The days are getting shorter. It's the time of the year when I find simple contentment in warm wool socks, candles and mugs of fragrant tea. Though I'm not from Denmark, I love embracing the Danish concept of "hygge" or "coziness" in winter.

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What exactly is hygge?

In 2017, hygge, (pronounced "hooga" in English) was added to the Oxford English dictionary where it is defined as "a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being; contentment from simple pleasures, such as warmth, food, friends, etc."

The official website of Denmark, Denmark.dk says that"hygge is about taking time away from the daily rush to be together with people you care about - or even by yourself - to relax and enjoy life's quieter pleasures" and that "hygge reflects the values of Danish society: equality and the well-being of everybody.

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Winter is the prime time to practice hygge

Apparently, the term traces back to the Middle Ages, to a word meaning "protected from the outside world." Because Denmark is cold, dark, and wet during long parts of the year and people must spend more time inside, winter is considered to be the prime time for hygge. Practicing hygge can be helpful this time of the year when shorter daylight hours and stressful holiday events can take a toll on our physical and mental health.

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Hygge is about embracing the small ordinary things that give you pleasure. It is about being present and spending quality time with yourself and your loved ones in an environment that feels good.

Ways to practice hygge include:

• making your body feel cozy with sweaters, warm socks and scarves.
• making your home feel cozy with cozy with soft lighting, candles, blankets and pillows
• spending quality time out with good friends and family
• cooking warm, fragrant soothing comfort foods like soups, tea, and baked goods
• lingering over a nice meal
• unplugging from technology
• enjoying books, puzzles and games 
• taking a hot bath
• keeping in a gratitude journal
  

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Have a cozy season!