Four Ways to Embrace the Fall Season
by Margie DuBois, CPC
September 10, 2025
I don't know about you, but this summer felt like it was too much. Too many events, too much travel, not enough sleep, and constant exhaustion. By the time fall arrived, I let out a huge sigh of relief. Thank goodness fall is here.
For some reason, this happens to me nearly every year. While summer has its fun moments, it’s not usually a time of rest or retreat. If anything, it burns me out and I have a wake up call by the time it wraps up.
Fall is an annual reminder to slow down and focus on what matters. It symbolizes change, harvest, reflection, and letting go.
If you feel like you’re needing these things in your life, consider using a more intentional approach this season. Here are four things to try this fall:
1 - Get rid of clutter
Toni Morrison once said: “If you want to fly, you have to give up everything that weighs you down” (Source).
It’s hard to feel a sense of clarity and calm if your life is filled with clutter. And fall is a great time to get rid of things that don’t serve you anymore.
Whether it’s your email inbox, kitchen counter, clothes in your closet, stressful relationships, or events on your calendar, these things add up and can negatively impact your energy and happiness.
When you remove what’s weighing you down, you feel less heavy and free up room in your brain for more life-giving activities.
Carve out some time to take inventory of the clutter in your life today. What is adding to your stress? Brainstorm a list in your journal until all the clutter is on the page. Then, circle a few items to prioritize removing from your life.
If you have clutter in your home or need to clean out your inbox, schedule a few decluttering blocks. Put them on your calendar like you’d put any type of event, and share your commitments with a friend.
2 - Try these journal prompts
Before jumping into the season, carve out 15 minutes to answer these journal prompts:
If you had to anchor this fall season in one word, what word would it be, and why?
What are you wanting more of this fall season?
What will you have to say “no” to, in order to make room for the “yes”?
If you could only accomplish two things before winter arrives, what would it be, and why?
3 - Make room for stillness
If you’ve been in a season of “too much,” it’s likely been filled with a lot of noise. Noise from your phone, kids, the TV, and events outside. While those things can be fun, they can also do a number on your nervous system.
If you don’t make room for quiet and distraction-free blocks of time, you can’t fully connect with your mind and body, or identify your needs
This season, make a conscious choice to choose rest, quiet, and boredom instead of hustle, noise, and distractions. Put your phone away, delete social media apps, try a guided meditation, and go for silent walks without your phone. Your mind and body will thank you for it.
4 - Plan for Fun
You don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Hanukkah to have fun. In fact, fall is a great time to spark joy when things are (typically) less chaotic and the weather is agreeable.
Write down a list of all of the fall-themed activities you’re excited about, and see how many you can check off your list. If you’re looking for something more fun and visual, download this free fall bingo board.
. . .
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, may this season remind you that slowing down is not only allowed, but necessary. Fall invites us to release what no longer serves us and make space for the things that truly matter.
My hope is that this fall gives you the pause you’ve been craving — the quiet, the fun, and a bit more wonder. Embracing the season will help you feel grounded and energized as you prepare for winter and the new year.
