Winter is coming and yes, it’s going to be cold, wet, grey, gloomy, and everything in-between. But it will also be filled with lights, snowflakes, warm cups of cocoa and sweet get-togethers with your friends and family. It all depends on your perspective! Danes definitely know a thing or two about this as they’ve invented a whole lifestyle that focuses on feelings of warmth, cosiness, and overall well-being. From the hygge point of view winters were made for happiness, you just need to know a few tricks to unlock it and use the cold weather magic to its fullest. Here are 8 hygge tips for the cosiest winter ever.
Get your home winter-ready
One of the most important ingredients of hygge is creating the warm cozy ambience all around you. It’s really not that difficult! Cover everything, including your cold floors and any crevices that can let in the cold air with warm rugs and blankets. Add some warm and fluffy cushions to your bed and sofa, and drape the windows to save your home from both cold and dark. Stock up on candles and put as many mirrors in your house as possible to reflect all this warm beauty.
Gather your friends or family
There’s nothing wrong with hibernating home alone this winter, but here’s a fun option – how about gathering your loved ones and having some fun with them? It can by anything from sharing a meal together to playing games or watching movies, depending on the type of crowd you have. Winter is the best time to stay together in the warmth of a home without the need to rush out somewhere just because it’s sunny, warm, and pleasant outside.
Try these activities
The outside world might be less friendly during winter months, but you still can enjoy it greatly. Snowboarding, skiing, sledging, building snowmen and having a snow fight with your friends – these are just a few activities that you should try this winter with your friends and family. You will feel happy like a kid and that is one of the ways to experience hygge!
Make a winter play-list
Being constantly bombarded by the latest pop singers’ hits and Christmas songs might not be the best way to build up that sweet hygge mood, so take your time and create a calming, down-tempo playlist with songs that make you feel truly nice and cosy. It can be soul, jazz, some instrumental music, or whatever relaxes you the most. Music can change our mood completely, so don’t underestimate its power.
Get more sun
We’re all quite good at hiding and spending quality time indoors, but let’s not forget that lack of Vitamin D is one of the biggest causes of depression during winter months. You might be working during the day, but don’t despair – you always have lunch-breaks to get your daily dose of light. Go walking around the hood, try a new restaurant, or listen to some nice music while sitting on a bench in the park. Make sure you use your weekends to the fullest and go out somewhere you can get as much light as you need.
Don’t rush
Hygge is all about slowing down and enjoying the moment right now. If you are into yoga, meditation, or know some mindfulness exercises, then you realize just how important it is to be able to stay in the now, without rushing to the next thing and worrying about the past that is already gone. Try enjoying the simple things – your morning cup of coffee or evening mug of cocoa, a morning filled with sunlight, a few hours with a good book, or playing with your cat. It’s the simple things that make us the happiest!
Dress properly
There is no bad weather, only wrong clothing! That’s the main rule for any winter – the better your winter gear, the more comfortable you are, and the more hygge you experience! Forget about high heels and cute short jackets – they might work in autumn, but winter is all about staying warm and healthy in the cold temperatures.
Take a hot bath
Nothing can quite compare to the feeling of a hot, bubbly bath, especially after a day out in the cold weather. Treat yourself to an evening with a candle-lit bath or sauna, enjoy some essential oils, relax, and then put on your warmest clothes in order to stay healthy during winter months.