Sunshine and orange leaves, subtle breeze and warm caffeine. Autumn in New York. Where do I start? It’s the cusp of autumn and you can already feel the change in the atmosphere. People are more relaxed, the city is less crowded, and life is unraveling towards the upcoming cold weather. People are snuggling up to loved ones, cafes are constantly playing smooth New York jazz, and soft sweaters are making an appearance. To me, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. My head is clear and my thoughts are straight. I tend to focus on my career and happiness the most during fall, and that’s what excites me the most! The opportunities and dreams are running on an endless stream. 

To keep your chin up and mind focused during these colder days take some time to focus on your inner self and happiness. Below is a list of activities that may help you do so (while maintaining that autumnal excitement)!  

1. Take a walk through a park with a cappuccino in hand. Bring a camera, you’ll never know what kind of inspiration you might come across!

2. Make a journal entry about all the things fall means to you. Collect the prettiest leaves and press them. Write an autumn inspired playlist with motivating and relaxing songs. Draw a landscape that captures autumnal foliage!

3. Go shopping! Or window shopping. Take pictures or notes on the fall trends that resonate with you most!

4. Start a new hobby!!! The best way to stay self motivated is to pick up a new hobby. Photography, reading, writing, painting, etc! It’s a great outlet and way to connect with your inner interests.

5. Make yourself small written affirmations and hide them in places for your future self to find! An example would be to cut craft paper into leaves and write quotes on them. Hide them in jean pockets, jacket pockets, purses/backpacks, etc. Your future self will smile at your thoughtfulness! 😉

6. Get organized! For me, the best way to keep myself focused is to maintain my organizational skills with my schedules, cleaning, and homework! It helps reduce anxiety- especially when midterms come up! 

7. Burn some candles and allow your space to be filled with relaxing and fall inspired aromas. (Smells have been proven to increase productivity check this cool article http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-scents-affect-peoples/)

8. Create a moodboard! A great way to increase creativity is to create a style/inspirational board. And NOT just on Pinterest. Print or cut out pictures and arrange them onto a wall or cork board for a little visual inspiration. 

9. Have an autumn inspired night! Watch films inspired by fall like When Harry Met Sally, any Woody Allen film (practically), or even some spooky Halloween films! All while eating some apple slices and caramel, candy corn, or even sipping a PSL if that’s your thing. 😉

10. Last but not least, ENJOY YOURSELF! Fall can come with big stressors like starting a new job, school, and for some, even seasonal drepression. Don’t forget that you’re your most important person and your happiness should come first. Give yourself some TLC and a cup of hot cocoa. 

Love always,

Alessandra