my five fave C A L M recipes for a cozy mind

Some people collect recipes for cooking—I collect recipes for calm. Although as a foodie as a side note I do collect fave cooking recipes as well, but more of that some other time. Now I’d like to share my calm recipes with you.

Life can be loud, fast, and overwhelming, so I keep a little mental recipe book filled with go-to rituals that bring me back to a soft, calml state. Here are five of my absolute favorites. Maybe one of them will become yours too.

1. a fireplace + a favorite book = instant cozy

There’s something about the flickering glow of a fireplace that melts away stress. And not to forget the warmth. Especially as here in the North Winter gets so cold. I grab one of my treasured illustrated Harry Potter books, Little Women, or a Moomin story and let myself sink into another world. My next must-have? A collector’s edition of Anne of Green Gables—because what’s more calming than walking through Avonlea in your imagination? 

2. walking through a mossy forest

Not just any walk—my calm route. The one where I can hear the rustle of leaves, feel the soft moss on the boulders, and catch glimpses of the seaside in the distance. This particular stretch of woods is always peaceful, always welcoming, and always does the trick when my mind feels too full. Just me, the trees, and the quiet.

3. shower or sauna therapy

There’s a reason steam and warm water feel so healing. For me, it’s not just about the heat—it’s the scents. I’m obsessed with the smell of tar soap, which instantly takes me back to childhood Summer and tarring my grandpa’s boat. When I need a deep unwind, it’s eucalyptus and pine in the sauna. I could stay there for ages, letting the warmth and forestry scents wrap around me like a hug.

4. knitting my way to peace

Knitting is basically a form of meditation disguised as a craft. Right now, I’m working on an Icelandic sheep wool sweater—I made one for myself and my older son, and now I’m knitting a winter hiking sweater for hubby. The sleeves are ready to be attached to the body, and soon, it’ll be something warm and beautiful to wear on those chilly outdoor adventures. There’s something deeply satisfying about the slow, repetitive motion of knitting—stitch by stitch, calm settles in. And I love the feel of the wool, this specific one is perfect for the wet snow days as well as it keeps the moisture outside and us dry.

5. nature’s playlist + calming music

Sometimes calm comes in the form of sound. I love opening a window just to listen to the wind in the trees, the birds chirping in the morning, or even the soft hum of distant rain. And when I want to recreate that peace anytime, anywhere? I turn to soundscape apps. O Relax is my go-to for stormy night and camping sounds, and I recently discovered myNoise, expanding the sound repertoire even further.

Calm doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as curling up with a book, stepping into the woods, or knitting one more row. What are your favorite recipes for calm?

Love,

Pia