October Slow Living To-Do List: Autumn Rituals and Seasonal Inspiration

October is enchanting here in the English countryside – crisp air, falling leaves, earlier nightfall and the nostalgic feeling of things coming to an end. We are about to experience the last, most beautiful weeks of Autumn before the trees become bare and the forest goes to sleep for Winter. The weather turns moody – sunny spells mixed with the first bitter winds and plenty of rain, foretelling the coming of Winter. Naturally, many of us get that cosy feeling where we want to nest in our homes, just like our ancestors, seeking shelter from the cold and unpredictable weather. It is a time for tending to our homes, making them warm and welcoming for the dark months ahead.

Although nature is slowing down in preparation for Winter, the human world rarely seems to do the same – unless we mindfully choose it. My social media feed is full of Autumn starter packs, must-haves and must-dos for October and Halloween, which makes me feel a bit uneasy. Am I missing out? Wait, no, I’m not. This is why I write this monthly slow living to-do list – to encourage you to live seasonally and savour each month without all the rush and pressure to chase trends that fade sooner than the season itself.

Explore my slow living to-do lists for each month of the year here

Here’s my to-do list for October that will hopefully inspire you to embrace the month in a simple, slow living way:

1. Nurture Your Immune System

As the seasons change, it's important to take extra care of your health. My older son and I already had stuffy noses this month, and if you work with other people or have children in school, it's probably coming for you too.

Add immune-boosting foods to your meals, like garlic, ginger and leafy greens. Spices such as cayenne pepper, allspice and turmeric contain components that can help boost your immune system too. Now, I’m going to sound like my mum, but put socks on and dress appropriately for the weather;)

Of course, there's no foolproof way to avoid getting sick, but it won’t hurt to try!

2. Bake Something Cosy

Autumn is the time of homely pleasures, and for me, baking is one of the best ways to celebrate the season and slow down. The process of making a cake without rushing, the smell that fills your home while it’s baking, and the joy of sharing it with your family - priceless.

Of course, if you’re not much into baking, there are other options. You can easily get ready-to-bake cakes and pastries. Just pop them in the oven as per instructions and enjoy them with coffee on a slow morning or at a cosy family gathering.

For those who would like to try baking cinnamon rolls from scratch, here’s the recipe I’ve been using for several years now. It’s easy to follow, even if you feel intimidated by working with yeast (I still do!) and it always turns out great! The smell of cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter filling the kitchen is pure Autumn bliss!

Shop our bestselling "Hello Autumn" Brown Sugar & Vanilla candle, hand-poured in our family-run studio.

3. Visit a Pumpkin Patch...

...if you can. I debated whether to include this point. For me, October isn’t complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch, but if you don’t have one near your home, an orchard or farm shop that sells locally grown fruits and vegetables is a great option too! The point is to appreciate seasonal produce and remind ourselves of the journey they take from farms and fields to our tables.

4. Cook Something Autumnal to Celebrate the Season

Pumpkin soup, roasted squashes and root vegetables, stews, pies - October is the time for nourishing, comforting meals cooked at home. Pick some locally grown produce and cook something delicious for your family. This way, you not only get a nice, healthy meal but also support the local economy.

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5. Go for a Walk in the Forest

I know I repeat this every month, but… go for a nature walk:) Spending time outdoors has countless health benefits - from lowering blood pressure to improving mental health. In October, the forest is pure magic. With the leaves turning colour and nature preparing for its sleep, there is so much to see and experience before the quietness of Winter.

6. Tend to Your Home

As the days grow shorter and cooler, it’s the perfect time to make your home the cosiest, most welcoming space. Our rustic decor and of course, hand-poured candles are such simple ways to bring comfort and warmth into your home during this season. We are forever grateful to our customers who choose to shop small, supporting our family-run business – thank you!

7. Carve a Pumpkin

No matter if you have children or not - carve a pumpkin! We often associate Jack-o'-lanterns with the commercial celebration of Halloween, but it’s really an old tradition worth continuing. Before pumpkins were available, the Irish and Scottish would carve faces into hollowed-out turnips or potatoes to ward off evil spirits. Even if you don’t believe in the metaphysical world, carving a pumpkin on All Hallows' Eve is a beautiful tradition that, in my opinion, should be kept alive. 

8. Celebrate Samhain / All Hallows' Eve

We all love Halloween, even just for the fun of it. In my family, we have home-made pizza (this is the recipe I use for the dough), a movie night and of course trick-or-treating around the neighbourhood. But there is more to this night than just commercial fun.

Halloween is rooted in the Celtic celebration of Samhain, when it was believed that the veil between worlds was at its thinnest and spirits were free to roam the earth. Whatever you believe in or not, it is a personal decision, but it’s definitely a perfect time to honour our ancestors. Light a candle in their memory and thank them for shaping who you are today - for the way they raised you or even just for the genes they passed on to you.

9. Reflect

Autumn, spiritually, is a time of reflection and letting go of things that may have run their course in our lives. Just as nature is closing down and preparing for Winter rest, we too should release anything that weighs us down or disrupts our inner peace. It’s not an easy process, but it is vital for our mental well-being. I’ve written more about this in The Spiritual Meaning of Autumn: A Slow Living guide to the Season blog post if you wish to learn more.

A Few Closing Words

October is the last month of Autumn vibes before we all switch on our festive lights and turn our attention to Christmas. It’s a month of transition, but also one of calm and seeking comfort indoors. This October, pay attention to the changes in the natural world that inspire us to slow down and invite rest into our lives, just as nature does at this time of year.

Thank you for reading,
Adriana x