How to Create a Hygge-Inspired Cozy Fall Morning Routine
Fall is the best time of the year to get back or develop a new routine. We are in the last quarter of the year and we have about sixty days to develop our dreamiest, coziest morning routine to take us into the new year on a high note. For me, reconnecting with my routines in the fall is the equivalent of the start of a new school year. This is the time to focus on our goals, get back into our routines, and build our dream cozy life before the new year. So embrace the coziness with a cozy hygge-inspired morning routine that works for you.
The concept of hygge has been around for a while but just in case, hygge is a Danish concept that, while there is no literal translation in the English language, translates to comfort, coziness, and contentment, and encourages us to find joy in life’s simple pleasures. And that’s what this cozy morning routine is all about!
Creating a hygge-inspired morning routine will help you slowly ease into the day, feeling grounded, centered, and calm as you head into your day. In this post, I’ll walk you through the ten ways I’ve created a cozy fall morning routine that embraces the essence of hygge and helps me start each day on a positive, peaceful note. I encourage you to use this guide to create your own cozy fall morning routine!
1. Start with a Slow Wake-Up
I for one would stay in bed all morning if I could. I love soaking in the feel of my cozy and warm sheets in the early morning. In truth, rushing out of bed the moment my alarm goes off is not meant for me. I love a slow gentle wake-up so yes, I have the Hatch alarm and I absolutely love it. I mean … who doesn’t want to wake up to the sound of birds chirping and a Portland sunrise? In all seriousness, a sunrise alarm mimics a natural sunrise and helps you gradually wake up, without the abruptness of a loud alarm.
Once you’re awake, don’t feel pressured to jump out of bed immediately. I like to wake up between 6:15 AM and 6:30 AM to give myself some time to stretch, breathe, drink some water, and enjoy the warmth of my blankets while I read a chapter or two of whatever book I’m reading at the moment. A slow wake-up allows you to transition from rest to activity in a mindful, relaxed way.
This is what I have found works for me and gets me excited to wake up. I recommend you choose a time you want to wake up to give yourself enough time to do something you love in the morning and gradually work your way to waking up at that time. Also, go to bed early! I am in bed by 11:00 PM most nights, which gives me enough rest to wake up around 6:30 AM most mornings.
2. Set the Mood with Soft Lighting
Something about me is that I love lighting and hate the big overhead light! I am a firm believer that the lighting in our homes sets the tone for how we feel. Bright, harsh lights can be jarring, especially when you just woke up and are trying to ease into the day.
To create a calm, hygge-inspired atmosphere, use soft, warm lighting in your bedroom and living spaces first thing in the morning. Now, I live in Florida and usually, the sun is not up at 6:30 AM this time of the year so I adore those early morning moments. Instead of flipping on the overhead lights, I like to turn on my cozy lamp and flameless candles for a gentle glow.
Soft lighting allows your body to adjust to the day gradually, helping you feel more relaxed and at ease, especially as the days start getting shorter.
3. Brew a Warm Beverage
I love starting my day with a warm beverage this time of the year. Also, it’s pumpkin spice season! A warm beverage is a comforting way to start your morning and is a staple of any hygge routine. Whether you love coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, the ritual of brewing and enjoying a cozy drink can be a grounding experience. Take a few extra minutes to indulge in this moment—lately, I’m reaching for my favorite fall mug and making a fall-inspired latte (usually a tablespoon of pumpkin puree, some milk, vanilla extract, and a dash of pumpkin pie spice frothed together and added to a hot americano, double shot of espresso and some hot water).
Drinking something warm is soothing in itself, but it also gives you a chance to slow down and be present. Consider enjoying your beverage in a quiet space, perhaps near a window where you can watch the morning light or … you can take your coffee back to bed and keep reading, like I do most mornings! Ultimate cozy vibes!! Hygge is all about finding joy in the simple things, and there’s nothing more simple and comforting than a steaming mug on a fall morning.
4. Create a Cozy Breakfast Ritual
Food is an important part of any morning routine, and also of the cozy fall vibes! A hygge-inspired breakfast should be simple, comforting, and enjoyable. Think about making foods that are warm and nourishing, with seasonal fruits, maybe cinnamon toast, or pancakes with maple syrup. Lately, I’ve been loving oatmeal with a little peanut butter and vanilla extract. Incorporating seasonal ingredients like apples, pears, pumpkin, or cinnamon can also make your breakfast feel extra special. I’ve been loving the Trader Joe’s Pecan Pumpkin Oatmeal!
The key here is not just to eat, but to savor the experience. Sit down at a cozy spot, perhaps with a blanket draped over your lap, and truly enjoy each bite. You might want to light a candle on your table or play soft music in the background to enhance the cozy atmosphere. Breakfast doesn’t have to be elaborate—just something you love, eaten slowly, and enjoyed in a warm, welcoming space, preferably with a warm cup of your favorite beverage.
