As nighttime begins to fall earlier each evening, it’s normal to long for the warm and sunny days of summer. However, with the right mindset, the change of seasons can be an opportunity to lean into a slower pace that embraces moments of comfort and joy in simplicity to boost your fall mental health.
With just a few changes to your routine, the darker months of autumn and winter can provide the perfect backdrop to a cozy and comforting environment. The Danish have long embraced a concept known as hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”), a way of life focused on gratitude, relaxation and simple pleasures that guide them through the long and chilly nights in Denmark. We’re sharing some ideas on how to slow down this fall and use some hygge concepts while embracing darker evenings.
Get cozy
Whether it’s a snuggly blanket, a crackling fire or a mug of your calming tea, finding your favorite ways to cozy up is the key to hygge culture. Creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in your home can even lower your stress levels and increase your levels of gratitude. The good news is, it doesn’t need to be expensive or time consuming.
Here are some tips to create cozy fall routines at home:
- Light your favorite scented candle or a few tea lights on your dining table at mealtimes.
- Create a reading nook and cuddle up with a new book from your library.
- Brew a cup of your favorite soothing tea or decadent hot cocoa.
- Try a comforting recipe that features the flavors of the season, such as cakes, muffins and soups.
- Swap bright lights for dimmer bulbs or hang up a strand of twinkle lights for warm and soft lighting.
- Add extra pillows and blankets to your sofa or bed to create an inviting place to rest and relax.
- A lit fireplace can add instant ambiance and warmth to your home. If you don’t have a fireplace, you can try one of the many fireplace options on your TV.
- Wear comfortable clothing that makes you feel good. This is the time to enjoy your softest sweaters, scarves, socks and slippers.
Embrace comforting rituals
Slowing down to appreciate and find some magic in your daily routine can beat back the winter blues. Hygge is all about embracing the process, enjoying the comfort of familiar rituals and time spent with people who bring you happiness.
Tips to enjoy time with family and friends include hosting events everyone can look forward to such as a regular game night, a friendly cooking or baking competition, a themed dinner party or a book club meeting.
Instead of rushing through your evening routines to get ready for bed, find ways to enjoy the process. Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated and it can help restore and warm your spirits when the colder months settle in.
Try one or more of these seasonal self-care ideas:
- Take a warm bath by candlelight in the evening.
- Use a scented soap or lotion that lifts your spirits.
- Start a gratitude journal or practice meditation.
- Move through a few yoga poses to ease muscle tension and help you feel grounded.
- Turn on a soothing playlist or listen to new and relaxing music.
- Bundle up in your coziest clothes and take a walk to enjoy the changing leaves.
Shifting your mindset to embrace the changing season can help you find gratitude and joy every day. When you sprinkle some comforting hygge practices into your daily routine, you might find that the early evenings become something you look forward to.
Having a safe, comfortable home is key to a perfect self-care routine. Check out our fall home checklist to create a space perfect for your new routine.
