Why you should add "hurkle durkle" to your morning routine

Mental HealthSleep

Dec 9

Written By Calm Editorial Team

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA

It turns out those slow, cozy mornings you spend extra time in bed can be good for you. Discover the art of "hurkle durkle", and 7 ways to embrace a gentle wake-up routine.

It’s morning, and you’re cozy in bed. You turned off your alarm so long ago that the morning light has started to shift across the room, but you’re still under the covers. You’re not groggy, exactly — you’re just not ready to start your day. The Scots have a word for that tender pause: “hurkle durkle.”

The term describes the act of staying in bed after waking, not out of laziness, but for comfort. Today, the phrase has resurfaced as a quiet response to the pressure of being “on” the moment you open your eyes. For some, it’s a form of rest. For others, it’s a way to ease into the day. But either way, it helps protect your nervous system before your day gets hectic.

Hurkle durkle is a mindful reclaiming your peace in a culture that often treats rest as wasteful. Here’s a breakdown of what hurkle durkle really means and some simple rituals to help you start your day more mindfully.

What does “hurkle durkle” mean?

Hurkle durkle is a Scottish phrase that means to linger in bed long after you’ve woken up. You can use it to stretch, breathe, or just savor the comfort of your sheets before facing the day. It’s the art of lingering — appreciating a little pause before the day starts.

In a culture that glorifies early alarms and rise-and-grind routines, hurkle durkle offers a gentle alternative. Those few extra minutes under the covers can serve as a mindful bridge between rest and action, helping your nervous system transition naturally into the day.

Some people describe hurkle durkle as a form of cozy mindfulness. It’s a chance to tune in before you tune out, bringing you a sense of calm before the demands of the day set in.

Where does hurkle durkle come from?

The phrase hurkle durkle dates back to Scotland in the 18th and 19th centuries. While its exact linguistic roots are uncertain, “hurkle” is thought to stem from the Scottish word for bending or huddling, and “durkle” for lingering or lounging. Together, they paint a picture of curling deeper into the blankets, tucked safely in warmth before the day begins.

The expression carried a hint of affection and amusement, and was a way of teasing someone who enjoyed a slow start to their day. Over time, hurkle durkle has evolved into something more meaningful. These days, it's resonating with people who are trying to slow down and start their mornings with more intention. It’s a reminder that comfort and stillness aren’t indulgent. They’re a valid form of self-care.

Is lingering in bed good for your mental health?

When done with intention, yes, lingering in bed can benefit both your mind and body. Here are some ways a few extra minutes under the covers can make a real difference:

1. It steadies your stress response: Leaping out of bed too quickly can trigger a spike in cortisol and stress you out. Staying put for a short while lets your nervous system adjust, and eases you into the day more steadily.

2. It supports emotional regulation: That slow transition from sleep to wakefulness allows your body to stay in a relaxed state longer. This gentle start can reduce irritability, restlessness, and that anxious rush to get moving immediately.

3. It fosters mindfulness: Lingering in bed creates space to notice small details, like your breath, warmth, or the morning light. This simple awareness can help ground you before external noise begins.

4. It nurtures self-compassion: Hurkle durkle reframes rest as care, not laziness. Allowing yourself a slower start honors your body’s needs.

How to embrace hurkle durkle: 7 ways to gently wake up

Hurkle durkle isn’t about hitting snooze until noon or hiding from your responsibilities. Instead, it helps you find softness between the time you wake up and when you have to start your day.

These gentle hurkle durkle rituals can help bring intention to your mornings, turning a few extra minutes in bed into a mindful practice of self-care.

1. Start with stillness

Before you grab your phone or jump out of bed, pause for a few seconds. Notice how your body feels, like where it’s touching the mattress, how your chest rises and falls with each breath, or any tension or stiffness.

This quick check-in helps you wake up with more awareness.

💙 For a simple meditation you can do each day, try Waking with Tamara Levitt on the Calm app.

2. Stretch under the covers

Your body naturally craves movement after sleep. Instead of springing up, move slowly: Extend your arms overhead, roll your shoulders, flex your ankles, or hug your knees toward your chest. These gentle stretches stimulate circulation and help release tension that’s built up overnight.

Think of it as a miniature yoga session under the covers. You don’t need a mat or music. Just focus on moving intuitively.

💙 Need some movement support? Press play on Flexible Upper Body with Mel Mah on the Calm app.

3. Let light in gradually

Natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythm, signaling to your brain that it’s time to wake. Open your curtains or blinds slowly, or use a sunrise alarm clock that mimics dawn if your mornings are dark.

As the light changes, take a moment to notice it. Watch how it shifts the color of your room or how it lands on your blanket. This is a subtle but grounding way to orient yourself to a new day without the shock of harsh brightness or sudden activity.

4. Sip something warm

Hydration helps your body transition from rest to wakefulness — but how you hydrate matters. Keep a glass of water within arm’s reach, or if time allows, make a cup of tea and bring it back to bed. Chamomile, rooibos, or green tea can all support alertness without overstimulation.

Sipping slowly also encourages mindfulness. Feel the warmth in your hands, taste the first sip, and let that small act of care remind you that nourishment doesn’t have to be rushed.

5. Protect your peace from screens

As soon as you check your phone, your focus shifts to other people’s needs, making it harder to stay grounded in how you feel.

If you can, hold off on screens for at least 10 minutes after waking up, and use that time to check in with yourself instead. What do you need this morning? How’s your body feeling? Even a short break from your phone can help you start the day with more clarity and calm.

6. Set a soft time boundary

Hurkle durkle is most helpful when it has some structure. Give yourself a loose time limit—maybe five, 10, or 20 minutes—to stay in bed or move slowly. You can even set a soft reminder, like a timer or finishing your coffee.

This helps the habit feel intentional instead of like you're putting off the day.

7. Turn it into a shared ritual

If you live with a partner, roommate, or family, a slow start can be something you share, whether that’s a quiet conversation, sitting together for a few minutes, or just enjoying the stillness side by side.

If you live alone, you can still build connection into your morning. Text a friend or share a photo of your morning setup to boost your mood.

💙 Explore the Power of Ritual with Casper ter Kuile on the Calm app.

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hurkle durklerest

Calm Editorial Team