As we enter fall (or the closest thing we get to it here in Ventura County), the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting colder. It could be enough to leave you feeling like you need to hole up and hunker down. That doesn’t have to mean feeling stuck inside, though. By bringing the concept of hygge into your house or apartment, you can make the most of your time indoors this winter.
What is hygge?
Hygge — which you pronounce “hoo-gah” — is a Danish idea (although it’s also prevalent in Norway) that centers around being comfy and cozy. In fact, hygge roughly translates to “coziness.” Really, it’s all about nestling in and feeling content.
To pull a definition directly from the Danes, they say, “Hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. The warm glow of candlelight is hygge. Cozying up with a loved one for a movie – that’s hygge, too. And there’s nothing more hygge than sitting around with friends and family, discussing the big and small things in life.”
There must be something to this whole hygge thing, too, because Denmark consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world despite their long, dark winters.
The benefits of hygge
Ancectodatally, the Danes and other people who practice hygge will tell you it helps them to feel happy. This isn’t just placebo, either. Researchers looked into it and found that creating cozy atmospheres where we focus on the good in life, including our friends and family, delivers a whole bunch of benefits, like:
- Better sleep
- More regulated cortisol (stress hormone) levels
- More gratitude
- Stronger connections with friends and family
- Increased mindfulness
- Reduced symtpoms of anxiety and depression
- Greater optimism
- Reduced dependency on coping mechanisms, like alcohol or overeating
Long story short, hygge can do a lot to help you feel your best through the winter season.
Bringing coziness into your life
Bringing this concept into your home is all about finding what feels good for you. At its simplest, hygge could mean lighting some candles, piling soft blankets on your couch, and curling up with a warm and comforting drink. It definitely emphasizes lighting and texture, and both should be soft. You should feel relaxed and supported in your space.
Don’t stop there, though. Hygge’s also about enjoying quality, unrushed time with the people who matter most to you. It could mean watching a favorite movie with your family or inviting friends over for a board game. It doesn’t need to be fussy and you shouldn’t need to do a lot of work to prep for your hangout. Instead, it’s all about scaling back and slowing down to really savor what you like about your life and the people you share it with.
Does a little extra coziness and comfort sound enticing? Hygge is a great place to start. But if you feel like you need even more support through this upcoming winter season, we’re here. Feel free to reach out to our team at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center today.
