Preparing for Cosy Season: Essential Self-Care Tips for Shorter Days

As the days grow shorter and nights stretch longer, the cosy season is upon us—a time to embrace warmth, comfort, and mindfulness as we transition into autumn and winter. These months offer the perfect opportunity to slow down, take stock, and prioritise self-care.

To help you embrace the early nights and chilly weather, we’ve put together essential self-care tips and seasonal wellness practices that will leave you feeling grounded, uplifted, and ready for the months ahead.

 

1. Embrace the Art of Hygge

Hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah") is a Danish concept that embodies cosiness, warmth, and connection. During the shorter days, bringing hygge into your home and routine can transform your space and mindset. Start with simple touches:

• Create a cosy nook with soft blankets, cushions, and a reading chair.
• Set the mood with candles or soft lighting to make your evenings more inviting.
• Sip on warm, nourishing beverages, such as herbal teas, hot cocoa, or a spiced latte.

Hygge reminds us to cherish small pleasures, making a quiet evening at home feel fulfilling and special.

 

2. Establish a Morning Routine to Boost Your Mood

With less natural light in the morning, it’s easy to feel sluggish and unmotivated. Create a morning routine that energises and boosts your mood:

• Let the light in: As soon as you wake up, open the blinds or curtains to let in as much daylight as possible. Exposure to natural light helps regulate your body’s internal clock.
• Move your body: Gentle stretching, yoga, or a brisk walk can increase blood flow, releasing endorphins and helping you feel more alert.
• Indulge in a grounding ritual: Enjoy a nourishing breakfast or a mindful coffee moment, where you focus on each sip and enjoy the quiet.

Even a few minutes dedicated to yourself in the morning can set a positive tone for the day ahead.

 

 

3. Create an Evening Wind-Down Routine

With early sunsets, evenings can feel long, which is an opportunity to create a calming wind-down routine. Here’s how to prepare for restful evenings:

• Turn off screens at least an hour before bed to reduce exposure to blue light, which can interfere with sleep.
• Run a warm bath with Himalayan Bath Salts or essential oils to ease muscle tension and promote relaxation.
• Journal or reflect: Spend five to ten minutes journaling, jotting down thoughts or things you’re grateful for. This can help process the day’s events and prepare your mind for rest.

Establishing a consistent routine signals to your brain that it’s time to unwind, leading to a more restful night’s sleep.

 

4. Savour Seasonal Comfort Foods Mindfully

Autumn and winter bring cravings for comfort foods, and enjoying these in a balanced way can be deeply satisfying. Seasonal produce like squash, root vegetables, and apples provide nutrients that support overall wellbeing:

• Batch-cook soups and stews: Prepare warming meals that you can enjoy throughout the week. Add seasonal herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, and cinnamon for an extra mood boost.
• Enjoy meals mindfully: Slow down and truly savour each bite. Notice the textures, flavours, and aromas, allowing yourself to appreciate the nourishment.

By focusing on seasonal foods and eating mindfully, you’ll find comfort in each meal without overindulging.

 

 

5. Add Mood-Boosting Scents to Your Space

Scent has a powerful effect on our mood and energy levels. As the days grow darker, uplift your surroundings with warm, comforting fragrances:

• Use essential oils: Scents like eucalyptus, peppermint, and citrus can invigorate, while lavender, sandalwood, and vanilla offer calm and comfort.
• Light seasonal candles: Choose candles with natural, seasonal scents like pine, cinnamon, and cedarwood to make your space feel inviting and festive.

Scents have a grounding effect, helping you to feel calm and focused, even during the busiest days.

 

6. Practice Gratitude and Positive Reflection

In colder months, it’s easy to feel a dip in mood. Practicing gratitude can have a powerful effect on your mental well-being:

• Keep a gratitude journal: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day, focusing on the small pleasures.
• Reflect on your day: At the end of each day, take a moment to acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small. This can help maintain a positive mindset as you wind down.

Gratitude practice fosters a sense of contentment and positivity, helping to combat seasonal lows.

 

 

7. Schedule Regular Outdoor Time

Natural light exposure and fresh air are crucial for mental health, especially during shorter days. Make time each day for a brief outing, even if it’s just a short walk around the neighborhood:

• Midday walks: Try to get outside during midday when the sun is brightest. Even 15 minutes can improve your mood and provide a dose of vitamin D.
• Dress warmly and comfortably: Invest in cosy layers, hats, and scarves, making outdoor time more enjoyable.

The rhythm of walking outdoors can also have a grounding effect, helping you feel more connected to nature and your surroundings.

 

8. Keep Active with Indoor Workouts

When it’s cold or gloomy outside, it’s easy to skip workouts. Indoor exercises are a great way to stay active:

• Try gentle stretching or yoga: Simple stretches or a short yoga flow can reduce tension and promote relaxation.
• Invest in a fitness app: Many apps offer quick, guided workouts that you can do at home without any equipment.
• Create a workout playlist: Music can be motivating, making exercise more enjoyable and uplifting.

Staying active releases endorphins, helping to boost your mood and energy levels, even when it’s dark and chilly outside.

+tip: Try a refreshing shower after your workout with our Aromatherapy Shower Steamers.

 

 

9. Stay Connected with Loved Ones

The cosy season can also be a time when people feel isolated, so maintaining connections with friends and family is essential:

• Plan a weekly virtual coffee or tea date with friends or family members to stay in touch.
• Host a cosy evening in with loved ones, sharing warm drinks, good food, and conversation.
• Send thoughtful messages or small gifts to let people know you’re thinking of them.

Staying connected can provide emotional warmth and support, especially during times of limited social activities.

 

10. Set Intentions for the Season

Finally, take this opportunity to reflect and set intentions for the season:

• Identify personal goals for wellness, creativity, or other areas of growth. These could be as simple as reading more, meditating daily, or trying new recipes.
• Create a vision board with images, quotes, and ideas that resonate with your goals for the cosy season.
• Focus on small, achievable steps: Setting intentions doesn’t have to be grand—sometimes, the smallest changes have the most significant impact.

This reflection time allows you to move through the season with mindfulness and purpose.

 

Embrace Cosy Season with Self-Care

As the days grow shorter, make self-care a priority with cosy rituals and wellness practices that leave you feeling refreshed, comforted, and inspired. Embracing autumn and winter as an opportunity for rest and renewal can bring a sense of peace and joy to the colder months.

Ready to embrace the cosy season? Start by choosing one new self-care ritual from the list above and make it a part of your weekly routine.