Finding some peace amidst the family fun and chaos that happens during the fall season can sometimes feel challenging. My schedule is packed solid between homeschool, co-op, dance, soccer (yes, I am coaching 2 of the 3 teams my kids are on), my husband has two jobs, and I have mine here at CMM, so you can imagine how little time I have to find peace amidst the fall chaos. When I have a moment, I start to run through my to-do list. Laundry, dishes, school printouts, bags packed, uniforms clean, etc. It is really hard to shut off the mind and find moments just to be present.
This fall, I am trying really hard to challenge myself to make time to find some peace amidst all the fall chaos happening around me with these quick tips:
Mindful Morning Rituals
Start the day with a simple, quiet activity just for you—a cup of hot coffee on the deck, five minutes of stretching, or listening to a favorite song before the kids wake up. Personally, I get up before the kids and start my day with my devotions, gratitude journal, and sometimes a few chapters of a book I am currently reading. It has made a huge difference in my day having that “me” time before they get up.
Embrace the “Messy”
Instead of striving for a perfect, curated fall experience, find joy in the unpredictable moments. The leaves scattered all over the front and back doors from the kids running in and out while playing in leaf piles, to the muddy result of boots after a family walk. It is okay to embrace it so that you, too, can enjoy the moment.
Scheduled “Slow-Downs”
Intentionally block off time on your calendar for nothing. This is by far the hardest thing for me to do. I have 4 kids, so there isn’t any free time. So instead, I show up for soccer practice early so they run around, and I can read my book. Or if we get home early enough, we make it a screen-free evening and play cards. It could be as simple as walking around the neighborhood watching the sunset after dinner.
Engage All Five Senses
During your favorite fall activities like apple picking, visiting a farm, or camping, take a moment to pause. Notice the crisp air on your skin, the sweet smell of apples, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, the vibrant colors of the pumpkins, or the taste of a fresh cider doughnut. Look up at the beautiful skies and take a moment to watch the clouds roll on by. Soak it all in. It really does help to reset your mind.
Create a “Cozy Corner”
Designate a small space in your home that is just for you. Fill it with a comfy blanket, a book, and a journal—a place you can retreat to for five minutes of peace when you feel overwhelmed. I moved my recliner, which I used to nurse my babies in, from my bedroom down to the living room, and although it is a little cramped now, it feels like my space to sit and read. The kids play in the playroom, and I sit with a candle lit, wrapped in a blanket, and have some time for myself.
Practice Gratitude
Start and end the day by naming three things you’re grateful for, no matter how small. The kids’ laughter, a beautiful sunset, or the quiet moment after everyone is in bed. You didn’t have to raise your voice today, the kids did things without being asked, and work went well. I start each day with my gratitude journal after reading some scripture. It helps me focus on the good because we all know that the bad, even when far and few, tends to outshine all the good in our days. To flip the switch, practicing gratitude has me focusing on all the good that has happened and is to come.
Fall time is filled with school, extracurriculars, fairs, and sports. It can be hard to carve out the time to take care of yourself because we have so much on our plates, especially on the heels of the holiday season. A few years ago, I burnt myself out so much so that I literally quit life. I stopped coaching, left the board I was on, backed off from work, and really just felt exhaustion in my bones. I took that time to reevaluate and say I won’t ever get so busy again, but here I am busier than ever. So to prevent me from burning out again, I am taking these mindful moment tips and really trying to find peace and quiet amid all the fall chaos. I hope some of these tips help you find some peace amidst all the fall chaos!
