7 Reykjavík rituals that are good for the mind as well as the body

Many of us are on the verge of burnout and the prospect of making even the smallest decision can send us into meltdown, so when it comes to wellness rituals, Reykjavík residents rely on tried-and-trusted activities. Weave them into your daily routine while you are on holiday, and you might continue building them into your life when you go home. 

1. Get outdoors regardless of the weather 

Gale-strong winds aside, locals head outside even in the worst of weather. You just dress for it. A walk or a short run will set your head straight, decisions come more easily. A change of routine or place makes it easier to pick up a new activity. Start with a walk around the block. Finish by signing up to the Reykjavík Marathon.  

You could also try

A hike up Mt Esja, Úlfarsfell, or another nearby peak.

2. Cosy mornings and evenings  

Something as simple as avoiding bright overhead lighting or illuminating your space with a candle can change how we feel about the world, and ourselves. Soft lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere amid harsh outdoor conditions, and the warm glow of a candle lies at the heart of cosiness. Many Reykjavík workplaces, restaurants follow this philosophy, making darkness a friend, not something to be feared.   

You could also try

Starting your day early at a spa, not with a 12-hour roundtrip jaunt to another part of Iceland. 

3. Plunge into warm water

How do Icelanders thrive through the colder months? By embracing the outdoors whenever they can, especially during the short summer season with its near-constant daylight and pleasantly mild temperatures. In winter, do as the locals do. Even if you're only visiting Reykjavík on a brief stopover (though we'd love you to stay longer), the city's geothermal pools and spas provide a wonderfully warming escape from the cold.

Tiptoe Top Tip: In Reykjavík, locals walk to work, the bakery and beyond, whatever the forecast. Give it a go and you'll feel pretty pleased with yourself.

4. Sleep under separate duvets 

Regulating your body temperature at night can help you sleep more deeply. That's why you won't find a single large duvet in your hotel room. Like many Scandinavians, Icelanders sleep under separate duvets rather than sharing one.

Find places to sleep in Reykjavík

5. Include a spa ritual into your day 

Picture this: heated lava rocks, cool marble stones, a massage and body scrub, followed by a soak in a geothermal tub, sauna or steam room and a refreshing cold mist. It all adds up to one thing: total relaxation. And it's not just for women, plenty of men and teenagers embrace a little self-care, too. Many Reykjavík hotels have spa facilities, or at least a hot tub, so choose well. 

You could also try

Unwinding in the city's top spas

6. Find small moments of connection

There’s something about a friendly animal that can lift the mood. Research suggests that interacting with companion animals is associated with more positive and less negative emotion, so if a Reykjavík cat stops for you long enough for you to stroke her, take the moment. Wellness can also be about small moments of connection. 

You could also try

A walking tour for the whole family

7. Feed your curiosity

Research links continued learning and cultural participation with wellbeing, life satisfaction and social connection. For something particularly quirky, visit the Icelandic Phallological Museum or follow your nose through the scents of Icelandic botanicals at Fischersund, a family-run perfumery. Learning in Reykjavík doesn’t have to be conventional.