The Danish concept that changed the way I view winter

I am a summer person through and through. I spend pretty much every other season looking forward to summertime. While I do enjoy the fall and holiday seasons, I am happier when the weather is warmer. I think you get my point. However, on a recent Tik Tok scroll, I came across a video with the creator sharing their excitement for the upcoming cold months because of the concept of “hygge”.

The origins of this word stem from a similar word meaning “protected from the outside world”. In a practical sense, the Danish concept encourages people to create a relaxing and cozy space to connect, slow down, and spend intentional time with the people you love. What better time to do this than during the winter when we are usually bundled up indoors!

Implementing this philosophy can look like:

-lighting candles to emit more warm, natural light

-taking the time to cook or bake a warm meal that you enjoy

-hosting a dinner party or game night with friends

-incorporating hot tea into your routine

-warm baths

-bundling up and still enjoying the great outdoors

Winter time provides us with a unique opportunities to improve upon our health and wellness by slowing down and recharging. Our modern day has stolen the downtime we would normally get in the winter to a degree, but hygge proves that although our lives remain busy and the days become shorter, with some intentionality winter can remain a time to slow down, embrace the cozy elements, and connect with friends and family.

If you read my blog post about the different pillars of holistic health, you read that our physical environment can play a role in alleviating stress that is causing inflammation in the body. Hygge has been a reminder to me that each season really does provide me with the ability to optimize my health in its own unique way that is not to be taken for granted. So, join me this winter as I create a cozy lifestyle and spend more intentional time with the people I love!