5. Dress in Comfortable Layers
Fall mornings can be cool. I live in Florida so I don’t know what that is. But I imagine bundling up in cozy layers would be ideal for a cozy morning if you live in a colder climate. Choose soft, breathable fabrics like wool, cotton, or cashmere to create a snug outfit. Think oversized sweaters, comfy socks, and scarves that you can wrap yourself in as you move through your morning routine. P.S. I am in the most comfy oversized sweater as I write this and I feel like the coziest fall girly right now!
The goal is to feel both warm and relaxed. If you work from home, this might mean staying in your cozy clothes a little longer before changing into your daytime outfit. Or … like me, you could stay in your cozy clothes all day if you’d like! Even if you have to get ready for the day, there’s no reason you can’t indulge in the warmth of a thick sweater or a soft blanket as part of your morning routine. Dressing comfortably helps you stay connected to that cozy, hygge feeling as you transition from morning to the rest of your day.
6. Incorporate a Mindful Moment
Mindfulness is at the heart of hygge. Taking a few minutes each morning to center yourself can make a huge difference in how you feel throughout the day. This could be as simple as sitting quietly with your thoughts, doing a few gentle stretches, or practicing meditation. If you enjoy journaling, use this time to write down what you’re grateful for, set an intention for the day, or reflect on how you want to feel.
I love doing a quick stretch and staying off my phone as a way to stay mindful throughout my morning. But even just five minutes of mindfulness can help you start your day with a sense of calm and purpose. Find a peaceful spot in your home, perhaps near a window or on your favorite chair, and take a few deep breaths. This small act of self-care can be incredibly grounding and is a perfect way to embrace hygge during your morning routine.
7. Savor the Outdoors (if possible)
One of the joys of fall is the crisp, fresh air, and spending a few minutes outside in the morning can be invigorating. If you have a yard, balcony, or even a front porch, consider stepping outside for a few moments to breathe in the cool air and enjoy the sounds of nature. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket or put on a warm jacket to stay comfortable while you savor the stillness of the early morning.
Even if you don’t have a large outdoor space, opening a window and letting the fresh air in can give you a small connection to the outdoors. Nature plays a big role in the hygge lifestyle, and incorporating even a brief outdoor moment can help you feel more present and connected to the world around you. I have a really adorable pup that requires me to take him on a morning walk each day. I’m serious, this dog loves his morning routine more than me! And I am a Capricorn with a Type A personality. In Florida, fall means the weather is finally bearable outside so I have been loving a morning walk with Fig (my adorable pup) so if you live in a warm climate, now is the time to get your morning walks in and if it’s a little chillier where you are take your steaming mug of your favorite hot beverage outside and enjoy a few minutes breathing the fresh air.
8. Indulge in a Hygge Activity
Hygge is all about enjoying simple pleasures, so why not start your day with an activity that brings you joy? Whether it’s reading a chapter of a book, knitting, or flipping through a magazine, taking just 10-15 minutes to do something you love can set a positive tone for the rest of the day. These little moments of indulgence remind you to slow down and enjoy the present. I personally love reading in the mornings to get my day started. It allows me to stay in bed just a little longer while giving my mind something to do that is stimulating enough to wake me up slowly but not hard enough that I feel anxious as soon as I wake up.
Some other fall seasonal activities to do on a fall morning could be knitting a scarf, baking muffins, or even working on a creative project like scrapbooking or writing. The key is to choose something that feels cozy, comforting, and most importantly something you look forward to each morning. By indulging in a small hygge activity, you’re giving yourself permission to start the day on a peaceful and enjoyable note.
9. Avoid Technology
One of the biggest enemies of a cozy, mindful morning is technology. The urge to check emails, social media, or news as soon as you wake up can be strong, but it often leads to stress or distraction. To fully embrace a hygge-inspired morning, make a conscious effort to avoid screens for the first hour of your day. I can see this in myself whenever I start my day by reaching for my phone instead of my trusty Kindle. If I immediately go to check the news, my email, or scroll on TikTok after I wake up, not only do I feel more tense and moody throughout the day but I also have a harder time getting out of bed.
Instead, focus on being present with your surroundings and yourself. Enjoy your coffee, stretch, hydrate, light a candle, and ease into the day without the noise and distractions that technology brings. Once you’ve had time to center yourself and start your day mindfully, you can gradually introduce the digital world into your routine and no, Kindles don’t count as part of the digital world here at the Life Uplift.
10. Create a Comfortable Space
Finally, a hygge-inspired morning wouldn’t be complete without a cozy space to enjoy it in. Whether it’s a reading nook, a corner of your living room, or your bedroom, make sure you have a designated spot that feels warm and inviting. Add soft pillows, blankets, a warm rug, and maybe even a small table for your coffee or tea.
This space should be your personal retreat where you can fully relax and enjoy your morning routine. By creating a cozy corner in your home, you’re setting the stage for a peaceful and intentional start to each day—something that will carry over into the rest of your life.
Creating a hygge-inspired cozy fall morning routine is all about embracing warmth, comfort, and mindfulness. By incorporating these simple practices—soft lighting, a slow wake-up, a warm beverage, and cozy activities—you’ll find that your mornings become a time of relaxation and joy.
Thank you so much for reading! Hope these tips help you create your very own cozy morning routine!
