As the air turns crisp and the days shorten, we naturally desire a change to a slower, more inward state. The Danish concept of hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) reminds us to slow down and savor the small moments of comfort like a warm cup of tea, a soft blanket, or the simple ritual of caring for your skin. This season, create your own cozy-weather hygge rituals that nourish both body and spirit during the busy holiday season. Here are a few ways to encourage and remind us to take it easy, even when everything around us may not be.
1. Settle Into the Hygge Feeling
Hygge begins with your space. Bring a sense of calm presence and comfort by diffusing a warm, grounding blend from our Walk in the Woods Kit and let your surroundings invite you to slow down. Before diving into your self-care rituals, take a few mindful breaths.
This moment of transition: from busy to still, from outside to in, helps your body and mind sync with the season.
Recipe idea: Bring the grounding calm of the forest into your home with this simple stovetop simmer pot recipe. Juniper berries, bay leaves, and rosemary sprigs combine with our Walk in the Woods Essential Oil Kit to create a woodsy, refreshing aroma that evokes the feeling of a peaceful walk beneath the trees. Quick tip: You don't even need a stove! Add recipe to a crockpot to bring to a holiday gathering, or use a candle warmer lamp at your desk to enjoy the fresh, woodsy scent wherever you are.
2. Warm Bath or Shower Ritual
One of the most hygge-inspired ways to feel cozy & care for your skin is through enjoying some time in warm water. A warm bath or shower opens pores, allowing nourishing oils to absorb more deeply and soften skin. This simple ritual supports skin hydration and offers a comforting, calm down moment.
Ancient Ayurvedic practice to try: Before bathing, you might incorporate a dry brushing practice to gently exfoliate and energize the skin. Using a soft natural brush, sweep upward toward the heart in light, rhythmic strokes to encourage circulation. Then apply a apply a deeply hydrating body oil like sesame oil all over. Massage in slow, grounding movements, taking a moment to pause and breathe as the oils absorb. Enjoy your relaxing bath or shower, and stay as long as you are able. Quick tip: Play your favorite playlist, audiobook or podcast through a waterproof speaker for an extra cozy me-time experience.
After bathing is the perfect time to add a final layer of oil to keep that moisture locked in while your skin is still damp and your pores are open. Sweet almond, coconut or jojoba oil make great choices that quickly absorb into the skin without leaving a greasy feeling. For a luxurious touch, try making this Indian Sandalwood & Rose Body Oil as your everyday moisturizer.
3. Embrace the Evening Wind-Down
As the days grow shorter, create an evening ritual that soothes your skin and your senses. Embrace the long cozy nights with this routine:
After cleansing, warm a few drops of this Restoring Face Oil for Dry Skin recipe between your palms. Press gently into your skin, inhaling the grounding aromas of frankincense and german chamomile. This richly nourishing blend helps restore moisture while encouraging a radiant, calm complexion.
Diffuse Frankincense or Pillow Potion as you unwind to help signal the body that it’s time to rest. A few minutes of gentle yoga or stretching before climbing into bed helps with relaxing body and mind.
Sip on a warm cup of herbal tea (like chamomile) while letting your mind let go of the day with a good book. Lastly, a nice sleep meditation or story helps the mind drift off to dreamland.
4. Nourish from Head to Toe
Cooler weather can leave hair dry and frizzy, so give it some hygge-inspired care, too. Smooth a few drops of Smooth Curls Hair Oil recipe through damp ends for softness and shine, or massage into the scalp before bed for deep overnight hydration. The subtle botanical scent makes this simple act feel like a small luxury, reminding you that hygge is about comfort found in the everyday. For deeper hydration at your roots use this scalp massage oil that features argan and rosemary.
Don't forget about those toes! We all know how uncomfortable dry, cracked heels can be in the winter. Make sure to have this Sandalwood Foot Salve on hand to show your feet some care.
5. Transform Your Space with Cozy Scents
Hygge is as much about the feeling in your home as it is about personal care. Diffuse warm, comforting essential oils to create your cozy sanctuary like this Chai Latte Diffusion featuring ginger, cinnamon, clove, and cardamom. Or try this Fall Leaves Reed Diffuser recipe.
- Try this: Combine 8 drops Rescue Charm essential oil blend with a couple drops of Sweet Orange for a spicy, uplifting aroma.
- Quick tip: No diffuser? Fill a small dish with coarse salt and add 10 drops of your favorite oils or blend for a simple salt diffuser that releases gentle fragrance without heat or flame.
Embrace the Season
Hygge is an invitation to be present and to find joy in warmth, comfort, and simplicity. This season, let your skincare and aromatherapy rituals become grounding moments that reconnect you to yourself. Cozy up, slow down, and let your natural radiance shine through the colder months ahead.
