5 Powerful Ways to Use the Fall Equinox to Boost Your Self-Worth and Set Healthy Boundaries

Happy Equinox, everyone! 🍂☀️

That magical time of year when the day and night are perfectly balanced. Now, if Mother Nature can achieve balance, maybe it’s time we took a hint, right?

The equinox is all about balance — light and dark, day and night, and a mind-numbing amount of pumpkin spice everywhere. 

But here’s where it gets good: this is the perfect time to check in with yourself and find your own balance, especially when it comes to self-worth and setting boundaries. 

So, let’s chat about how the equinox can help you boost that sense of self-worth while fine-tuning those boundaries — and I’ll give you some great ways to do just that!

The Balance Between “Yes” and “No”

The equinox gives us this sweet spot of balance, which is exactly what you need when you’re figuring out how to say “no” without feeling like a bad person. Let’s face it, “no” is a hard word for a lot of us — mostly because we’ve been conditioned to be “yes” people, even when saying “yes” feels like wearing shoes two sizes too small. Ouch.

But guess what? Just like the equinox reminds us there’s a time for light and a time for dark, there’s also a time for “yes” and a time for “no.” It’s not about shutting down opportunities or people, it’s about honoring what feels right for you — kind of like choosing the right amount of whipped cream on your pumpkin pie. (Spoiler: the limit does not exist.)

Setting Boundaries Is Basically Gardening

Now, let’s talk about boundaries. 

Setting boundaries is like planting a garden. If you let everyone stomp through your flower beds, they’ll end up a trampled mess. But if you set up a cute little fence — or a big, intimidating one, depending on your vibe — your flowers (and your peace of mind) will thrive.

The equinox is your cosmic reminder to nurture those personal boundaries. Just as the Earth shifts into a new season, you, too, can shift into protecting your time, energy, and emotional well-being. 

Boundaries aren’t barriers; they’re acts of self-love. So the next time someone tries to pull you into their drama vortex, think of your favorite garden gnome standing guard at the entrance of your personal space, giving a firm but polite “no thanks.”

Self-Worth: You Are Enough, No Add-ons Required

We live in a world that constantly asks us to add more to our plates like life is some kind of existential buffet. But the equinox reminds us that balance is about realizing we’re enough just as we are. You don’t need to say “yes” to everyone and everything just to prove your worth. 

...Spoiler alert: your worth is already off the charts.

In fact, owning your self-worth can look a lot like this: smiling at yourself in the mirror, knowing that you’re just as amazing when you’re lounging in sweatpants as when you’re ticking off that to-do list that’s as long as a novel. 

The equinox invites you to embody that feeling of “enough” — give yourself permission to stop chasing validation like you’re on a hamster wheel.

Here are five fun and meaningful ways to celebrate the equinox that’ll help you boost your self-worth and set those all-important boundaries:

1. Create a “No” List

Grab a cozy spot, a hot beverage, and a journal, and write a list of things you’re no longer going to say “yes” to. These can be activities, commitments, or even people (yep, we’re going there). This is your day to start reclaiming your time and energy. Saying “no” to what drains you opens up space for what actually lights you up. Think of it as an official “unsubscribe” from life’s unnecessary stressors.

2. Do Something Just for You

Today is the perfect excuse to treat yourself without any guilt. Whether it's taking a long bath, reading that book you’ve been eyeing, or indulging in a favorite hobby, this time is all yours. By carving out moments for yourself, you're reminding your inner critic that your needs matter, and that’s the first step to feeling more self-worth.

3. Practice the Power of a 24-Hour “Hold”

I loooove this practice! Before agreeing to any new requests or favors, try giving yourself 24 hours to respond. The equinox is about balance, and this little pause will help you determine if something aligns with your values and boundaries. It’s like putting a “hold” on decisions until you know they fit you as perfectly as your favorite pair of jeans.

4. Declutter Your Space (and Mind)

Let go of what’s cluttering your environment — and your brain! Use the equinox as a time to clean up your physical space, whether that’s your home, your office, or even your social media feeds. This process of clearing out the unnecessary not only makes room for more peace, but it also sends a powerful message to yourself: you deserve a life (and mind) that feels light, not weighed down.

5. Write a Love Letter to Yourself

Yep, this might sound cheesy, but it works. Sit down and write a heartfelt letter to you — the version of yourself that’s done the hard things set boundaries, and survived. Celebrate your wins, big and small. Remind yourself of your worth, and let it be a note you can come back to whenever you need a confidence boost. Plus, future you will thank you for the pick-me-up!

These are small but powerful ways to honor the equinox and, more importantly, celebrate you.

To Sum It All Up: Find Your Balance and Protect Your Peace

So, as the world finds its balance on this fine equinox, take a moment to find yours. Ask yourself where you need to say “no,” where you need to set up a garden fence, and where you need to recognize that you are, without a doubt, already enough.

And if that feels like too much for one equinox? No worries. There’s always the next season.

Happy balancing! ✨