Across our vast wintery landscape, one of the great divides can be whether or not someone is a winter person. If you ask a friend, they’ve counted down to the snowy season or cannot wait for warmer weather; there’s rarely an in-between.
While we may not be able to convince our summer-ier readers to love winter, we’d love to take this chance to introduce you to the opportunity to feel a little cozier and connected with it through the Danish concept known as Hygge (said like hoo-gah).
A Hygge lifestyle isn’t exclusive to winter. Still, it certainly does help, as it is all about serenity, savouring and satisfaction through creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for ourselves, enjoying the simple things and feeling grateful in our present moments together and as individuals.
Here are some ways to ignite your inner Hygge this season.
Immerse Yourself In Nature
Layer up, fill a thermos with some sipping chocolate and head outside for a brisk walk in the snow. Even in winter, no matter your feelings toward snow, movement and fresh air are good for your mental health. Maintain a positive mindset as you wander, think of it all as crisp air, glistening snow, tranquil winter surroundings.
Create a Cozy Cave
When you’re ready to make like a bear and hibernate, even if only for a few hours a day outside of regular bedrest, turn your home (or at least part of it) into a warm, comforting personal sanctuary. Essentials may include a new fuzzy blanket, a reading shelf or cart, tea lights, candles (or bonus points for a wood burning stove), soft pillows and a signature mug.
(May we suggest a mug of Cocoa Moon Ritual to help with internal rest?)
Savour the Simple Pleasures
Building on the cozy cave, winter’s a wonderful time to reconnect with the indoor activities and rituals you may have thoroughly enjoyed before. When was the last time you had a long warm bath, or dove into a book in your TBR pile? Bake some cookies, put on a favourite album and treat yourself to some simpler you-time.
Connect with Family and Friends
Speaking of reconnection, as one of the pillars of hygge is togetherness, consider how you can savour simple pleasures in the winter season with people you love. Whether it’s a regular Facetime session, a game night, a meal together, reading in the same room with friends, or even just quiet moments by the fireplace, all of these can turn up the Hygge vibe.
While you’re at it, why not complete a random act of gratitude?
Remember Mindfulness
Going from holiday chaos to regular busy routines, it’s easy to lose track of presence in the moment when you’re hustling and always thinking ahead to what needs to be done next.
Whether through breathing exercises, meditation, or just taking some time to sit and reflect, bring yourself back to the present even just for a few minutes each day.
It’s Hygge Time
By appreciating the unique beauty and joy of the winter season through creating a cozy atmosphere, reconnecting with people you love, and finding joy in simple things and simple moments, you’ll find that your contentment will rise, even when the temperatures outside do not.
