Spooky Self Care
A Fall Reset Just For You
There’s something about October that feels like a soft reset button. But with the excitement (and stress) of upcoming fall festivals, costume planning, and everything else on the calendar, it’s easy to forget about taking care of you.
This season, I plan on weaving a little spooky self-care into my routine, and believe me—I’m hoping it makes even the busiest days feel lighter. Pair that with a few crisp morning walks, and suddenly October doesn’t feel so scary!
Spooky Self-Care Rituals
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s just about finding small ways to pause and enjoy the moment. My October favorites:
Glow-in-the-Dark Bath Bombs: Yes, they exist, and yes, they’re as fun as they sound. Drop one in a warm bath and watch the fizz light up your night.
Haunted House Playlist: Think less terrifying sound effects, more witchy acoustic vibes. (Fleetwood Mac always makes the cut.)
Fall Face Masks: They smell delicious and leave your skin glowing. Pro tip: pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before applying—instant refresh.
Scary-Good Journaling: I’ve been keeping a tiny “October Gratitude List.” Even just writing down three good things each night seems to make me feel a little less witchy.
Walk This Way
October mornings were made for walking. The chill in the air, the fiery leaves, the excuse to wear that cute vest you bought last year—it all adds up to one of the simplest but most effective self-care practices. Walking clears my head and reminds me that movement doesn’t have to be intense to be beneficial.
Sometimes I’ll head out solo with a podcast or my witchy acoustic playlist, but other mornings I grab a girlfriend, and we loop around the neighborhood with pumpkin coffees in hand. By the time we’re back, we’ve burned calories, brainstormed Halloween costumes, and solved half the world’s problems.
October is too fleeting to spend it stressed out or glued to a screen. Light a pumpkin candle, grab a caramel apple pop, lace up your sneakers, and make self-care something simple and fun. After all, there’s nothing scary about taking care of yourself first!
Store-Bought Fall Treats We’re Indulging In & Calling it Self- Care
Pumpkin Spice Madeleines from Trader Joe’s – bite-sized, perfect with coffee.
Brach’s Caramel Apple Pops – pure nostalgia.
Little Debbie Pumpkin Delights – they never get old.
Talenti Pumpkin Pie Gelato – for when you need a sweet, chilly treat.
Reese’s Pumpkin - because DUH.
Favorite Day Pumpkin Spice Mini Pretzels from Target
How to Elevate Your Walking Workout
Add Intervals: Try one block of brisk walking/jogging followed by one block of strolling.
Pumpkin Carry: Okay, not really—but hand weights tucked into your pockets or a weighted vest do the trick.
Playlist Magic: Make a “Haunted Steps” playlist with upbeat spooky songs (think “Monster Mash” meets Lizzo).
Scenic Detours: Head to a local park or trail—those crunchy leaves are nature’s treadmill soundtrack.
Girlfriend Accountability: Walking is easier (and WAY more fun) when you have a buddy waiting on you!
Haunted Steps Playlist
Monster Mash – Bobby “Boris” Pickett
Thriller – Michael Jackson
Disturbia – Rihanna
Superstition – Stevie Wonder
Sweet but Psycho – Ava Max
Bad Guy – Billie Eilish
She Wolf – Shakira
Cannibal – Kesha
Heads Will Roll – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Spooky, Scary Skeletons – Andrew Gold
Abracadabra – Steve Miller Band
Confident – Demi Lovato
Good as Hell – Lizzo
Somebody’s Watching Me – Rockwell
I Put a Spell on You – Bette Midler (Hocus Pocus)
The Perfect Witchy Acoustic Vibes Playlist
Rhiannon – Fleetwood Mac
Cosmic Love (Acoustic) – Florence + The Machine
Landfill – Daughter
Ghost (Acoustic) – Halsey
Song to the Siren – This Mortal Coil
Seven Devils (Acoustic) – Florence + The Machine
Season of the Witch – Donovan
Skinny Love – Bon Iver
Bury Me (Acoustic) – CHVRCHES
Fire and Rain – James Taylor
Summertime Sadness (Acoustic) – Lana Del Rey
Black Magic Woman – Santana
Jar of Hearts – Christina Perri
Creep (Acoustic) – Radiohead
Zombie (Acoustic) – The Cranberries