Loving the Ordinary in October: Daily Daily Practices, Challenges + Cozy Fall Ideas

Patricia Themakeup Magazine
By Patricia Rios
Share

[addtoany]

October has a softer rhythm: cooler air, golden light, and small moments that feel extra sweet. Instead of letting the month rush by, let’s notice it—on purpose. Here’s a gentle daily challenge: one tiny action and one simple affirmation each day to help you love the ordinary a little more. 💛

Printable Self-Care Planner Worksheets for AdultsPin

October’s Loving the Ordinary — 31 Days of Simple Joys

Day 1 — Step on a Crunchy Leaf 🍁

Find the crunchiest leaf and stomp it. Playful, silly, grounding.
Affirmation: “I let myself enjoy simple things.”

Day 2 — Sip Something Warm ☕

Tea, coffee, hot chocolate — drink it slowly, no rushing.
Affirmation: “I deserve peaceful pauses.”

Day 3 — Light a Candle 🕯️

At sunset, light one and let the glow soften your space.
Affirmation: “I welcome calm into my space.”

Day 4 — Listen to the Rain 🌧️

If it rains, perfect. If not, play a rain sound and close your eyes.
Affirmation: “I am grounded and safe.”

Day 5 — Make Soup 🥣

Simple and cozy, even if it’s from a packet.
Affirmation: “I nourish myself with love.”

Day 6 — Read Before Bed 📖

Trade ten minutes of scrolling for a book.
Affirmation: “I give myself space to rest.”

Day 7 — Eat an Apple 🍎

Crunchy, crisp, and straight out of the season.
Affirmation: “I enjoy the sweetness of the season.”

Day 8 — Wear Something Cozy 🧣

Your favorite scarf or sweater, the one that feels like home.
Affirmation: “I wrap myself in comfort.”

Day 9 — Look at the Night Sky 🌙

Step outside and breathe in the cool October air.
Affirmation: “I am part of something beautiful.”

Day 10 — Treat Yourself 🍪

Bake or buy something warm and sweet. Savor it.
Affirmation: “I allow myself joy without guilt.”

Day 11 — Sit in Quiet Company 🐾

With a loved one or pet — just be together.
Affirmation: “Presence is enough.”

Day 12 — Keep a Pretty Leaf 🍂

Pick one and slip it into a book as a little keepsake.
Affirmation: “I see beauty in small details.”

Day 13 — Play Gentle Music 🎶

Soft tunes while you cook, clean, or relax.
Affirmation: “I invite peace into my routine.”

Day 14 — Write One Gratitude ✍️

Just one thing, even the tiniest blessing.
Affirmation: “I notice blessings around me.”

Day 15 — Cozy Socks Day 🧦

Pull on the fluffiest pair you own. Pure joy.
Affirmation: “I choose comfort today.”

Day 16 — Bedtime Tea 🍵

Chamomile, mint, lavender — sip and slow down.
Affirmation: “I release the day with ease.”

Day 17 — Journal Under a Lamp 🖋️

Write a thought, a memory, or nothing much at all.
Affirmation: “My voice matters, even to myself.”

Day 18 — Make It Smell Like Autumn 🍊

Simmer spices or light a cinnamon candle.
Affirmation: “I fill my home with warmth.”

Day 19 — Blanket Cocoon 🛋️

Wrap up and let yourself rest for ten minutes.
Affirmation: “I give myself permission to pause.”

Day 20 — Take a Nature Photo 📸

One tree, one sky, one leaf. Notice, then capture.
Affirmation: “I notice and remember simple beauty.”

Day 21 — Enjoy Pie (or Any Treat) 🥧

Pumpkin, apple, or chocolate — whatever makes you happy.
Affirmation: “I savor life’s sweetness.”

Day 22 — Go Outside Phone-Free 🚶

Ten minutes of just… being.
Affirmation: “I ground myself in the present.”

Day 23 — A Chocolate Moment 🍫

Let one piece melt slowly in your mouth.
Affirmation: “I welcome little delights.”

