Embracing Winter's Slower Pace & The Beauty of Hibernation
Embracing Winter's Slower Pace & The Beauty of Hibernation
Guest Blog written by Alice Hopkins, Founder at Örn Kuu.
As the winter draws near and the days grow shorter, we feel a natural shift start to happen. The vibrant energy of summer gives way to a quiet invitation of winter—a time for slowing down and finding comfort in the small things that bring us joy. Like animals in the forest preparing for hibernation, we too can embrace this seasonal change as an opportunity to rest, restore, and reconnect with ourselves.
Winter’s rhythm allows us the space to listen more closely to our internal needs, both body and mind. As the daylight fades earlier, nature gently reminds us to ease up on the constant go-go-go and find solace in stillness. The longer evenings provide the perfect backdrop for cozy rituals: lighting candles, warming our hands around herbal teas, and curling up with a soft blanket.
These simple moments allow us some much-needed reflection and recalibration. By honoring the need for more rest and sleep, we are preparing ourselves for new growth when the world awakens in the months to come. However, for those managing winter eczema, these seasonal changes can lead to additional challenges, with colder air and indoor heating often triggering uncomfortable eczema flare-ups. Here are some ways to adapt your routines and find comfort for both body and skin.
4 Tips to Slow Down and Savour Winter:
1. Create a Winter Routine
Embrace the slower pace by designing an evening routine that soothes your senses. Warm baths infused with natural salts and oils calm both the body and mind, enveloping you in relaxation. The Eczema Skincare Discovery Box has some wonderful options to try—all gentle on eczema and sensitive skin, perfect for nourishing your skin this winter.
2. Tune into Nature's Cycle
Spend time outside, even in the cold (top tip: wear good 100% Organic Cotton base layers to protect your skin under regular clothing, adding an extra layer of warmth and soothing comfort during this time of year). Nature in winter has a stillness that can be deeply meditative. Bundle up and take a brisk walk through the crisp, frosty air to invigorate your senses, giving your mind a fresh perspective.
3. Focus on Nourishment
With the seasonal shift, our skin tends to become drier and more sensitive, especially if you’re prone to eczema. A product like Örn Kuu’s Metsa Ceramide Moisturiser can be one of the best creams for eczema in winter, providing deep hydration and helping protect your skin barrier from harsh winter conditions. Plus, its forest-scented blend reconnects you with nature, even when you’re indoors. NB. contains seed oils - please check ingredients in case of allergies.
4. Rest as Rejuvenation
Winter encourages us to get more sleep, an essential part of physical and emotional well-being. Don’t fight it—lean into the early nights, making your bedroom a sanctuary of peace and calm.
Better Sleep with Eczema: How to Find Comfort at Night
Set Up a Soothing Nighttime Environment
Creating a calming bedtime routine can make a world of difference. The soft glow of dimmed lights and the calming scent of lavender or chamomile can relax the mind and body, preparing you for sleep. But for those with eczema, comfort goes beyond ambiance. The sensation of scratchy fabrics can aggravate already inflamed skin, making it harder to fall asleep…
This is where Eczema Clothing’s Anti-Scratch PJ’s made from 100% organic cotton, become essential. The natural fibers are breathable and gentle against sensitive skin, reducing irritation throughout the night. For those dealing with more severe eczema, the Scratch Mitten T provides a much-needed layer of protection, preventing skin damage caused by night-time scratching. I personally adore the Fingerless Gloves and am never a night without them. This simple change in what you wear to bed can help break the cycle of irritation, giving your skin a break from friction and letting you drift off with peace of mind.
Comfort for Your Eyes and Mind
Your nighttime ritual should also focus on calming not only your body but your mind. The Õrn Kuu Weighted Eye Pillow is a beautiful tool for this. Its gentle but firm weight rests on your eyes, stimulating the vagus nerve, which signals to your parasympathetic nervous system that it’s time to relax. For those of us with eczema, stress can be a huge trigger. When you place the weighted eye pillow across your eyes, it creates a sense of grounding, calming your mind and easing the tension that can exacerbate your skin’s condition. Paired with the softness of natural linen against your skin, it becomes a deeply restorative experience, encouraging both your body and mind to rest fully.
Hydration and Skincare Before Bed
Before slipping into bed, taking care of your skin is a must. Using gentle, nourishing natural skincare designed for eczema-prone skin can ease irritation and provide comfort. Incorporating Õrn Kuu’s Värske Multipurpose Oil as part of your night routine helps soothe flare-ups, reducing inflammation and hydrating dry patches. Applying a rich layer of the Metsa Ceramide Moisturiser seals in moisture, so your skin is protected and nurtured while you rest. NB. Some products contain seed oils - please check ingredients in case of allergies.
Prioritise Temperature and Humidity
Eczema often flares up when the skin is too dry, so maintaining the right temperature and humidity in your room is crucial. Keep your space cool but not too cold and consider using a humidifier or placing a bowl of water near radiators to add moisture to the air. This will prevent your skin from drying out overnight, which is often a trigger for itchiness.
Getting consistent restful sleep with eczema is not always easy, but with a little extra care and the right tools, restful nights are possible. By incorporating products like Õrn Kuu’s Weighted Eye Pillow and Eczema Clothing’s 100% Organic Cotton Pyjamas for adults and children, you can find the comfort your skin craves while helping your body repair and recharge through deep, nourishing sleep.
With thanks to Alice Hopkins Founder at Örn Kuu