7 autumn ideas that bring joy to my days

Tips to brighten up gloomy fall days

In summer, I always seem to have countless ideas for making the most of the season’s joys and the beautiful weather. Just a bit of sunshine is enough to lift my mood. In autumn, however, a few little tricks can come in handy, as the gloomy weather can sometimes have a negative effect on how we feel. Still, this season can hold plenty of joy for us – we just have to learn how to discover it!

I’ve gathered some autumn ideas that help me bring a bit of cheer to even the greyest of days. These activities are perfect for enjoying alone, with a partner, or with friends – and they’re just as delightful even when the weather isn’t on our side.

Here are my 7 autumn ideas:

1. Decorate with autumn decorations

Making autumn decorations from pumpkins and chrysanthemums for the front door and balcony is something I always enjoy doing in the fall. I used to carve Halloween pumpkins, but now I only use flowers and beautiful, round pumpkins for decorating. I collect ideas on a Pinterest board. You can take a look at them here:

Autumn doesn’t just offer plenty of exciting and eye-catching elements to refresh your home décor – it also brings endless inspiration for outdoor decoration. Bring the spirit of the season indoors with pinecones, colorful leaves, autumn-scented candles, and cozy accessories. As for your garden or terrace, decorate it with blooming heather or chrysanthemums – and, of course, some cheerful Halloween pumpkins!

2. Get cozy and lose yourself in a good book

Lighting an apple-cinnamon candle. Curling up on the couch with a soft blanket. Picking up my current favorite book (sometimes a cookbook). There’s no better time for this than autumn. Although I read quite a lot throughout the year, fall and winter always stand out in this regard. The chilly weather no longer invites evening walks after dinner, so a good book is the perfect companion for long nights.

I usually read before going to bed – it helps me drift off more easily and sleep more deeply than if I were scrolling on my phone. I’ve been planning to create a reading list for a while now. I’m finally going to make it happen!

3. Hold a cookie and tea competition

Autumn is the season of warm drinks. It’s time to bring out the fragrant teas and the cute, cozy fall mugs. And what goes better with tea than a delicious cookie? As a food blogger, I want to take this to the next level, so I got myself a cookbook with 100 cookie recipes. My plan for the season is to bake several of them – both sweet and savory.

And if I’m baking, why not have a jury? My friends will surely love a little tasting session. I’ll make some delicious teas to go with the cookies and maybe even organize a small vote to find the best cookie-and-tea pairing.

4. Hosting an Oktoberfest at home with Bavarian dishes

At the end of September and the beginning of October, many restaurants offer special Oktoberfest menus. During this time, you can also find Bavarian pretzels, sausages, and other delicacies in supermarkets. I’ve never been to the Munich Oktoberfest, but I’d love to try its flavors at home.

If my friends aren’t too fond of the cookie-and-tea combo, a lunch of cabbage strudel, Bavarian sausages, and dark beer with some pretzels might be a real hit. It will be a joy to prepare these dishes – and an even greater joy to share them in good company.

5. Walking in the autumn forest, recharging your batteries 

Kicking through fallen leaves, collecting autumn treasures, and marveling at the landscape painted with colorful foliage – this is what truly recharges me after a tough week. Time spent in nature always lifts my spirits, and in autumn, the forest has a uniquely magical atmosphere. I’m hoping to spot a squirrel or even a deer.

6. Taking storytelling photos

Since I’m already out hiking and nature offers such beautiful color compositions, why not get creative with some photography? Instead of the usual leaf shots, I’m thinking of images that tell a story. For example, imagine a steaming cup of tea left on a bench and a scarf lying on the ground – no one around. What story would you attach to it?

The idea for story-driven photos came from professional photographer Finn Beales. His book The Storytelling Photography Masterclass inspired me to capture something beyond food photography. And photographing food is already a source of joy for me, so this will surely lift my spirits too. I’m planning to try it this autumn.

7. Cooking pumpkin dishes

I think pumpkin is nature’s gift for those days with less favorable weather. Its cheerful orange color brings brightness even to gloomy autumn and winter days, and its vitamin content can help replenish our depleted stores. In short, pumpkin is pure goodness. I’ve gathered my favorite recipes – whichever one you choose, you’re guaranteed an autumnal mood and a vitamin boost. >> Pumpkin Diet Recipes

Closing

These were my tips for gray autumn days. Everyone likes to do different things, but I hope you find something inspiring among my ideas. Whatever your plans for the fall, don’t forget that relaxation is important at this time of year too. Relaxation is also part of a healthy lifestyle. Find fun activities and do them because you feel like it, because you don’t feel like it, or just because you deserve it! 🙂

Read this too: Motivation: 10 things to do for personal growth this fall