There are two types of people this time of year: those who fall in the all-for-autumn camp and embrace everything pumpkin spice, and those who cling to every last bit of summer and are in denial about the inevitable upcoming sweater weather. While I fall into the first category and love all things cozy fall, I’m still dealing with an end-of-summer slump, feeling unsure how I need to transition and adapt my wellness rituals to change with the season and lacking motivation to stay connected to my body. I know the usual wellness rituals I’m supposed to do this time of year: get more sleep, eat lots of seasonal foods like cinnamon and pumpkin, and turn inward. But I wanted new self-care ideas to help me connect to what my body needs RN and get out of my slump. So, I turned to MDs and psychologists for tips on how we should be adjusting our self-care routines that we may not have thought of. Here’s what they said.

Expert-recommended ways to practice self-care this fall

1. View solitude as an important regular practice

Our default is to be constantly connected (remember when our biggest fear in middle school was sitting alone in the cafeteria or not having plans on Friday night?). Especially during the summer, maybe you felt like if you weren’t spending weekends with friends at the beach or going to a rooftop bar in the evenings, you were “wasting” the summer. And then there are the phones: friends or coworkers can reach us through a variety of ways (text, email, DM) anytime and all the time. While connection and community are vital parts of well-being, most of us never practice solitude and may even feel uncomfortable with it.

But being in solitude—meaning without connection through technology or social interactions—is an important self-care ritual. “If you’re used to filling your time with social activities and obligations, try canceling or rescheduling some events to clear space for solo time,” recommended Dr. Molly Burrets, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist. Psychiatrist Dr. Brook Choulet, M.D. agreed: “If you’re always needing other people or to be on social media, you’re not engaging in the present. Practice solitude without your devices so you can stay in the present moment. It may even allow you the time and space to navigate difficult emotions that may be suppressed.”

How to practice it: Take a much-needed break from your packed social calendar and settle in for a few hours or a night of just you. Disengage from your phone, pause Netflix, and turn off notifications. Spend this time to reflect on what you need and what emotions come up, with the goal being getting to know yourself better. If you can’t set aside hours, Dr. Choulet recommends just 5-10 minutes in the mornings and evenings to engage in a quiet activity like guided journaling, meditating, or walking outside by yourself.

2. Engage in earthing

Earthing (also known as grounding) is a therapeutic technique that involves physically connecting to the earth (think: walking barefoot in the grass, laying in a pile of leaves, swimming in a natural body of water) for powerful physical and mental benefits. A study in the Journal of Inflammation Research suggests that grounding can lower inflammation, strengthen immune responses, accelerate wound healing, and reduce pain. And according to biopsychologist Dr. Mary Poffenroth, Ph.D., grounding techniques help to greatly lower stress and anxiety by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. “This basic behavior can help control emotions and increase mental clarity.” Dr. Choulet added that because grounding helps decrease anxiety, it can also help improve sleep and overall mood, which may be especially essential in the fall.

You may think of summer as the best time to connect with nature, but I’d like to make a case for fall. As we are more likely to stay inside and our mood and motivation suffer with less sunlight and colder weather, we arguably need the benefits of earthing more now. Plus, fall is the perfect time to connect with nature: the changing leaves are beautiful, and the air feels refreshing rather than too hot or too cold.

How to practice it: Whether you walk barefoot in your yard or a nearby park, engage in regular forest bathing by going on hikes, or jump into leaf piles with your kids, there are many options to practice earthing this time of year. But if it gets too cold or engaging in nature is not an option for you, Dr. Poffenroth recommended the combination of breathwork and sensory meditation (like focusing on the texture of a cozy blanket or using grounding mats or socks) as an alternative to reap similar benefits indoors. Dr. Choulet also recommended the 5-4-3-2-1 technique (a meditation where you identify five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste), which also helps you stay present and grounded.

3. Rewatch your favorite comfort show

I love the TikTok videos of wellness girlies sharing how much they accomplish in their routines: a workout, meditation, red light therapy, face mask, journaling… But it’s also important to remember that pleasure, comfort, and relaxation are important parts of self-care, too. Rewatching your favorite comfort show can actually be a helpful tool in your mental health toolbox.

