How to Survive a Terrible Winter With the Danish Hugge Concept
For some, winter is a magical time of the year. For people like me, this is a dark, cold, dark darkness that you just need to wait out. But there is a better way to get through the winter. A mindset that embraces the unique aspects of the winter months. Enter the Danish term “hygge”.
The word Hygge , which is actually of Norwegian origin , is pronounced “hu-ha” and translates to “comfort.” But while coziness is the main piece of the puzzle, hygge is actually more of an attitude or a way of thinking. According to Natalie Van Dousen , professor of Scandinavian studies at the University of Alberta:
“The best translation is coziness, but not physical coziness that you get when you put on a sweater or snuggle up against a blanket. It is rather a state of mental balance and psychological well-being. “
Many of us have this feeling when we go home for the holidays. But that won’t go away when you return to the real world. And believe me, the Danes know what they are talking about. They have some of the longest and harshest winters, but they are one of the happiest countries in the world . Here are some tips on how to achieve hygge this winter and hopefully enjoy it more than usual.
Double the coziness
This may not be the correct definition of hygge, but physical comfort can still help. Basically, become an expert at squatting at home and making yourself as comfortable as possible. Read a book by the fire with a hot drink – hygge. Like homemade cakes, watching TV under a mountain of blankets. Blankets, pillows, warm socks, hot drinks, or a hug with your pet or another person will never be enough for you.
To create the most intimate atmosphere, Suzanne Nilsson , Danish teacher at Morley College, invites you to take care of the space around you . It is best to avoid large empty rooms and rooms that look cold. Turn off fluorescent lighting and use other types of lighting to your advantage to make large rooms appear smaller and warmer. Meik Viking, author of The Little Hugge Book , recommends lighting tons of candles , using lamps with warm soft bulbs, and starting a fire in your fireplace if you have one. If not, even a TV with a fake fireplace video can help. It’s all about transforming your home to suit the aesthetics of the season, so that it becomes an unapproachable fortress of happiness and warmth.
Think of winter as your hibernation time and your warm home as a bear cave. Use winter as an excuse to do whatever you’ve been putting off. Cuddle up on the couch and finally finish your book, stay under the covers and watch the TV show everyone was talking about, or jump in the tub and listen to your podcast podcasts. Do the things you don’t have time for when the weather improves and you want to go outside instead. I spend more time in a comfortable bed, sipping great coffee, reading books and playing Vita games that I haven’t finished yet.
Get together as often as possible in good company
Winter often shortens the time you spend with others. Severe cold weather, inclement weather, and dangerous roads pose challenges for gathering and walking. But companionship and friendliness are essential aspects of hygge, and Danes believe maintaining strong social bonds is good for the soul.
There are two ways to conduct hygge meetings. First, you can arrange regular, casual get-togethers with friends or family at someone’s home with snacks, treats, and delicious drinks. Helen Russell, author of A Danish Year of Life: Revealing the Secrets of the Happiest Country in the World , suggests that these gatherings are nothing more than fun and enjoyment. So invite your friends over, have some cake, coffee, cider, donuts or whatever, and just spend time chatting in your cozy living room and enjoying each other’s company. The more often you do this, the better. Pro tip: Bring seasonal items to truly enjoy what winter has to offer. Beer, biscuits and everything else, exclusive for this time of year.
If you don’t have a cozy home, you can have hygge-style get-togethers in cozy restaurants, bars, cafes or even bookstores. Don’t let those comfy couches at your local coffee shop go to waste. My friends and I love board game cafes where you can warm up, grab a coffee, and play tons of games for an inexpensive price. And if you’re left alone in a new place, the Lonely Planet Copenhagen Travel Guide invites hygge members not to even be the people you know. Sit in a cozy cafe or bar and try to make new friends.
Experience winter wonderlands in the right gear
I hate being cold and wet, so I don’t like going outside in the snow or icy wind. And because of that, I never bought decent winter clothes. Maybe I don’t like being out in the cold simply because I prevented myself from properly preparing for this? If I bought some nice winter clothes and they would keep me warm, maybe I would really like them …
As Pia Edberg, author of Cozy Life: Rediscovering the Joy of Simple Things Through the Danish Hygge Concept, explains , getting to know nature is as much an aspect of hygge as being cozy by the fire:
As the old saying goes, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes.”
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you don’t need a little activity, even if it’s just a walk. Buy a nice jacket, a pair of gloves, boots, hats, winter pants – everything you need to go out and feel 100% comfortable. Again, not “warm enough”, 100% comfortable. And when you go outside, consider doing something that you can only do in winter. This can be skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding or snowballing. Try to appreciate the activities, sights and sounds that you can only experience this time of year, and you will stop dreaming of summer already.
Slow down and find joy in the little things
Hygge is not only a pursuit of mental well-being, but also a search for joy in the most commonplace aspects of life. Louise Thomsen Brits, author of Hygge: The Danish Art of Satisfaction, Comfort and Connection , recommends finding a way to keep your day-to-day entertained. Turn daily chores into a game , make household chores something to look forward to while pampering yourself , and let the mundane of daily life become the catalyst for a whim . Hygge is not only awareness, but also comfort and a sense of belonging. It’s about getting closer to the real world and expressing gratitude for what you have .
Viking summarizes the essence of hygge as “the pursuit of everyday happiness.” He uses the winter months to focus on the simple pleasures of life, strive for relaxation and comfort, and strive for togetherness on a daily basis. When you look at winter through such a lens, it gets much warmer. Who knows? You may even start to miss winter when spring arrives.