Ah, fall is here, and while the world gushes about pumpkin spice and everything nice, let’s be honest—being a mom in the fall is more about managing back-to-school chaos, endless piles of laundry, and keeping the house from looking like a tornado made an entrance.
But what if I told you that you, yes, you, could create a cozy fall routine that brings warmth, comfort, and a little bit of sanity into your life as a busy mom?
Still here? I’m glad because the world of motherhood gets hard and lonely, and we need to stick together and find ways to thrive when it seems impossible.
This comprehensive guide is to creating a fall routine for busy moms is perfect for moms who struggle to cope with the changes and demands that come with mom life after baby. We may not have much time, so let’s get started.
1. Embrace the Morning Magic: Set the Tone for the Day
POV: Your conscious mind has just woken up, and all the tasks for the day ahead are making themselves known like an angry mob trying to get their voices heard.
Feel that ache in your chest? It may not be a stomach burn, but the anxiety creeping in to make itself the center of your day. Let’s take a look at how we can turn this around.
Mornings as a mom can be hectic, no doubt. You have to get the kids ready and find that lost shoe they refuse to leave for another day while ensuring everyone eats something other than one bite of toast. Mornings are a race against the clock and a battle of wills and domination.
But what if you could start your day with a sense of calm, even if just for a few minutes? You cannot control the temperament of your family on any given day. Still, you can control how you decide to respond to the chaos
How to make it work: Start your day with intention.
How? Wake up a few minutes before your family and build a morning ritual for yourself that will not seem like a chore but an essential part of your sanity-saving methods.
Let’s face it; waking up before the kids seems impossible when you’re already sleep-deprived. But carving out just 10-15 minutes of quiet time in the morning for your devotion, meditation, workout, reading a few pages of a book, or just a cup of coffee can make a difference.
One of my favorite things to do during these few minutes is to write down my main goal for the day.
Main Goal: SURVIVE
This visual reminder keeps me grounded and serves as a constant tap on the shoulder that tells me that no matter what happens, I will survive and make it to the end of the day. After all, I am a super mom.
BONUS TIP: Set Up a Morning Playlist
Create a playlist of calming or uplifting songs you can listen to during your morning routine. Music has a way of soothing the soul and can help transform a chaotic morning into a more peaceful experience.
2. Create Your Cozy Sanctuary
Creating a safe space for yourself is the ultimate mom hack for finding your zen. As a mom, your home is your kingdom, but it’s also where you juggle a million responsibilities. Creating a cozy fall atmosphere at home doesn’t have to be another task on your to-do list—it can be a fun way to bring the whole family together and make your space feel warm and relaxing.
The Reality: Between toys scattered everywhere and the constant need to clean, finding time to decorate might seem like a luxury you can’t afford. But with a few simple changes, you can make your home feel like a cozy retreat.
How to Make It Work:
Create your cozy corner: Creating an area just for you may seem impossible, but it can be done. Start by choosing your space and adding touches of warmth and comfort whenever you need just a minute to catch your breath and mentally reset.
Focus on the Living Room: This is likely where your family spends the most time, so make the most significant changes here. Add a few throw blankets and pillows in fall colors like burnt orange, deep red, and mustard yellow. Not only will they add warmth, but they’ll also make your space feel instantly cozier.
Bring in the Scents: What is fall without rich, warm scents? Light candles in fragrances like apple cinnamon, vanilla chai, or spiced pumpkin to fill your home with the essence of autumn. If you’re uncomfortable with open flames with little ones, consider using a wax warmer or essential oil diffuser.
3. Nourish Your Family with Hearty Fall Meals
One of the best parts of fall is the food—comforting, hearty, and flavorful. But as a busy mom, cooking elaborate meals daily isn’t always practical. Luckily, fall is the season of one-pot wonders, slow-cooker delights, and meals that warm the soul without requiring hours in the kitchen.
The Reality: Meal planning is often the last thing on your mind when juggling school schedules, extracurricular activities, and trying to get everyone fed. But with a bit of prep, you can enjoy delicious, homemade meals that don’t require much effort.
