Winter Blues? Try Hygge, the Art of Cozy Living

The shorter, colder days of winter can be challenging to mental health. Combined with the uncertainty and too-much-screen-time of the lingering pandemic, it’s no surprise many of us are feeling increasingly anxious or melancholy. Rather than letting winter blues take hold, consider leaning into hygge (pronounced hoo-guh), a lifestyle choice that is woven into Danish culture.   

The Impact of Isolation

Working or learning from home has led to increased hours in front of a computer. In-person socialization has, in many cases, been replaced by virtual meet-ups through Zoom or social media. Unlike the warmer months that offer more opportunities to spend time outdoors—whether to gather safely with friends and family, or as a break from spending hours in front of a screen—winter can feel isolating.

Hygge provides an alternative to the mindless scrolling and TV binging we default to when seeking comfort in isolation. 

What Is Hygge?

Perhaps you’ve read articles about hygge or run across hygge-related hashtags on Instagram. At its simplest, hygge is a quality of comfort and coziness that is tailor-made for winter. It’s no coincidence that Denmark and other Scandinavian countries with long, dark winters boast some of the happiest inhabitants in the world.

While social gatherings that are part of hygge living may need to be approached with caution or paused for the moment, there are countless ways to embrace the concept of hygge right now, at home. Here are some to try:

• Sip your favorite hot beverage from a beautiful mug.
• Brew tea from loose tea leaves with a teapot and strainer, or try this recipe for turmeric tea.
• Curl up in a comfortable chair with a book and a soft throw.
• Dim the lights and enjoy the warm glow of candles (try the ones with wooden wicks that crackle).
• Designate an area of your dining room table as a family jigsaw puzzle zone.
• Cook a pot of simple, homemade soup and let the delicious smells fill your home.
• Snuggle with a loved one in front of a roaring fire.
• Create a comfy corner with throw pillows and blankets.
• Take a bubble bath or soak in a tub with scented Epsom salts.
• Unpack your old turntable from the attic and listen to a record on vinyl.
• Treat yourself to a cozy new bathrobe or slippers.
• Bake cookies or muffins, or try our scrumptious honey yogurt orange bread.
• String indoor fairy lights around a doorway, bookshelf or staircase to create a magical ambiance.
• Collect your knitting needles and most beautiful yarn and make a hand-knit scarf.
• Wear your thickest, warmest socks.
• Play a board game around the kitchen table with family or friends.
• Tune in to relaxing playlists on Pandora, Spotify or other streaming platforms.
• Pamper yourself with a home spa treatment like this homemade sugar body scrub.
• Bundle up and take a walk outside at dusk. Remember this Scandinavian saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”