Self-Care Routine: My Autumn Journey to Detoxing Body, Mind, and Technology

Embracing the peaceful transition of nature

There’s something about autumn that has always drawn me in. Perhaps it’s the crispness in the air, the golden light filtering through the trees, or the way the world seems to slow down just a bit after the hurried pace of summer. I’ve learned, in my years, to pay attention to the rhythms of the seasons, and as the leaves begin to fall, I know it’s time for me to do some letting go of my own and focus on self-care.

This year, I decided to try something different: a full autumn detox, not just for my body but also for my mind and, yes, even my digital life. It wasn’t just about flushing out toxins or cutting out indulgent summer foods but about resetting my approach to self-care, reconnecting with myself, and embracing everything this beautiful season offers.

Self-Care: The Start of My Detox Journey

It started with food. I’ve always had a soft spot for summer’s bounty: fresh berries, salads, cold drinks, but by the time autumn arrives, I crave warmth and nourishment. I decided to fully embrace what nature was offering me this season. Trips to the market became part of my weekly routine, and my kitchen smelled of roasting root vegetables and pumpkin soups bubbling away on my cooker.

I focused on simple, whole foods: beets, squash, carrots, and dark leafy greens. It felt grounding to nourish myself with what the earth naturally provided. There were no fad diets or drastic restrictions, just warm, hearty meals that connected me to something more profound. I added spices like turmeric and ginger, knowing they’d help boost my circulation and support my body’s natural detox process.

Drinking plenty of water also became a priority. As the weather cooled, I realised I wasn’t hydrating enough, so I began sipping detoxifying herbal teas; jasmine green tea, camomile and ginger were my favourites. It wasn’t about forcing myself; I was nurturing my body as it transitioned into a slower, more reflective season.

A Digital Detox: Letting Go of Distractions

As nourishing as the food changes were, the fundamental transformation in my self-care routine came when I decided to take a break from the noise of the digital world. It had been weighing on me for some time: the constant barrage of notifications, the endless scrolling, and the sense that I was always tethered to my phone.

So, I planned. I set strict boundaries for myself: no screens between tasks and during meal times, a morning routine free from the distractions of emails or social media, and designated tech-free zones in my home. Initially, it was a bit jarring, especially the habit of mindlessly picking up my phone when I felt bored. But after a few days, something shifted.

I felt lighter and less anxious. I was more present in my day, noticing how the leaves swirled in the breeze or how the light danced in my lounge. I started walking in the afternoons to clear my head and breathe in the autumn air. There was something so freeing about simply being with my thoughts without the constant pull of a screen demanding my attention.

I even decided to take things further and do a proper digital declutter. I unsubscribed from newsletters that had been piling up in my inbox for years; unfollowed social media accounts that no longer brought me joy, and even cleaned up my phone’s home screen. My digital world became as peaceful and orderly as the physical space I had been working to create. This served as a powerful approach to my self-care.

Mindful Routines for Body and Soul

Part of my autumn detox also involved being more mindful about how I spent my time. I’ve been practising journaling but recently let it fall by the wayside. So, I dusted off my favourite notebook and began each morning with a few quiet moments to write down my thoughts, feelings, and anything weighing on my heart. It felt good to reconnect with myself this way, setting the tone for a more intentional day and making it a pivotal part of my self-care strategy.

Meditation became another pillar of my self-care routine. I didn’t force long sessions; I took a few minutes each morning to breathe and let go. The simple act of being still and focusing on my breath helped me detox mentally in a way I hadn’t experienced in a long time. I felt more grounded and in tune with myself and the world around me.

Exercise, too, shifted in this season. I’ve always enjoyed keeping active in my self-care routine but now I embraced more gentle, intentional movement instead of pushing myself with high-intensity workouts. I walked outside as often as possible, enjoying the crunch of leaves beneath my feet, and continued with gentle yoga to stretch and relax. These mindful movements felt like a release: a way to release the tension I didn’t even realise I was holding.

Decluttering Inside and Out

Self-care includes decluttering inside and out. It wasn’t just my body or my digital world that needed detoxing; I also found myself drawn to decluttering my home. I went through my wardrobe, setting aside clothes I no longer needed and making room for soft, cosy layers to carry me through the cooler months. As I cleared out physical space, I realised how much lighter I felt emotionally.

There’s a connection between the spaces we live in and how we feel inside, and creating a calm, uncluttered home helped me feel more centred and ready to embrace the season. It was a significant step in my self-care routine.

Fully Embracing Autumn

As I moved through this autumn detox with my enhanced self-care routine: nourishing my body, clearing out mental and digital clutter, and reconnecting with myself: I began to feel a deep sense of contentment. Autumn has always been a time of transition, of preparing for the quieter months of winter, but this year, I was ready for it in a way I hadn’t been before. I had let go of what no longer served me physically and mentally, and in its place, I found a sense of peace and presence.

As the days continue to shorten and the air grows cooler, I find joy in the simple things: a steaming cup of tea, a good book, and the changing colours outside my window. I’ve realised that self-care is about creating space for what truly matters. And in this beautiful season of letting go, I’ve made room to fully embrace all the gifts autumn offers.