into your evening, you can create the best nighttime routine that fits your lifestyle.
Now go run that bath, grab your book (or turn on Gilmore Girls), and take that ‘me time’ – you’ve earned it.