Gilmore Girls will forever remain in my “Continue Watching” queue on Netflix; it’s what I watch when I want to get my mind off something sad and my go-to when I want to unplug. It turns out there’s a science-backed reason I keep going back to one show instead of watching a new drama or comedy: New shows present unexpected twists and turns, whereas the familiarity of your favorite show gives your brain a rest; there’s no guesswork, cliffhangers, or stressful anticipation when watching an oldie-but-a-goodie. “Watching a good, light-hearted show can trigger positive emotions and serve as a mental break from an exhausting day,” Dr. Choulet recommended. “It can really help promote relaxation and provide a sense of comfort by being predictable.”

How to practice it: Whether escaping to Star Hollows or Central Perk on repeat is your cup of tea (or coffee), watch unapologetically—be it your sixth or 60th time. “Schedule time in your busy day to prioritize this!” Dr. Choulet encouraged (but she also warned to stop watching at least an hour before bed to avoid screentime disrupting sleep). Yes, rewatching New Girl while eating dinner rather than the buzzy new Netflix thriller everyone is talking about or turning on Schitt’s Creek while you’re doing your chores counts as a self-care ritual.

4. Do a gut health reset

When you’re in a summer state of mind and too busy beach-hopping or dining alfresco at all the local hotspots, your usual nutrient-dense meals are likely lacking, and your gut health may be suffering. The gut microbiome is deeply connected to the brain through the gut-brain axis, a two-way street of communication between the brain and gut, linking the emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with intestinal functions. What’s more, the gut microbiome creates 95 percent of the body’s serotonin (also known as the “happy hormone”), which regulates anxiety and is essential for mood. TL;DR: When your gut health is poor, your mental health also suffers. Likewise, when our gut microbiome flourishes, we have a better chance at better mental health. “We know that gut health is closely linked to mental health,” Dr. Choulet said. “If your digestive system is healthy, it could lead to less brain fog, better mood, and lower anxiety.”

As we enter colder months and your mood is more likely to suffer (especially if you deal with symptoms of seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder), it’s important to bridge this gap between bad-for-the-gut summer and bad-for-mood winter. Be intentional about prioritizing gut health right now—your mental health will thank you later.

How to practice it: Both Dr. Choulet and Dr. Poffenroth emphasized the importance of incorporating fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut to hit reset and rebalance the gut. Dr. Poffenroth also encouraged practicing mindfulness when eating for gut health: “Think about eating mindfully for a week and noticing how different foods make you feel and how much energy you have.” Also try to consume less processed foods, eat more fiber-rich foods, and stay optimally hydrated to help your gut recover.

“Maybe this season of self-care is not about what you add into your routine but what you take out.”

5. Rethink complicated self-care rituals

Your self-care routine is only as good as how it truly makes you feel. If taking care of yourself looks like expensive, time-consuming, and unrealistic rituals that are difficult to keep up, they can leave you feeling less than, drained, and overwhelmed (AKA anything but recharged). Or if you’re cold plunging, dry brushing, and journaling only because “everyone” on TikTok is, you could be doing more harm than good. Thanks to the self-care era we’re in, there’s a tool, supplement, or alternative therapy for every wellness woe. In other words, there is such thing as too much self-care. “The trend of complicated, multi-step morning and evening routines can ultimately feel more oppressive than rejuvenating,” Dr. Burrets said. “No one needs a 12-step skincare regimen. The time you save by letting that go might be better spent staring at the stars in wonder.” In other words? Maybe this season of self-care is not about what you add into your routine but what you take out.

How to practice it: Take inventory of your self-care regimen. Is it fun and fulfilling? Or does it talk down to you and make you feel small? Do you feel stressed trying to maintain it? What parts can you let go to create more ease in your life? Reconnect to the “why” behind your self-care, remove the “I shoulds,” and make your own definition of self-care. “Take care of yourself by focusing on things that align with your values and goals,” Dr. Choulet said.

Experts Consulted

DR. MOLLY BURRETS, PH.D.

Dr. Molly Burrets, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist and an adjunct professor at University of Southern California in the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy, with 16 years of experience practicing psychotherapy, conducting psychological research, and teaching psychology at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

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DR. BROOK CHOULET, M.D.

Also known as The Performance Psychiatrist™, Dr. Brook Choulet, M.D. is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist, founder and CEO of Choulet Performance Psychiatry, and President of the American Board of Sports and Performance Psychiatry. Her expertise has been acknowledged by Phoenix Magazine, where she was selected as a Top Doc in Psychiatry in 2023 and 2024.

DR. MARY POFFENROTH, PH.D.

Dr. Mary Poffenroth, Ph.D. is a neuro-hacking biopsychologist at San Jose State University and author of Brave New You, ground-breaking guide to understanding anxiety, stress, and other everyday fears that hold us back.

