This past weekend for us here in the United States (excluding Arizona), we did our annual “fall back” where we turn our clocks back one hour for the season lasting until mid-March. This means that the sunrise will come earlier, but that also the sunset will come earlier too. While many people find this to be a hard time of year with the sunshine leaving us earlier and earlier, I like to think of this as a time of cozy hibernation. We spend the warmer months out and about at the farmer’s markets, beaches/pools, shops, gardens, parks, etc., and while these are so fun to do, I like to think of daylight savings time as a time to take life easier and to enjoy moving a little slower and cozying up at home more.
When we are able to savor the season we find ourselves in, we can move through each one with not only ease, but also enjoyment for the time we have there too. Here are seven simple ways to fall back and savor this time for next few months ahead.
-Spruce up your cold-weather wardrobe
As we are now in the first week of November, now is a good time to spruce up the wardrobe for the cold weather months ahead. Especially this month with so many sales that are sure to be available for holidays such as Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving/Black Friday. Check to see if some sweaters are needing to be replaced and the other items such as gloves, thick socks, scarves, etc. are needed or needing to be replaced as well. Make a wish list and keep track this month of what goes on sale.
-Discover the coziness of hygge
Hygge is the Danish concept of coziness or comfort. It’s a way of life that involves creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. These are simple concepts that can be easily executed such as having a movie night, spending time with friends and family, going on a picnic, enjoying a festival, baking something from scratch, a hot bath, etc. There are so many books on the subject of hygge, try reading some this season for even more ideas and inspiration.
-enjoy the comfort of soups and roasts
With the cold weather basically upon us, now is a great time to break out the recipes for our favorite soups and roasts to enjoy. Such a comfort it is to tuck into something so warm and nourishing when the weather gets cold and blustery outside. There is also the coziness of cooking the dish itself that is a pleasure. Taking the time to put on a soft jazz playlist, an apron and to chop, cut, sauté and cook/roast, and then enjoying the scent of the dish itself as it cooks…it’s simply a true comfort.
-read cozy feel-good books
With the sunsets coming earlier and earlier this time of year, it gives us a chance to be able to cozy up with a book and enjoy those extra hours of darkness. This is also the best time of year to enjoy those cozy, feel-good books too. Whether it’s a cozy mystery, cozy romance or books based on the beauty of a quiet everyday life, find a book that inspires that cozy feeling and enjoy reading it with a lit seasonal scented candle, a hot drink and a cozy throw blanket.
-Light all the candles
With the coming of early sunsets for me comes the lighting of all the candles in the home. I have a few candles throughout each room in my apartment and as soon as dinner is finished and the kitchen cleaned, I will go around and light all of the candles as part of my nighttime ritual for this time of year. It sets the foundation of cozying in for the evening and creates a hygge-like atmosphere that I look forward to every evening.
-enjoy cozy hobbies
Now that we are spending more time indoors it is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some cozy hobbies. Whether it’s ones that we already love to do or a new one that we are curious to try, take the opportunity to enjoy this time with something that nourishes your soul. Some cozy hobbies to try this season could be reading a new kind of book, coloring, jigsaw puzzles, painting, knitting, scrapbooking, baking or collecting (like coins, post cards, stamps, etc.)
-get out during the daytime too
While staying in and cozying up at home is a great way to fall back this season, do not also forget to get out during the daytime too, even if it’s just a walk around the neighborhood. We still want to get some sunshine and be out in nature as this can help soothe and seasonal blues that may try to set in. Even if it’s cold, try to get out to new places for a change of scenery. Some cozy ideas are to visit parks (if not too cold), antique stores, cafes, see a movie at the theater, see a play or symphony, a cozy restaurant for lunch, a bookstore or a seasonal farmer’s market. While it is important to make life at home pleasant for this time of year, also make time to get out too during the weekend as a way to keep “cabin fever” at bay during the workweek.
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