October is officially here and that means it’s time to get ready for colorful leaves, crisp autumn air, and all things pumpkin spice. School is officially in full swing and your weeks are now filled with hours of studying, papers to write for every class, and countless cups of coffee consumed. With the busyness of school looming over everyone, it can be hard to really embrace the change of season and enjoy your favorite fall activities. School is getting to be a big stressor and everyone deserves a little break now and then. Today, we’ll show you a list of little ways you can incorporate the fall season into your weekly schedule as well as fun seasonal activities that require putting down the books and getting in the autumn spirit.
1. Head to an apple orchard and find the perfect apple.
Our first fall activity pick is a seasonal staple. It’s time to take a break from your latest paper and breathe in some fresh air while apple picking at your closest orchard. Who doesn’t love strolling through rows of apple trees searching for the reddest, tastiest looking apple to take home? Grab some friends and get lost at an apple orchard this season. Bonus: We’ve compiled a list of yummy recipes to try with your freshly picked apples.
2. Set the mood with some festive fall candles.
If you’re stuck indoors stressed and working on piles of homework, light a fall candle to fill the room with the sweet aroma of the season. Candles are a great way to add atmosphere to any room and make getting through your work a little easier. Fall scents will fill your nose and set the perfect festive mood while providing a little relaxation. Head to your nearest Bath & Body Works to pick up scents such as Vanilla Pumpkin Marshmallow, Pumpkin Pecan Waffles, Caramel Pumpkin Swirl, and many more.
3. Head out in the great outdoors with a fall hike.
This fall activity is another one that gets you out of the library and into the crisp, autumn air. Hiking is the perfect way to take your mind off of school stress. Spending time outdoors has been linked to greater feelings of happiness and well-being, and can improve your overall mood. It’s also been proven to increase brain function and is a smart choice if you want to take a study break. Hiking is also an easy way to get your exercise in for the day while taking in the beautiful sea of red, yellow, and orange leaves.
4. Forget the stereotype, pumpkin spice is the taste of fall.
You’ve been in the library for hours and your energy is running low. This next fall pick is stereotypical for the fall season, but it remains a classic. Take a quick break from your reading and treat yourself to a Pumpkin Spice Latte from the nearest Starbucks to put yourself in the fall mood. And if you’re feeling even more indulgent, accompany it with a flavorful pumpkin scone. Not feeling the pumpkin spice? Don’t worry, there are many more fall flavors to choose from. Grab a Salted Caramel Mocha or the new Chile Mocha to taste the flavors of fall.
5. Find the plumpest pumpkin in the patch.
It’s the ultimate fall activity. Grab some friends and head to your nearest pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect autumn decoration for your apartment. Pumpkins are a seasonal staple and can add fall flair to wherever you choose to place them. Accompany them with your festive candles and you’ve got the perfect decorative pair. Another bonus: we’ve made a list of sweet and savory pumpkin recipes for you to try.
6. Grab some popcorn and watch a scary movie.
Once again, it’s time to put the books down for the night and watch a movie to take your mind off of school stress. October is the month of Halloween and that means watching scary movies is essential. Not into scary movies? There are plenty of great Halloween movies out there that aren’t scary and will put you in the fall mood. Here are some of our favorites:
7. Put on an apron and start baking.
Who doesn’t love baking? Fall is the perfect time of year to bake because there are so many delicious, festive recipes to choose from. Baking is a fun way to relax after working on homework and studying. And if you’re really busy, you can always go back to your studies while your culinary masterpiece is in the oven. With so many fall recipe choices to choose from, here’s a list to get you started:
-Bakery-Style Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
-Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake Bars with a Streusel Topping
-Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
-Soft Maple Sugar Cookies
-Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
8. Cozy up in a warm sweater.
Gone are the hot, humid days of summer. Fall is the time of year where the days begin to become cooler and the sun starts hiding behind the clouds. It’s time to put away the shorts and tank tops and break out your coziest sweaters. When school is stressing you out and your work is piling up, all you really want to do is jump in bed and cuddle up with a warm blanket. But, what if you’re stuck in the library? It’s a simple way to de-stress, but it’s effective and comfy. Wear your warmest, fluffiest fall sweaters. We know you have some. Dressing comfortable for the library can make or break your studying. Wearing a warm sweater allows you to relax and put all of your focus on your studies. Check out some comfy sweaters from Urban Outfitters.
9. Get lost in a classic farm corn maze.
Here’s another fun activity that gets you out of the library. If you’re tired of staying indoors reading and doing homework, take an hour off and head to the nearest farm. With October here and fall in full swing, there’s bound to be corn mazes close-by. Get lost in one with your friends or even take a scenic hayride around the farm and in the woods. Having time to get some fresh air and spending it having fun with friends is necessary to de-stress and refocus your mind.
10. Put on some relaxing music and take a scenic drive.
Make a cup of sweet, warm coffee, put on some relaxing, acoustic music and head out of town. Long drives can be so relaxing. Fall is a beautiful season with leaves changing colors on all of the trees, cascading in piles on the ground. Take some friends or even go alone if you’d like some peace and quiet. Driving around and looking at the fall scenery can be very beneficial in helping your mind refocus. Whether you go for an hour or only just 30 minutes, you can’t go wrong. Check out this cozy, fall playlist.
11. Go on a quick run around your neighborhood.
Maybe this isn’t everyone’s go-to to de-stress, but exercising and going for a run are the perfect ways to clear your mind and get your heart rate pumping. Exercising also increases endorphins, making you feel happier and less stressed. Now that the hot, humid summer weather is over, running outside in the crisp, cool air is easier on your lungs. Also, depending on where you live, you get the benefit of taking in the colorful fall scenery.
12. Check out a farmer’s market for in-season fruits and vegetables.
Fall is the perfect time to head to your local farmer’s market and check out what fruits and vegetables they have. For some reason, locally grown fruits and veggies taste better, don’t you think? The fall season brings some tasty fruits and vegetables including: cranberries, sweet potatoes, squash and apples among others. Grab a bag and head to your local farmer’s market to pick out some ingredients for tonight’s fall dinner. Bonus: Once again, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite fall recipes using some favorite fall ingredients.
Well, there you have it. That is our list of fun fall activities to help you relax and little ways your can incorporate the season into your busy schedule. We hope you find these options as fun and relaxing as we do. Always remember to take a quick break from studying when you begin to feel too stressed and embrace the season.