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Self Care: Autumn's Little Rituals
- 6 min read
Little Rituals for Self Care in Autumn
This is a time to breathe deeply and reconnect with yourself. This is your invitation inward to create intention. Enjoy little rituals that bring balance and joy to the week ahead.
As the cool air of late autumn arrives, this Sunday invites you to slow down. Take time to enjoy the season's beauty and care for your well-being. This week, we will look at three self-care practices.
The day begins with a gentle lift from an OOMA microdose capsule. Next, we will enjoy the calming effects of a nature walk. We can hunt for mushrooms, comb the beach, or explore your neighborhood. Finally, we will relax by the soothing warmth of a fire at home.
Embrace the art of transformation. Set an intention. Gain clarity and creativity. Cultivate the tone of your week ahead.
Part 1: Take Your OOMA
The first light of Sunday morning holds the promise of renewal. Begin your Self Care Sunday by creating a space for clarity and focus. For many, microdosing has become a modern self-care tool, offering gentle support for the mind and mood.
The OOMA microdose capsule is an easy way to enhance your day. Pair the supplement with a quiet moment of gratitude, a stretch on your yoga mat, or a calming cup of herbal tea. This little ritual can set the tone for a day of intentional self-care.
What is Microdosing?
Microdosing involves consuming small amounts of mushrooms to achieve subtle, positive effects. You can embrace a long-term journey by taking a low dose regularly rather than a one-time "heroic" dose. With this sub-hallucinogen amount, the goal is to find ease in everyday tasks, to enhance your day instead of escaping it.
Proponents of microdosing often say they feel more present, creative, and balanced. Our OOMA capsule offers more than just a magical mushroom dose. It includes a variety of herbs and mushrooms to support your well-being. OOMA's ingredient breakdown includes saffron, which helps fight depression, ginseng for energy, and lion's mane for brain support.
Learn more about microdosing mushrooms in our Microdosing 101 journal.
Part 2: Step Into Nature
After enjoying a slow morning, step outside and embrace the restorative power of nature. Autumn’s golden light, rustling leaves, and cool breezes create the perfect backdrop for reflection and exploration.
Mushroom Hunting: A Seasonal Adventure
If you’re in a region where recent rains have coaxed mushrooms from the earth, this is the perfect time to go mushroom hunting. Foraging for mushrooms is an age-old activity that combines mindfulness with a sense of discovery. The forest becomes your classroom as you search for chanterelles, porcini, or other edible treasures. We love this basic guide from the New York Times, here's what you need to know to start foraging mushrooms.
Here are some tips for a successful mushroom-hunting excursion:
- Bring the Right Tools: A basket, a small knife, and a mushroom field guide or app are essential.
- Be Cautious: Only harvest mushrooms you can confidently identify as edible. Many wild mushrooms have poisonous look-alikes.
- Go Slow: Mushroom hunting is as much about the process as the reward. Take your time and notice the intricate beauty of the forest floor.
- The Honorable Harvest: Take only what you need, ask permission, and give thanks. Key guidelines include never taking the first or last of a resource.
Use everything you harvest to avoid waste. Also, give back to the environment. You can do this by planting seeds or caring for the land.
Other Ways to Connect with Nature
If mushroom hunting isn't a local possibility, a long walk can still be a meaningful way to ground yourself. Here are a few alternative ways to spend your time outdoors:
- Cloud Watching: Lie on a blanket in a nearby park or your backyard. Let your mind wander as you find shapes and stories in the clouds.
- Bird Watching: With a pair of binoculars and a quiet spirit, observe the seasonal rhythms of birds. You might catch a glimpse of geese flying south or sparrows flitting about.
- Beach Comb: If you live near a coast, there's nothing like exploring the shells and animals of the sand. Remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Take a stroll through your neighborhood, wave to familiar faces, or strike up a conversation with someone new. People are a vital part of the landscape. Getting to know the people in your community creates a safer and more connected space.
The key to this part of the day is presence. Notice the crunch of leaves underfoot, the cool air on your skin, and the soundscape of nature around you. If going outside is new to you, start small. You don't need to buy new hiking boots to begin noticing the world around you.
Part 3: End the Day with Fire and Warmth
After a day of movement and exploration, it’s time to return home and enjoy the comfort of a cozy evening. The flickering fireplace, glowing candles, and the scent of a warm drink can make your living room feel calm. Your space can become a peaceful retreat.
How to Build the Perfect Fire in Your Fireplace
Building a fire is one of the most elemental rituals of self-care. The ancient practice of fire-tending has become a skill rather than a human need. Impress your guests and yourself by becoming a firekeeper. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a crackling fire to warm your evening:
- Prepare the Fireplace: Ensure the fireplace is clean, and the damper is open for proper ventilation.
- Gather Materials: You will need dry firewood, kindling like small twigs or sticks, and either newspaper or fire starters.
- Build the Base: Lay two large logs parallel to each other in the fireplace.
- Add Kindling: Create a teepee or crisscross pattern with kindling above the base logs.
- Ignite: Light the newspaper or fire starter at the base of the kindling. Slowly add more wood as the fire strengthens.
Building a fire is a mindful practice. Pay attention to the crackling sounds, the warm glow, and how the flames dance.
A Cortisol-Reducing Nightcap
As the fire blazes and the day winds down, treat yourself to a warm drink that soothes your body and mind. One beloved option is a Golden Turmeric Latte, a cozy concoction packed with anti-inflammatory and cortisol-reducing benefits.
Recipe: Golden Turmeric Latte
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond milk (or your favorite milk)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- A pinch of black pepper (to enhance turmeric absorption)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
- Whisk in turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper until well blended.
- Pour the mixture into your favorite mug, sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired, and enjoy.
Sip your latte by the fire as you reflect on the day’s experiences. Let the warmth of the drink and the crackling flames remind you of the simple joys that come from caring for yourself.
Little Rituals Create Long-Term Impact
A well-planned Self Care Sunday is not just for relaxing. Instead, it is an invitation to create moments that restore your energy and calm your spirit. As autumn unfolds, let these self-care ideas inspire you to carve out time for yourself. OOMA is here to support you in embracing a life of balance and mindfulness, one Self Care Sunday at a time.
So take a deep breath, pour yourself another latte, and let the rhythm of the season guide you. After all, self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s the foundation of a life well-lived.
Need more Self Care Sunday inspiration? Tune into our weekly journal where we explore the practices that ground and connect us: Self Care Sunday 1.
