Why Hygge Isn’t Just About Candles (and How to Really Live It)

29/09/2025 25 min
Why Hygge Isn’t Just About Candles (and How to Really Live It)

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Episode Synopsis

Feeling overwhelmed by the dark, cold UK months? In this episode, I share my approach to living Hygge —a cozy, mindful lifestyle that goes beyond interiors. What We'll CoverChanging your mindset about autumn & winter:Why the colder, darker months don’t have to be dreaded.Shifting from a “season to survive” to a season to rest, restore, and reflect.Embracing Hygge as an attitude, not just a home aesthetic.Evening & bedtime rituals:Setting a gentle 9:30 PM alarm to signal winding down.Enjoying warming drinks like frothy almond milk with ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon.Yin yoga routines and mindful stretching for relaxation and better sleep.Simple skincare routines with affordable, effective products for winter self-care.Optional extras: pillow sprays, sleep masks, and cozy bedtime rituals.Morning rituals to start your day grounded:Early wake-ups to enjoy quiet time before anyone else is awake.Candle-lit mornings, meditation, journaling, and affirmation cards.Observing nature: stepping outside to connect with the day’s weather and light.Mindful activities like feeding a sourdough starter or baking for calm and satisfaction.Creative and home-based winter activities:Sourdough baking, wreath-making, and seasonal crafts.Jigsaws, board games, and tapestry as mindful hobbies.Writing handwritten letters to friends and family.Reading seasonal books like How to Winter and The Power of Hot and Cold.Living Hygge through clothing and comfort:Snuggly cashmere jumpers, fleece-lined clogs, and soft joggers.Layering for warmth and comfort while feeling stylish at home.Using tactile items like soft throws, cozy bedding, and blankets to create hygge corners.Optimizing your surroundings for seasonal wellbeing:Using lighting, candles, and fairy lights to create warmth and coziness.Incorporating tactile and sensory comforts to make home feel restorative.Music, aromas, and small adjustments to transform spaces into winter sanctuaries.Nourishing foods and winter cooking rituals:Seasonal soups, stews, root vegetables, and spiced dishes.Comfort foods with warming spices like cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, and garam masala.Weekend batch cooking to simplify weeknights and create joyful meals.Treats like spiced apple cake, frothy spiced milk, or dark chocolate with nuts.Winter biohacks & restorative practices:Cold plunges and starry dips for invigorating energy.Sauna sessions and contrast therapy for warmth and endorphins.PEMF mats for grounding, relaxation, and recovery after cold dips.Yin yoga, restorative stretches, and mindful evening rituals to close the day.Mindset tips for enjoying UK winters:Focusing on slowing down and aligning with nature’s rhythms.Making the most of the season without wishing it away.Finding joy in small, restorative activities rather than the idealized “Scandi hygge.”Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Yin Yoga with Kassandra on YouTubeSkincare: The Ordinary product rangeBooks: How to Winter, The Power of Hot and ColdSauna & cold plunge guides, PEMF mat (Higher Dose)To read the blog post associated with this podcast episode (Hygge at Home: Autumn & Winter Rituals for Wellness) just click HERE

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