Self-Care Rituals for Winter: Embracing Hygge and Its Benefits

By Grace Coleman

If you’re someone who values life’s simple joys, the Danish concept of hygge is for you. Although the word cannot be directly translated into English, descriptors like “comforting,” “warm,” and “cozy” come close to its meaning. Hygge is the feeling of wellbeing you get when huddling around a fire with friends or wrapping yourself in a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate. It is the comfort found in small things like candles, hearty soups, and warm sweaters. Although it can be practiced at any time of year, there is something special about hygge in the colder months. Cold weather can heighten the sense of coziness we feel at home. As we move into December, there’s no better time to start learning about the practice and its benefits. Here are some quick and easy things you can do to bring more hygge into your life this season.

Learn a new recipe

Hygge comes to life in warm, satisfying recipes. Cooking a delicious meal is a tried and true way to express love for yourself and those around you. If you’re in the mood for something with fall flavor, try this delicious Butternut Squash Soup by Fifteen Spatulas, this Creamy Pumpkin Pasta by FeelGoodFoodie, or this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal by From My Bowl.

Decorate your home

The best part of the holiday season is arguably going on a home decor shopping spree. Turn your living room into a winter wonderland with these Anthropologie Tree Candles. It’s also the perfect time to craft a centerpiece for your dining table – check out this DIY Greenery Garland, which is sure to attract compliments at holiday meals!  

Take up a new hobby

Hobbies like knitting, crochet, and scrapbooking can be wonderful creative outlets. You can hone your skills alone, or invite friends to join in on the fun. As gift-giving season rolls around, there’s nothing more hygge than making a gift by hand for the ones you love. Some patterns to help you get started include this chunky sweater, these warm mittens, and this cable knit scarf. 

Host a movie night

Food, company, and the atmosphere of your home all play an important role in hygge living. Huddling up on a couch with your closest friends is a surefire way to create comfort in the colder months. Lay out some blankets and throw pillows, pop some popcorn, and put on When Harry Met Sally, Little Women, or another fall classic! 

Check out the literature

A handful of books have been published in English about hygge. “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living” by Meik Wiking is a must-read for anyone interested in the practice. Wiking is CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. His book includes research on the values of hygge, easy rituals to implement into your daily routine, and even recipes! Another title worth reading is “Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness” by Marie Tourell Søderberg. A Danish actress and hygge enthusiast, Søderberg’s book is full of tips for cooking, home decorating, and entertaining.