5 Cosy Ways to Make the Most of Shorter Autumn Days

Feeling the autumn blues? Discover five comforting, science-backed ways to lift your mood and energy as the days grow shorter.

Ever feel like the daylight fades faster than your to-do list? The change in seasons can bring more than crisp air and colourful leaves—the drop in sunlight can affect your mood, energy, and even sleep patterns.[1] But autumn doesn’t have to feel like a slowdown. Whether you adore layering up for brisk walks or struggle with darker evenings, we’ve got 5 simple, feel-good ways to make this your cosiest, most recharging season yet.

Let’s dive in.

5 Ways to Embrace the Shorter Days Ahead

1. Get Outside — Rain or Shine

Try setting a daily reminder to head outdoors for a midday stroll. Even on cloudy days, your body still absorbs UVB rays that help produce vitamin D—a natural mood booster that supports overall wellbeing. Regular exposure to daylight helps regulate your body clock and keeps your energy levels steady through the darker months.[2,3]

Quick Tip: Aim to get outside before 3 p.m. for the best light exposure, whatever the weather — sunshine or drizzle.

2. Refresh Your Bedding for the Season

As the days grow shorter and the evenings turn cooler, your bed becomes more than just a place to sleep—it’s your retreat from the autumn chill. The right bedding doesn’t just look good; it helps you rest better, wake up refreshed, and create a space that feels like pure comfort after a long day.

Upgrading your sleep setup can make a world of difference — from regulating your temperature to protecting your mattress and adding that touch of hotel-style luxury at home.

Here are a few ways to turn your bed into a cosy autumn sanctuary:

• Bamboo Mattress Protector – A must-have layer for freshness and protection. This waterproof, breathable protector adds an extra touch of softness while shielding your mattress from spills, sweat, and allergens.

• 100% Bamboo Bed Sheets – Breathable, soft, and naturally temperature-regulating, bamboo keeps you snug without overheating.

• 100% Bamboo Pillowcases – Made from silky-soft bamboo viscose, these pillowcases are breathable, hypoallergenic, and temperature-regulating. They keep you cool when you’re warm and cosy when it’s chilly—ideal for all-season comfort.

• Luxury Down Alternative Duvet – Crafted from bamboo and microfiber, this plush duvet offers the warmth of down without the allergens—perfect for cosy nights in.

• Everyday Fleece Blanket – The ultimate companion for film nights or curling up with a good book and a cuppa. Soft, hypoallergenic, and irresistibly cosy.

3. Let the Light In

Natural light isn’t just uplifting—it’s essential for your health. Sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm and may reduce that mid-afternoon dip in energy.[4]

Open the curtains wide each morning to let natural light pour in. If you work from home, position your desk near a window to make the most of it.

In windowless spaces, take short daylight breaks—even 10 minutes of fresh air can reset your focus and brighten your mood.

4. Keep a Consistent Sleep Routine — Even at Weekends

Shorter days can play havoc with your internal clock, making it harder to wake up or wind down. If you’re feeling the effects, try these gentle adjustments:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day

• Avoid screens 30 minutes before bed

• Skip caffeine after 2 p.m.

• Keep your bedroom between 18°C and 20°C

• Use blackout curtains to block early sunsets or morning light

• Use a fan or white noise machine for a calm environment

Pro Tip: Move your alarm clock across the room—a simple fix for habitual snoozers.

5. Slow Down and Savour the Season

As autumn settles in, it’s the perfect time to shift gears and give yourself permission to unwind. Slower living isn’t about doing less — it’s about doing what matters most. Creating calm, cosy moments at home can reduce stress, boost your mood, and help you feel more grounded as the days grow shorter.

When you intentionally make space for rest and joy, you’ll notice how much brighter each day feels—even when the weather isn’t.

Here are a few small ways to embrace slower, more mindful living this season:

• Enjoy a good read – Brew a pot of tea, grab your favourite blanket, and get lost in a book on a quiet afternoon—giving your mind the same rest your body craves.

• Cook seasonally – Try hearty soups, roasted veg, or spiced bakes using fresh produce from your local market.

• Have a clear-out – Decluttering your space can work wonders for your mood and mental clarity.[5] Let go of what no longer serves you to make room for what truly brings joy.

• Relish simple comforts – Share a film night, light a few candles, or snuggle with your pet on the sofa — simple rituals that make darker evenings something to look forward to.

• Practise mindfulness – Take mindful moments — stretch while the kettle boils, notice your breath, or turn a dog walk into quiet reflection time.

• Awaken your senses – Diffuse warm scents like cinnamon, clove, or cedarwood to fill your home with seasonal comfort.

• Create a cosy space – Fairy lights, textured cushions, and layered throws can transform your room into a peaceful autumn hideaway.

• Try something new – Take up a hobby, join a class, or rediscover a passion you’ve put on hold.

Make the Most of Every Autumn Day

The clocks may be changing, but your comfort doesn’t have to. With the right layers, a little natural light, and a warm cuppa in hand, you can turn even the greyest day into something to relish.

Autumn’s calling—answer it in comfort with Cosy House. 

Use code BLOG10 and get 10% off your first order, and embrace the crisp mornings and cosy nights with comforting bedding essentials.