Day 24 — Send a Kind Message 💌

Text or call someone just to say hi.
Affirmation: “I share warmth and care.”

Day 25 — Sleep In (or Nap) 😴

Rest extra today, without guilt.
Affirmation: “Rest restores my energy.”

Day 26 — Cozy Movie Night 🎥

Pick a favorite, grab a blanket, and relax.
Affirmation: “I create joy through simple rituals.”

Day 27 — Drizzle Honey 🍯

On toast, in tea, or straight from the spoon.
Affirmation: “I let life be sweet.”

Day 28 — Bring Nature Inside 🌿

A branch, a flower, or even a handful of leaves.
Affirmation: “Nature refreshes me.”

Day 29 — Warm Bath or Shower 🚿

Let the water wash away stress.
Affirmation: “I release what I no longer need.”

Day 30 — Freshen One Corner 🕊️

Tidy a table, light a candle, rearrange something.
Affirmation: “I create beauty around me.”

Day 31 — Glow with a Pumpkin 🎃

Light a jack-o’-lantern or candle. Smil

October’s Loving the Ordinary List 🍂✨🍁

🍂 Home & Organization (1–10)

1. Rotate your closet — tuck away summer dresses and bring out cozy knits and jackets.
2. Add a touch of fall to your entryway with a pumpkin, lantern, or wreath.
3. Wash and store summer linens; switch to heavier blankets for chilly nights.
4. Stock up on cleaning basics before the holiday rush sneaks in.
5. Dust off bookshelves and swap in a few autumn candles or accents.
6. Deep-clean one neglected corner (under the bed, behind the sofa, etc.).
7. Organize scarves, hats, and gloves so they’re ready for cold mornings.
8. Restock pantry staples for cozy cooking — soups, spices, and baking essentials.
9. Create a mini “cozy basket” by the couch with blankets and favorite reads.
10. Make a rainy-day playlist to make chores and tidying less of a drag.

🌿 Wellness & Self-Care (11–17)

11. Take a crisp morning walk and notice the colors around you.
12. Try a one-line gratitude journal for the month.
13. Book that health checkup you’ve been putting off.
14. Build yourself an “October comfort kit” — socks, tea, a journal, and lip balm.
15. Do a Sunday social media detox and enjoy the quiet.
16. Treat yourself to a long bath with candles at least once this month.
17. Create a gentle evening routine: dim lights, warm drink, soft music.

🍎 Food & Fall Flavors (18–23)

18. Visit a pumpkin patch or farmer’s market and pick something fresh.
19. Bake pumpkin bread, cinnamon rolls, or apple crisp — something that smells like fall.
20. Try one hearty soup recipe each week (butternut squash, lentil, chicken noodle).
21. Make your own chai latte or hot cocoa at home.
22. Prep a batch of overnight oats with apples, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice.
23. Host a cozy dinner night with friends — soup, bread, and laughter.

🧡 Lifestyle & Mindset (24–30)

24. Write down 3 intentions for October: one for yourself, one for home, one for fun.
25. Update your calendar with birthdays, events, and holiday prep notes.
26. Create a fall reading list and carve out a cozy reading corner.
27. Make a moodboard (Pinterest or paper) with your autumn goals and vibes.
28. Celebrate a random National Day (like National Pumpkin Day on Oct 26 🎃).
29. Light a candle each evening as a ritual to close the day.
30. Choose a fall-inspired mantra or Bible verse to guide you this month.

🎉 Just for Fun (31–35)

31. Host a fall movie marathon — Hocus Pocus, Gilmore Girls, or cozy classics.
32. Take a day trip to see peak foliage in your area.
33. Write a letter or postcard to someone you miss.
34. Try a creative challenge: fall photography, journaling, or baking through a recipe book.
35. Romanticize your routine — light a candle at breakfast, play soft jazz while cleaning, or wear your favorite sweater just because.

Pat

Patricia Rios

I have been writing makeup and beauty content for more than ten years. My passion is to uplift you, my reader, to feel better about yourself.

What Do You Think?

Blog

Latest news

Go To Blog