Preparing for Cozy Season: Three Simple Ways to Embrace Hygge Living in Fall

Fall is the perfect time to dive into all things cozy and hygge. Credit: Hans.

Crisp autumn air. Leaves turning from green to gold. It can only mean one thing: fall is about to start! Now is the time to embrace the seasonal shift with a heart full of warmth and comfort. Autumn invites us to slow down, savor the simple pleasures of life, and find joy in the little things. These days, that can feel like a tall order, but don’t worry: I’ve got you covered.

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the spirit of fall is by preparing your home and mindset for a season of hygge (a Norwegian and Danish concept that promotes comfort, contentment, connection and mindfulness). Here’s how you can set the stage for a cozy fall season full of joy and well-being.

Casa de Cozy: Create a Warm and Inviting Home

Soft blankets and warm throws can make your home feel cozy and welcoming. Credit: Nellie Adamyan.

The foundation of hygge starts in the home and the head. For the home, hygge living is all about spaces that feel welcoming and warm. Nurturing and peaceful. As the temperatures drop, we naturally migrate towards spending more time indoors. This makes fall the perfect time to turn your home into a sanctuary. Start easy! Add elements that make your abode feel like stepping into a big hug—think plump pillows and thick throw blankets, fun fairy lights and scent-ilating candles:

•       Lighting: As daylight wanes, the right lighting becomes essential. Opt for soft, ambient lighting like string (or fairy) lights or candles. Consider using dimmers to set the mood or lanterns to create that inviting glow.

•       Textures and Layers: Bring out the thick blankets, cashmere or wool throws, and velvet cushions. Textures like these provide tactile comfort and warmth, making your space feel snug and inviting.

•       Scent: Fall is all about warmth and comfort and that goes for scents, too. Think pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and apple. You can use candles, essential oils, or simmering stovetop potpourri to fill your home with inviting fragrances.

Cozy Comfort for Your Mind & Body

Revel in comforting foods such as soups and hearty casseroles. Credit: James Hardman.

From your home, to your head... hygge is also about cultivating a mindset of contentment. Fall is a great time to slow down and prioritize self-care with these easy tips:

•       Drink it Hot: One of the simplest ways to embrace hygge is with a cup of your favorite hot drink. Be it a chai latte, mulled cider, or a cup of coffee, the ritual of sipping a warm beverage will add a sense of calm and mindfulness to your day.

•       Snuggle Up with a Book: Fewer things feel cozier than curling up with a good book or watching your favorite films from under a thick blanket. Hygge is all about finding joy in the simple, quiet pleasures, and there's nothing simpler or truer to us humans than losing ourselves in a great story.

•       Cozy You Can Taste: We tend to exercise and see the sun less in colder weather, the combination of which deprives us of those “happy” chemicals: dopamine and serotonin.^[1] Eating comfort foods triggers that rush of happiness and contentment. We can give ourselves those happy, cozy vibes and healthy calories by focusing on hearty (and heart healthy) meals like stews, soups and veggie-packed casseroles.

Hygge by Nature

Fresh air: a time-tested, hygge-approved medicine. Credit: Martin Dalsgaard.

We tend to associate coziness primarily with being indoors. However, the “‘ber” months are a great time to get outside! Spending time outdoors, especially in nature, can lower stress levels and boost our mood.^{[2], [3], [4]} Try going for a nice, brisk walk with a friend before dinner or take a day trip to a park or woodlands where you can appreciate fall foliage and connect with nature. Fall is peak apple picking and pumpkin patch time, so grab a friend (or a hot apple cider), head to your local apple or pumpkin farm and have a blast!

Making a (Hygge) Habit Out of It 

Make time to slow down and savor the little moments. Credit: Allison Christine.

The key to successful hygge living is making it a part of your daily routine. So slow down, take the time to savor the flavors of that chai latte! Allow moments of tranquility to infiltrate your routine. Maybe you give yourself that nap on a Saturday afternoon, enjoy a leisurely brunch with an old friend, or sink with delight into that hot bath by candlelight you’ve put off… whatever it is, building up these small habits will create a cozy rhythm that helps you navigate the chaos and hustle of everyday life.

Just remember: cozy and hygge living aren’t about perfection! They’re about comfort, contentment, connection, and the little things in life. Nurture your home and yourself and watch how incredible your fall becomes.

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