Embrace Hygge This Autumn

Hygge at Autumn Time

Autumn is establishing itself and as the temperature changes its important to enjoy and embrace the new season to keep your mind, body and spirit happy and healthy. At The Candle Tree we believe it is important to surround yourself with comforting and heart warming items that spark joy. As the darker autumn and winter days approach, it’s natural to feel a bit glum with the lack of light, cold grey weather and dark mornings and evenings. If that sounds familiar, then embracing Hygge could really improve things for you. Countries like Sweden, Norway and Denmark over the autumn and winter months have fewer hours of daylight and those cultures have created ways to sustain themselves through the darkness, to avoid a negative seasonal effect. The Danish word Hygge (pronounced Hoo-ga) does not have an equivalent word in English, but represents a whole culture of cosiness and wellbeing that may just be behind what makes Danes the happiest people on the planet. The Happiness Institute of Denmark have found that Danes social relationships that make them happiest, and that Hygge puts small social gatherings at it’s heart.

Hygge - The Danish Art of Cosy Living Is Perfect For Autumn.

Hygge appears to be a name given to an atmosphere and experience of cosiness, wellbeing and happiness. It’s sometimes also called the art of creating intimacy. The word originates from a Norwegian word that means wellbeing and also the word hug. The concept is broken down into a many aspects which include:

• Atmosphere, including he correct kind of lighting, such a gentle candlelight.

• Presence or mindfulness, for example having a digital break.

• Pleasure, in form of good food and looking after your body.

• Gratitude, being thankful for what you have now.

• Harmony, including peace and calmness.

• Comfort in your surroundings, making things warm and cosy and maybe taking a bath.

• To summarise, Hygge is all about self care combined with connection with other people and creating an environment that feels cosy, warm, inviting and safe.

Enjoy Some Hygge

Lighting
Hygge lighting is about creating a warmer light that feels cosy and comforting instead of harsh and brightly lit. Decorate your space with candles and warm white bulbs. Fairy lights are also a lovely addition, or if you are lucky enough; a woodburning fire.

Hygge Space
A hygge corner is an area in your house that feels like the perfect little cosy nook. Use cushions, blankets, cosy nightwear, preferably made from natural materials like cotton and wool. A comfortable and cosy environment has a big hygge factor and anything else that makes it snug, and use it for reading, journalling or meditating.

Reading
Reading books curled up in your snug hygge corner is the perfect hygge activity to bring you a sense of wellbeing. Create a reading list and switch off from the digital world to clear your mind and unwind.

Enjoy Cooking & Baking
Taking a full afternoon to gently cook or bake something is very hygge. Cooking can be so relaxing and nourishing so look up slow cooker recipes or even try making your own bread.

Hot Drinks
Apparently Danes are Europe’s biggest coffee drinkers! Caffine is a winter warmer but herbal teas are also ultra soothing and super hygge. Use your favourite mug to bring that extra spark of joy to your drink.

Connect With Nature
When we are close to nature we tend not to be so engulfed in technology and are usually in a more mindful and relaxed state. Plan some trips to local forests, gardens and nature reserves, coastal walks are also very refreshing and invigorating. Be sure to wrap up!

Self Care & Sleep
Now is a great time to reflect and see if you can make any tweaks to enhance your overall lifestyle for the benefit of your health and well-being. Self care is something simple you do to enhance your health and well-being take inspiration from our range of mind, body and spirit treats.

Crafting
Again, in the spirit of developing closer connections with people, why not plan a crafting afternoon? This would be perfect deeper into winter near Christmas as you could watch Christmas movies while drinking mulled wine and making cards or wreaths.

Make Exercise Enjoyable
Make your exercise more cosy by doing yoga or pilates indoors in a gentle candle lit area. Running or walking outside in harsh weather makes hygge rituals even more appealing to come home to!

Embrace Scents In Your Home
Enjoy lighting candles and using home fragrance to lift your mood during the Autumn, Winter months. It is especially hygge to use smells associated with this time of year, such as; orange, sandalwood, cinnamon and clove. Using essential oils in a diffuser will not only make your home smell gorgeous and increase the cosiness factor but this will also relax you and improve your mood.

Finally, Snuggle Up & Keep Warm!
Socks, slippers,  jumpers, hats and scarves are all hygge, enjoy wrapping up and steal yourself against the elements. At the heart of all of the above suggestions are taking joy in simple pleasures, being in nature, connection with loved ones and gratitude. These are all powerful things and can make a huge difference to how you feel during the challenges of colder, darker weather. Below are a selection of items to bring joy and comfort to you this season, Hygge style!

At The Candle Tree we have lots more self care treats to help you embrace Hygge at our picturesque Gloucester based shop and online at The Candle Tree.

Moroccan Babouche Slippers in Mustard

Treat your Feet To Some Luxury Hygge! Women's Moroccan Babouche Basic Slippers in Mustard are a vibrant pair of bespoke leather slippers in hand-dyed leather. Constructed using the traditional techniques, these babouche slippers are handmade by Bohemia Design team of artisans in their workshop near Marrakech. These simple leather slippers are the ultimate home accessory and the perfect gift. These slippers are luxuriously soft and comfortable, the mustard colour is a beautiful rich vibrant colour to brighten up cosy evenings by the fire. Also available in vintage pink & petal grey.

• Leather

• Ethically Handmade in Morocco

• For indoor use only

St Eval Orange & Cinnamon Gold Dipped Multiwick Candle

The Warm Glow Of Candlelight Is True Hygge, scented and beautifully hand wrapped, this is the ultimate mood enhancing candle. With 3 wicks this really is the statement candle, fragranced with the warmth of orange & cinnamon. This beautiful candle is hand and poured and then hand dipped to give the stunning half dipped gold effect this a real must for dressing your home this Autumn. A beautiful decorative candle which will bring joy and scented magic to your evenings and warm comforting scent to your home. Enjoy lit for up to 110 hours.

Naturally European Lavender Bath Salts

Envelop Yourself In A Warm Relaxing Hygge Bath. Create a calming spa at home experience with our Naturally European Lavender Bath Salts with Lavender Petals. If you’re in need of relaxation, let the minerals dissolve to release delightful aromatic fragrances. Enjoying a bath on a cold dark Autumn/Winter evening will bring joy and a sense of wellbeing and truly invoke a sense of Hygge. The scent of Lavender is truly relaxing and paired with the warmth of the bath water will nourish your soul with comfort and bring peace of mind.

Kew Gardens Bergamot and Ginger Hand Cream

This Bergamot & Ginger Botanical Hand Cream has a Mediterranean scent with a beautiful balance between citrus and spice. Ginger is a delightfully warming and comforting scent for Autumn and this luxury and cream is balanced with zesty bergamot. With a floral heart of lily of the valley, peony, rose, jasmine and carnation, the fragrance is balanced with a rich base of amber, sandalwood, leather and musk. Enriched with Shea butter to moisturise all skin types.