In short: In the UK, the clocks go back one hour at 2am on Sunday 25 October 2026, giving us an extra hour in bed but darker evenings from then on. A few small evening rituals (warm light, a set wind-down time, something for your hands) can make the long nights feel cozy rather than gloomy.

 

This weekend, we get an extra hour. In the UK, the clocks go back at 2am on Sunday 25 October.

When my children were younger, I never really got to enjoy that extra hour in bed. Their internal alarm clocks were still very much switched on. Now they’re older, I’m starting to appreciate it, and I make myself stay in bed and enjoy the lie-in.

Especially as what usually follows the clock change is less of a treat: dark by teatime, the school run in fading light, and that feeling that the day is over before it’s begun.

But longer evenings can also be an invitation to slow down. Here are some small rituals for making the dark months feel cozy.

Why do darker evenings affect how we feel?

Less daylight changes our rhythm. Many people feel more tired, less motivated or a bit flat as the evenings draw in. That's a normal reaction to the change of season.

For some people the winter months bring a lower mood that sticks around. If that's you, speak to your GP. The NHS has information on seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Cosy evening rituals to try

Make the switch to warm light. When it gets dark, swap the big overhead light for lamps or candlelight. It signals the shift from day to evening.

Mark the end of the working day. Close the laptop. Change into something comfortable. Light a candle. A clear end point stops work leaking into your evening.

Give your hands something to do. A jigsaw, knitting, a recipe, a sketchbook. Analog, screen-free hobbies are having a real moment, and they're a lovely way to spend a long evening. Our Escape Change of Pace Puzzle was made for nights like these.

Get your daylight earlier. If evenings are dark, make the most of the morning. A walk before work or at lunchtime helps.

Keep a gentle bedtime. It's tempting to stay up late on long nights. A consistent wind-down (phone away, lights low, the same calming scent) keeps your evenings feeling calm rather than drifting.

Bring the scent of the season home

Some scents just feel like winter. Our Escape blend of oud, frankincense and sandalwood is warm and woody, perfect for a cozy night in. Sleep Well, with palmarosa, lavender and ylang ylang, is softer and made for the very end of the day.

Try the Escape Aromatherapy Candle in the evening and the matching balm on your pulse points before bed. Same scent, same time, every night. Browse our Cosy Collection for more.

Scentered makes pocket-sized aromatherapy balms, candles and wellbeing gifts, designed to help you stop, inhale and reset.

 

FAQ 

When do the clocks go back in 2026?

In the UK, the clocks go back one hour at 2am on Sunday 25 October 2026.

Do we gain or lose an hour?

We gain an hour, so you get an extra hour in bed, but it gets dark earlier in the evening.

What are some cozy things to do at home in winter?

Swap to lamps or candlelight, do a jigsaw or a craft, cook something slow, take an evening bath, and keep a gentle, consistent bedtime routine.

When is Diwali 2026?

Diwali falls on Sunday 8 November 2026.