A restful January: 13 cosy essentials to help you hibernate with intention

After a year that resembled an endurance test, you’d be forgiven for wanting 2026 to land with a gentler, more humane tempo. But an Arctic snap, winter bugs and insane world events (Donald Trump, we’re looking at you) have probably already put paid to that. So instead of hurtling into another “new year, new fitness routine”, perhaps consider the opposite: January as “sofa season”. Think duvet mode, but more intentional – honouring winter’s natural pause with rituals that centre rest, warmth and proper recuperation.

What does that look like? I’d suggest starting with the basics: upgrading to a silk pillowcase and mask may seem indulgent, but swapping cotton for silk reduces friction, keeps skin smoother and hair less frazzled. Add a weighted blanket to help regulate your nervous system, and suddenly your wind-down routine becomes something to look forward to rather than fall into exhausted.

To me, sofa season is also about going more analogue. A paperback instead of endless doomscrolling, a relaxing scented candle that casts a warm, amber glow – small cues that tell your nervous system it’s time to power down.

If your usual new year resolutions feel like way too much this year, it’s worth remembering cosy isn’t the opposite of discipline; it’s the foundation that helps you feel human again. When you’re feeling a bit more rested come February, the gym will still be there.

How to hibernate this winter

Rest easy

Silk sleep mask

This cloud-like sleep mask is padded, wraparound and genuinely blackout, with deep cushioned eyecups that protect your lashes and prevent pressure. Made from 22-momme silk, it stays on all night even for the most persistent night wrigglers like me, and is the closest thing to sinking into darkness – ideal for deeper, calmer rest.

For more, read our guide to the best sleep hacks – tested

A hug in a mug

Dishoom chai

Few things beat a spiced chai for comfort. With Assam tea and warming spices, Dishoom’s signature chai tastes best when simmered with fresh ginger, milk and sugar. The result is a hug in a mug – ideal for bleak, wintry mornings when you need to feel cocooned.

Bedtime bliss

Aromatherapy Associates sleep mist

A soothing bedtime mist blending vetivert, chamomile and sandalwood to help calm a busy mind. Spritz on to bedding or pyjamas before sleep, breathe deeply and let the grounding scent ease you out of the day. A gentle-but-effective addition to any wind-down ritual.

Snug and stylish

Alo hoodie

For work-from-home days when you want comfort but still need to look put-together, this Alo hoodie really is it. The cosy lining keeps it warm, while the pinstripe pattern gives a smarter, more polished streetwear feel. And if you must venture outside into the real world, it works well for that, too.

A sight for sore eyes

Yepoda undereye patches

These biodegradable undereye patches use caffeine, green tea, aloe and calendula to depuff, brighten and soothe tired eyes in minutes. Housed in a recyclable glass jar, they target puffiness and fine lines – ideal for a mini spa ritual while you binge-watch Netflix.

For more, read the best eye creams

Soothing scent

Neom scented candle

A winter-perfect candle made with naturally derived wax and pure essential oils. Notes of sandalwood, frankincense and nutmeg create a warm, cocooning scent that instantly softens the edges of a long day. Light it, sink in and let the room exhale with you.

For more, read our guide to the best scented candles

A luxe touch

Silk pillowcase

This mulberry silk pillowcase reduces overnight friction, helping to minimise sleep skin creases and morning bedhead. Soft and gentler than cotton, it’s a small but deeply satisfying upgrade to make your bedtime routine feel properly luxurious.

Sweet treats

Crème cookies, pack of six

I slightly regret discovering these New York-meets-Paris cookies, purely because I can’t stop ordering them. Crème cookies are posted or delivered straight to your door in flavours such as milk chocolate, banana dark chocolate and miso white chocolate; they’re gooey, indulgent and best eaten warm. You’ll never lust after a Hobnob in the same way again.

Nailed it

Mylee manicure kit

On the hunt for budget-friendly beauty hacks? This complete at-home gel manicure kit features four polishes, builder gel, a 60-second LED lamp, buffers, files and all the prep tools you need for pro-level nails. I’ve never loved the dead time of a salon appointment, so this feels like the ideal way to get glossy, well-kept nails while actually enjoying a cosy night in.

Feel cocooned

Weighted blanket

A weighted blanket, such as this one from the Oodie, offers deep-pressure comfort that helps calm the nervous system, ease tension and improve sleep quality. Perfect for winter hibernation mode, it creates a cocooning, grounded feel that encourages proper rest – the ultimate anti-fitness accessory for nights when you simply need to unwind.

Note to self

Elysian gold journal and pen set

A well-crafted notebook and fine-nib fountain pen are the ultimate way to bring a little ceremony back to journaling. This matt-finish pen glides so smoothly across the page, it turns writing into a quietly luxurious pause in the day.

Lounging around

Adanola sweatpants

Made from 100% organic cotton with a soft fleece-back finish, these sweatpants are designed for maximum comfort. The relaxed fit, cuffed hem and varsity detail make them ideal for lounging or low-key days. Size up for the perfect oversized silhouette.

Warm vibes

Liberty hot-water bottle

A hot-water bottle is a cosy-night essential. This one comes wrapped in Liberty’s Felix and Isabelle print that was originally adapted from an 1850s paisley shawl. It’s the perfect blend of cosy and chic.

For more ways to get cosy, snuggle up in our pick of the best women’s pyjamas and the best men’s pyjamas. Or if you want to power into 2026, try these motivation-boosting buys