As the cold months set in, we’re all looking for ways to create a cosy, peaceful home that fosters calm. But did you know that your home’s lighting can play a huge role in your health, especially when it comes to winter wellbeing? We’re not just talking about setting up a comfy blanket fort or lighting a few candles (although that helps!). We’re talking about how we light our homes—and the impact it can have on our stress levels, mood, and sleep.

As busy mums, we juggle a lot, and winter’s darker days can often leave us feeling a bit off-kilter. Our focus this season should be about making our spaces as calming as possible, so we can recharge, reconnect, and protect our health. And here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Let’s take a look at how simple adjustments to our environment—like hygge lighting—can help us feel our best. After all, this winter, we all deserve to feel cozy, calm, and ready to take on the season without burnout.

Why Lighting Matters

We’ve all been there: a late-night scroll through social media or catching up on emails after the kids have gone to bed. But did you know that the blue light from our screens can interfere with our body’s natural rhythms? Research shows that exposure to blue light especially at night can reduce melatonin levels, making it harder for us to get the restful sleep we need.

But here’s the good news: the remedy is simple and doesn’t require a total lifestyle overhaul. The answer is warm, cosy lighting.

“Soft light and candles create the perfect atmosphere for rest and reflection.”

By replacing bright, blue-toned lighting with warm, soft lighting—whether it’s through light bulbs or the flicker of a candle—you can start to feel a shift. Hygge lighting helps you signal to your body that it’s time to wind down, relax, and enjoy some self-care.

How Hygge Lighting Supports Your Wellbeing

In winter, the days are shorter, and the nights are longer. This can leave us feeling drained, but lighting can help. Hygge is all about creating comfort, warmth, and a peaceful atmosphere, and lighting is one of the easiest ways to set the tone.

Here are a few simple ways to bring hygge lighting into your home:

1. Switch to Warm Lights: Replace harsh, bright bulbs with warm, soft light. It mimics the warmth of daylight and helps signal to your brain that it’s time to relax.
2. Use Candles: Light a candle (non-toxic ones) (or a few!) after dinner to add warmth and create a soothing vibe.
3. Turn on the diffuser: Diffusers often come with a light built in, set this to a warm tone and have some relaxing scents diffusing like “hygge” or lavender, camomile or ylang-ylang
4. Dim the Lights in the Evening: Avoid bright overhead lights and go for softer lamps. Dimming your lights in the evening helps your body understand it’s time to prepare for sleep, especially when combined with a winding-down routine.
5. Limit Screen Time Before Bed: Try to avoid blue light before bed. Instead, read a book, do some journaling, or chat with your family over a cup of tea. Your mind will thank you!

“Lighting can transform the energy in your home. Make it calm, cosy, and reflective of the peace you want to bring into your life.”

Why It’s Important for Busy Mums

As mums, we often push ourselves to the limit—between work, school runs, running a household, and managing our own needs, it’s easy to forget that we deserve to feel good, too. Protecting our health isn’t about big changes; it’s about making simple, mindful choices that help us feel our best.

Creating a hygge environment with soft lighting is one of those small but impactful changes. When you allow yourself to slow down and enjoy the cosy moments, you’re not just enhancing your physical environment, you’re nurturing your mental and emotional well-being.

Winter Wellness Tips for Mums

Here are a few more easy tips to help you stay healthy, calm, and joyful this winter:

• Get Plenty of Natural Light: Even in winter, try to get outside and soak up natural sunlight when you can. It helps regulate your circadian rhythm and improves your mood.
• Create a Restful Evening Routine: Wind down in the evenings with relaxing activities like yoga, a warm bath, or a cosy cup of herbal tea.
• Use Essential Oils: Essential oils like lavender, frankincense, and cedarwood can help calm your mind and body. Use a diffuser or a rollerball for easy application.
• Prioritize Sleep: With the holidays and winter routines, it can be easy to get out of your sleep routine. Prioritize quality sleep by keeping your bedroom dark and cool, and limit screen time an hour before bed.

Hygge Is About Embracing the Season

It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but don’t forget to slow down and embrace the beauty of winter. Embrace the warmth of your home, the cosy lights, and the quiet moments that will help you recharge. By focusing on simple changes—like hygge lighting—you’ll create a space where both you and your family can thrive, both physically and emotionally.

“The best way to spread warmth and joy is to start with yourself.”

This winter, let’s focus on calm. Let’s create spaces that nurture our health, clarity, and joy. Hygge is all about feeling good, and you deserve it.

Nina x

If you’d like to learn more about how to simplify your life, bring more calm to your day, and nurture yourself with small habits, join me for a 1:1 Power Hour or stay tuned for my upcoming retreats where we’ll dive deeper into mindfulness, relaxation, and creating a more balanced, joyful life. 💫

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To read more about the effects of blue light take a look at this post by @pixelateddad