Are you just excited as I am to cozy up with a good book under your favorite blanket? Autumn means more pumpkin spice lattes, lighting a candle or two, and let’s not forget about all the decorating that goes along with it.
Don’t get me wrong, Pinterest knows exactly what I’m craving this season. It’s so tempting to see those aesthetic photos of girls in cute outfits holding their cup of coffee and not want the same. Or how about a new throw pillow with tiny little pumpkins on it? I mean, c’mon. Why not treat yourself this fall to something new and cozy?
Thinking like this is what we are so accustomed to now. Companies like Starbucks, Target, Walmart, etc. get us so hyped on the new fall aesthetics like kids pumped up on sugar during the fourth of July. I see so many posts about “Ways to slow down this fall,” with lists and lists of buy this and buy that–it’s like we’ve forgotten how to use what we already have, what we purchased the year before.
I think it’s important to remember that trends will come and go, but our wallets don’t replenish that easily, and neither does our time. Instead of going out to get a new fall blanket, try spending more time with those that you care about. Slowing down and listening to silly stories your grandma might want to share with you is so much more precious than that polyester throw that you’ll hate next year.
Here’s a list of 10 ways to slow down without getting pulled into the overconsumption of the pumpkin spice scented season:
- Invite your friends and/or family for coffee or tea. Herbal teas are great for the changing of the seasons when people might be getting sick more frequently.
- If you have any leftover candles, you can freeze them to get the wax out easier. Use the broken-up pieces in a wax warmer or save them for making your own candles!
- Open the windows for at least a few hours to help with the circulation of air. Crisp, fall air is perfect to cozy up under a blanket by.
- Go thrifting for any fall decor you’d like to include in your home this fall. There’s so much to choose from and using vintage items gives your home a timeless look.
- Take a drive somewhere new. Music or no music, enjoy the changing of the seasons. Small towns look even cuter when the leaves are changing colors, right?
- Start a game night with friends or family. Connect with someone you haven’t in a while over a board game or two.
- Go on a hike or a walk around your neighborhood. Maybe you’ll see something that will inspire you.
- Learn a new recipe using seasonal items. If you enjoy cooking, think about starting a cookbook either for yourself or for someone else. Could be the perfect gift!
- If you like crafts, try something small. Pinterest has lots of ideas. It doesn’t have to be super time consuming. A simple drawing will do.
- Pick flowers. Wildflowers are the perfect addition to any home. Try making a fall arrangement and give it to someone special.
When environmentalists talk about overconsumption, most like to make a point that meat and dairy drive the bus. And although it’s true, becoming a vegetarian or vegan does not have to be on your list this season. The best way for people to consume fewer resources is to simply to spend less money across the board, regardless of what that money is spent on.
Overconsumption is a complex issue to grasp because fundamentally, consumption is necessary for survival. It’s also unjust to place the blame entirely on individuals, as the structure of modern society often promotes excessive consumption–especially during the holidays. However, the environmental and global health impacts of our consumption patterns clearly indicate that we are consuming far more than necessary. In order for us to help the planet, we need to help ourselves first, and that’s addressing the challenges of overconsumption, as it directly relates to our mental health.
Next time you find yourself getting sucked into another fall favorite, try to think about what you already have and remember that it’s perfectly okay to be unaesthetic sometimes. It’s the season of being grateful after all.
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