How to Make It Work:
One-Pot and Slow-Cooker Meals: Invest in a good slow cooker or use a Dutch oven to create meals that cook themselves. Think soups, stews, and chilli—comfort food at its finest. Prepare the ingredients the night before or in the morning, and let the appliance do the work while you tackle the rest of your day.
Batch Cooking: Take a few hours on the weekend to batch-cook meals that can be reheated during the week. Dishes like lasagna, casseroles, and baked ziti are perfect for this. You’ll thank yourself later when dinner is just a matter of reheating and serving.
Involve the Family: Letting your family help with meal prep makes them feel included while creating a great bonding experience. This also allows them to appreciate all you put into nourishing them daily.
4. Self-Care with a Relaxing Evening Wind-Down Routine
After a long day of being Supermom and keeping the wheel turning, it’s crucial to have a routine that helps you relax and unwind. Your mental well-being depends on it.
Take time to care for yourself after the kids are in bed or while they’re winding down with a bedtime story. A calm evening can set you up for a good night’s sleep and prepare you to tackle whatever curveballs tomorrow throws at you.
The Reality: By the time you’ve read 5 bedtime stories, picked up all the toys you didn’t play with, and the kids are finally asleep, you’re probably exhausted, and all you want to do is collapse into bed. But just 15-30 minutes to wind down can make a huge difference in how you feel physically and mentally.
How to Make It Work:
Set the Mood: Dim the lights, light a candle, or turn on your essential oil diffuser. Choose calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus to help you relax.
Unplug: Try to disconnect from social media at least 30 minutes before bed. Instead of scrolling through your phone, pick up a book or listen to calming music. This also helps to limit the comparisons that pile on the mom guilt.
Pamper Yourself: A warm bath with Epsom salts and drops of your favorite essential oil can soothe tired muscles and relieve stress. Follow up with a luxurious moisturizer or body oil to nourish your skin.
Reflect: Take a few minutes to reflect on your day, whether through journaling or simply thinking about what went well. Reflecting on your main goal for the day and practicing gratitude can improve your mood and help you focus on the positive.
5. Carve Out Time for Family Fun
Fall is a season full of opportunities to create lasting memories with your family. This allows you to reconnect with your family and have moments where you’re not just a machine to keep everyone alive. It enables you to affirm your relationship with your partner and enjoy the joys of motherhood with your kids.
The Reality: Finding time for family activities can be challenging when balancing work, school, and all the other responsibilities of being a mom. But even small moments spent together can have a significant impact.
How to Make It Work:
Plan Weekend Outings: Take advantage of the cooler weather and plan a few weekend outings. Whether it’s apple picking, visiting a pumpkin patch, or going for a hike, these activities are fun and offer a chance to get outside and enjoy nature.
Have a Family Movie Night: Choose a night each week to have a family movie night. Let the kids pick a movie, pop some popcorn, and snuggle up on the couch with blankets. It’s a simple but cozy way to spend time together.
Bake Together: Fall is the perfect time to bake some seasonal treats. Get a baking kit from Amazon and get the kids involved in making cookies, pies, or muffins. Not only will you get to enjoy some delicious treats, but you’ll also create memories in the kitchen.
Bonus Tip for a Cozy Fall Routine For Busy Moms
Connect with Friends: Don’t underestimate the power of social connections. Make time to catch up with friends, whether over coffee, a phone call, or even a quick text. I know from experience how therapeutic it can be to have conversations that don’t involve you explaining why it’s not safe to dive off the back of the couch every few minutes.
Creating a cozy fall routine as a busy mom isn’t about doing it all perfectly. It’s about finding small ways to bring comfort, joy, and peace into your daily life. Whether it’s savoring a quiet morning with a cup of coffee, snuggling up with your kids for a movie night, or simply taking a few minutes to care for yourself, these moments create a season full of warmth and love.
Remember, you’re not just surviving fall—you’re thriving in it. And even when everything feels chaotic, know you’re doing a fantastic job. So go ahead, embrace the cozy chaos of motherhood this fall, and enjoy every moment.
Happy Fall, Mama!
