It’s Cheshvan – the beginning of the fall to winter transition. Fall often strikes me as such a comforting time of year. It’s sweater weather, when we start getting cozy (depending where you are in the world), and (in my case for sure) curling up indoors with hot chocolate and good books.
Here are some ideas for self-care (not necessarily just for this time of year, but with a cozy, cared-for feeling):
Check your seasonal wardrobe and fill in the gaps. I know I feel like a new person when I have a few new things to wear, especially when I really needed them. Same for skincare and makeup – I keep a really really basic routine but there is nothing like having enough of what I need instead of scraping the bottom of the barrel, so to speak.
If you don’t have a lamp (Shabbos lamp, preferably) by your bed, getting one will make a big difference. Lamps are the ultimate cozifiers. (I should know because I did not have one for the longest time, I would just read with my bedroom light on and stumble out of bed to turn it off when I was half asleep — or alternatively, read downstairs on Shabbos and fall asleep on the couch…). Now that I have a lamp, I LOVE getting into bed early with a book, it feels so comforting.
Also, adding a fluffy throw is delicious. Even when I’m under my blanket, having a throw nearby makes me feel extra cozy.
In a different vein, scheduling needed medical/dental appointments or similar helps me feel taken care of.
And in general: treats on a regular basis (I just about always buy lunch when I am working in the city – it truly adds a spot of joy to my life that is worth the money IMO). British writer Iris Murdoch said that “The secret to a happy life is continuous small treats.”
(Photo credit: Ana M./Pexels)
