Autumn is often described as the most atmospheric and soulful season and I couldn’t agree more. Somehow everything feels ambient during this time of the year, even some boring and mundane stuff, like doing grocery or cleaning your house.

What I also know is that many people unfairly hate autumn, since it gets colder and darker and many people suffer from seasonal depression. So, to make the upcoming months more fun and enjoyable I decided to make a list of some atmospheric things you can do, that will make you fall in love with this season. Or make you love it even more, if you’re already an autumn fan. Btw, these isn’t a merely autumnal bucket list, you can do these activities any other time of the year. But I’ll recommend start doing them during autumn, and I’ll explain why.

1. Go to a bookstore or a library

Many people, including me, connect autumn with the start of academic year, which, obviously, is full of books. So, whenever you have some free time, visit your local library, pick a book to read. Or go to a beautiful bookstore, scan through their selection of literature and stationary, find something interesting. Books are an important part of my life in general, but somehow I have a stronger love for them in autumn. Their smell, beautiful covers and poetic lines fill the grey days with bright colors.

2. Do pottery

I recently discovered a new hobby – pottery with air dry clay. It’s a special kind of clay that doesn’t need to be fired in a kiln, it simply dries by itself within 48 hours. It’s a great way to be creative and try making different things. Since I love autumnal decor, I think it’s a great low-budget way to make your own amazing decor pieces to showcase. And since Halloween is on its way, you can also make something spooky for your upcoming party. Like little ghosties or Jack o’lanterns.

3. Go to a museum or a gallery

Gonna be honest – I haven’t visited either of those in a long time, but I really want to. For me, autumn is synonymous with dark academia vibes which is full of art and sculptures with interesting backstories, maybe even mysterious legends. It’s a great way to spend your day, because even if you end up not liking what you saw, you’ll still expand your worldview with seeing and learning something new.

4. Make your own movie theater

It’s sad when your fun weekend plans get ruined by a heavy rainstorm. But instead of letting the weather ruin your day, you should take advantage of the cozy atmosphere it creates and make your own movie theater. Throw a bunch of cozy pillows and blankets on the sofa, lit on lots of candles and twinkle lights, make some popcorn and other yummy snacks, pick up a new film you haven’t seen or your favorite comfy watch and enjoy! If you have your own projector, I highly recommend using it in order to create the illusion of the cinema screen. It’s one of the coziest things you can do either alone or with some friends over.

5. Have a picnic

Who said those are only for summer? Imagine spending the whole day in a colorful park or even a forest, collecting some beautiful shaped leaves, acorns, conkers or mushrooms, breathing the chill and fresh air, eating delicious food, reading a book, if you’re alone, or play some board games with a company. Maybe even building a bonfire and making s’mores. After such an amazing day you’ll definitely start enjoying this season, if you hadn’t already.

6. Bake some pastry

Baking is one of my favorite activities especially during the cold time of the year. Your house gets filled with the sweetest and most delicious aroma which instantly makes the place so much cozier and warmer. To make the baking more atmospheric and seasonal, choose an “autumnal recipe”, like cinnamon buns, a carrot cake, pumpkin pastries etc.

7. Go to a coffee shop

Imagine this: it’s pouring outside, you’re sitting in a warm and pretty cafe or a coffee shop, enjoying your freshly brewed coffee, some tea or hot chocolate, whatever, watching the people and cars come and go, reading a book, or having a nice long conversation with a friend. Even writing about this makes me feel so good and warm inside.

As I mentioned, these are some simple yet very atmospheric activities that will make your day stand out among your ordinary and dull routine. Seasons change, and it’s up to us whether to romanticize our lives and make the most out of it, or wait for the perfect time and opportunity to do something cool.