#RivianPartner It’s Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week, and I’m partnering with @rivianofficial to share a few tips & reminders (Read on because the last one is SUPER important!)
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As a travel lover who often hits the road with my toddler, safety is my number 1 priority.

The 2024 R1S earned the coveted TOP SAFETY PICK award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the only American EV in the Large SUV category to do so.

We chose the R1S as our family car (for many reasons), but we love that it has seating for seven and SO much storage space!

Every Rivian comes standard with Driver+, which assists with steering, braking, speed control, and more!

The 360-degree bird’s-eye view camera always comes in handy in tough parking situations.

And blind spot monitoring gives me peace of mind as a mom on the go!

Most importantly, make sure your child’s car seat is installed correctly:
Shoulder straps should hit right at the shoulders
The chest clip should be snug and level with their armpits
It shouldn’t move more than 1 inch from side to side or front to back.

And, if you’re using the “LATCH” system, be sure to reference the weight limits — it might be time to switch to a seatbelt installation!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for informational purposes only. Always consult your car seat owner’s manual and seek expert assistance when installing and using car seats and boosters.
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#rivian

When you think of fallen leaves and crisp temps, it’s understandable that your mindset would immediately shift to “but, what will I wear when the seasons actually change?” Whether you’re reflecting on settling into a worn-in pair of denim or planning the rescue of your favorite suede bag from storage, there are a few cold-weather staples that tend to make their way back to us each fall. And while suede is a fall mainstay, it also happens to be bigger than ever this fall.

From knee-high boots to bucket bags and fringe jackets, fall 2024 runways offered a robust assortment of suede must-haves. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, many of this season’s top trends, including—ding, ding, ding—this one, can be attributed to ’70s-inspired collections from the likes of Chloé, Ralph Lauren, and even Louis Vuitton.

Although suede is synonymous with a higher price tag, this season, there are a wide range of both high-end and affordably priced pieces that are easier on the wallet, but pack just as much of a seasonal punch. Beyond the usual selection of brown suede ankle boots and shoulder bags, brands are cementing the trend’s return by offering selections in additional colorways like chartreuse and indigo, as well as exciting, updated silhouettes. (Suede fringe jacket, you’re calling my name). Keep scrolling for the best suede pieces you can add to your cart right now.

Jackets

Besides the barn jacket, the most-talked about outerwear of the season is the infamous, ’70s-rooted suede fringe jacket. Though the piece is meant to lean more Western, if you aren’t careful, a fringe moto jacket can make you feel like you just earned a one-way ticket to the rodeo. The key to styling any suede jacket—fringe or no fringe—is to take a pared-back approach. Start with something as simple as jeans and a tee, and add the suede outerwear as a finishing touch. Opt for a pair of ballet flats for a refined, off-duty look.

Bottoms

From suede mini skirts to full-fledged suede trousers, opting for suede bottoms just might be the best thing you do for your closet this season. Just last week I found a pair of suede micro shorts—I know, we’re still doing the whole itsy, bitsy shorts thing— and haven’t been able to stop thinking about how badly I need them to style with my leather knee-high boots and oversized blazer.

Bags

At the beginning of the season, I told myself that no, I didn’t need another bag this fall. Well, you can’t fight fate. When I saw Cult Gaia’s green suede Natasha Shoulder Bag, I just knew it was meant to be. (Or perhaps it was Madewell’s new arrivals page that had me originally breaking my self-inflicted contract.) Their Western-inspired suede accessories are some of their best work to date, so much so that many of them are either sold out or already posted with a backorder as late as November. But, as fate would have it, there are dozens of other brands with praise-worthy options to choose from this season.

Shoes

When I think of fall fashion, I’m quick to drum up an image of a suede knee-high boot. It’s one of the few fall-dubbed essentials that seems to never go out of style; yet, remarkably, I don’t own a pair. Although I have my eye on a pair of Staud’s Wally Ankle Boots, there are a few pairs of suede Mary Janes that may be more worthy of my attention. In a sea of varying footwear trends, suede has no shortage of top contenders to choose from.

Belts

If you haven’t previously boarded my “everyone needs a statement belt” train, then by all means, hop aboard. With this season’s array of studded statement-worthy options, it’s be easier than ever to secure your seat on the fall it-girl express. Though we’ve seen our fair share of pricey options in seasons past, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at fall’s more affordable assortment. If you’re feeling a bit non-committal about suede this season, start with a belt.

Shop More of the Best Suede Pieces of Fall

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer

Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.