redefining the "autumn aesthetic"

Fall means pumpkin patches, changing leaves, burgundy sweaters, and caramel apples (to name just a few). This “autumn aesthetic” is touted on social media and condensed into a checklist for maximizing fall fun or making memories to last a lifetime. I should have been thrilled to participate in such a trend -- routines keep me sane.

Routines are an introvert with OCD’s saving grace. That tinny inner voice in my head makes its rounds throughout the week when there is any lapse in control — what if your choices result in catastrophe?  That voice loves to nag and pester me, but routine keeps it in check. Even so, the autumn aesthetic tends to glamorize socializing and going out during the busiest season of our year. Many bucket list items are unrealistic and put pressure on young students who don't have a large friend circle or struggle to manage school along with work.

Personally, my ideal evening is solitary, with a mug of cinnamon tea and graham crackers, either reading a good book or watching a vlog on Youtube. My ideal morning is slow as well, with ample time for grocery shopping, playing with my hyperactive dogs, and going on meandering walks with my mom. Going out and partying with friends tugs me away from my hobbit hole comfort zone (which is healthy and important at times) but respecting my boundaries means I adjust my autumn bucket list.

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These are a few activities I’ve been planning on doing with family & close friends this autumn that anyone can enjoy with minimal stress. If doing these with others sounds less appealing, join in yourself! Reflect on what brings you fulfillment during a chaotic season with school, work, and a laundry list that keeps cycling forward without crossing much out. Another autumn aesthetic is wearing wacky socks, and those are not meant to match. I promise, none of these ideas are GPT-generated.

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• Creating content or exercising those creative muscles. Evening journaling and cranking out a page or two of a new writing project are the ways I unwind, but my sister prefers crocheting, audiobooks, or making themed Spotify playlists

• Put together a fall themed outfit using what you already have in your closet…mix and match sweaters, jeans, and scarves so you feel and look your best

• Volunteer at a food pantry, animal shelter, or neighborhood cleanup to bond with your community or just support a local initiative 

• Check out local farmers markets or free community events such as fall festivals or harvest-fests. I love attending these with younger cousins when they come over for Thanksgiving break.

• Have a picnic with your favorite book -- make sandwiches, listen to music, and consider napping under a soft sun if the weather allows it

• Watching comfort shows or spooky movies. I watch The Great British Bakeoff and Is it Cake on weekends without fail for something cozy (although I am hopeless at baking in my own home). You could also watch fall sports games and order takeout.

• Visit a local trail or park to take in the autumnal foliage or get schoolwork done in nature. My mom and I are nature fanatics, and fall is prime time for catching leaves and hiking until our feet have blisters.

• Decorate or clean your home in preparation for holidays! I celebrate Diwali, and while my family and I don’t go to any large gatherings, we spend the morning before our puja cleaning our home and reflecting on what we are grateful for in our lives. Of course, we indulge in Indian sweets and share food with coworkers and friends throughout the week. At night, we will light diyas and sparklers, celebrating the goodness in our world.

• Treat yourself or someone you know, and you don’t need to buy anything new. I’ve been making a pumpkin spiced tea and lighting all those old candles I never use (it turns out I’ve been amassing quite the collection) 

• Reconnect with old friends in a low-stakes environment. Recently, I went to a birthday party where we painted pumpkins and watched a movie, taking in warmth from a backyard fire pit.

• Visit a local cafe or a timeless brunch spot. Surround yourself with people who you can have easy, meaningful conversations with if you’d like, but solo dates can be just as exciting and rejuvenating.

Yes, senior year is getting real so this post is on the shorter side. That being said, take time to reflect on how you are going to spend the rest of 2025. We are almost at another threshold, but it is never too late for a fresh start. Good luck, and let’s start the holiday season on a hopeful note even when finding positive moments is difficult.