Do you find yourself feeling the winter blues? Try adding some hygge to your life. These simple tips and tricks will have you chasing those blues away.
I don’t mind winter. Generally, I’d prefer to be cold than hot. Ideally, it would be mild weather all year, I’ve always enjoyed the weather on the beach in California but I live in Oklahoma. We have seasons and often it seems like spring and fall are our shortest seasons.
I know a lot of people suffer from feeling down during the winter months. I recommend first make sure your vitamin D levels are okay and make sure it’s not seasonal affective disorder. If it’s either of those things be sure to try to address them first.
If those things aren’t your issue or you are dealing with them and just need another boost, adding some hygge to your winter can really help with those winter blues.
Hygge is defined “as a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).”
Over the last several years it’s gained popularity in the US. Even as someone that doesn’t mind winter I find it nice to do the kind of things that make you feel cozy and a sense of well-being.
As the holiday season winds down we often need to take some time out to practice self-care and be a bit more relaxed after the busyness of the season.
Ways to Use Hygge to Stop the Winter Blues
Add Balance to Your Morning Routine
Mornings are often a time we rush around but if you create a morning routine that allows you to gently wake up you can often start your day with less stress.
Sipping a cup of tea or coffee while reading a few pages from a book or journaling can be a much nicer start to your day. An easy read like Simple Abundance: 365 Days to a Balanced and Joyful Life is a good option.
It doesn’t have to take a lot of time but just a few minutes to breathe and do something for yourself in the morning can make all the difference.
Additional resource: Creating a Gentle Morning Routine
Take More Bubble Baths
A bubble bath with a cup of a hot tea or a glass of wine is a lovely thing to look forward to after a long day. I try to always have a bubble bath, bath bombs, and bath salts on hand for a nice relaxing bath.
A hot bath is my favorite time to read. You can just totally relax and forget about the rest of the world for a few lovely moments. Just make sure you have a nice fluffy towel waiting so you don’t get too cold after. I like to get into my super cozy faux fur Pottery Barn robe after a hot bath. It wasn’t a cheap robe but it’s really good quality and one of my favorite things.
Create a Cozy Space
You don’t need to redecorate your whole home each winter to make it more hygge-friendly. Pick just one space that you will make really cozy. This is a place you can retreat to when you need a bit of a cozy, relaxing time.
Warm cozy blankets, soft pillows, a table to set your warm drink on, all these things can help make a space inviting and basically like a warm hug.
If your space is really cold consider getting a space heater, make sure you are getting one of the best space heaters to get the most out of your heater.
Additional resource: How to Create Your Own Cozy Hygge Corner
Light a Fire or Candle
Candles and fireplaces make a room instantly cozy. We don’t have a fireplace but I do have candles in most rooms at least during the winter months.
I love to light several as the sun goes down. They give off a lovely glow and make everything feel so nice and cozy. I like having naturally scented candles but even unscented can do that job. In a pinch, a flameless candle can even add a nice glow.
Have a Movie Night
Grab your cozy blankets, get in your warm PJs and cuddle up on the sofa for a movie or two. If you are still in the mood for some peppermint treats I highly recommend making some white chocolate peppermint popcorn to go along with the movie.
You can have this time alone or see if someone in your house wants to join or call a friend to come over, maybe someone else you know struggles this time of the year with winter blues.
Make a Bowl of Soup
Soup is such a comforting food. I enjoy making soup in my Instant Pot but you can make it however you want. Recipes like chicken bean soup or chicken enchilada soup are great non-Instant Pot options.
Whatever soup you make be sure to really savor and enjoy the flavors and warmth it provides.
More Hygge Resources
With hygge gaining so much popularity there are a lot of great resources out there that are helpful all year but especially the gloomy winter months.
Having plans for these kinds of things can really help when all the fun and joy from the holiday season are fading and you are left feeling a bit down.
Deanna Piercy says
I’m all about that “hygge thing”. It’s what makes winter bearable for me. Nice post.
Lisa Sharp says
I was thinking about you when writing it.
Sharon says
I remember giving some advice to an internet friend who was having a tough go of winter. I suggested
1) she make a ritual of every handwashing moment. I love my Dr. Bronner’s almond castille soap in a foaming dispenser. Let the water run (unless you’re in a desert state, of course) so it’s just warm enough, make a luxurious lather, and enjoy the warmth and scented bubbles. Set out a fresh hand towel every day so your drying time is nice too.
2) Make a ritual of going around the house and turning on the lamps in the rooms you’re using when the dusk starts to settle in. Notice the pools of light you’re creating, and how they warm up the room immediately. You’re taking care of your household. Turn on the outdoor house and yard lanterns if you have them. Your house will look cozy from the street.
3) Don’t be afraid of taking walks in the wind or snow or rain. People do it. You can do it.