This Danish Tradition Might Be Your Secret to Winter Happiness
Ah, winter. The season of snowflakes, hot chocolate, and the occasional…emotional slump. For many of us, the darker days and colder weather can leave us feeling a little (or a lot) out of sorts, especially after the joyful holiday season passes.
It’s as if we get in this rhythm of the holidays, and then the rug is ripped out from underneath our feet as the universe says, “Oh, HI, enjoy the next three months in the cold without the sun!” And if you’re like the majority of the population, escaping to warm tropical locations each month isn’t exactly practical.
At Soultality in Boston, MA, we’ve seen firsthand how seasonal changes can bring us down emotionally. But here’s the good news: there are ways to make the winter feel more manageable, to the point where you might even start looking forward to it.
(Seriously, it’s possible!)
One of our favorite holistic tools in our practice is welcoming the spirit of Hygge, the Danish tradition of embracing coziness, connection, and bringing intentional joy into our lives during the cold winter months.
And if the idea of leaning into winter sounds a little too optimistic, stick with us. Hygge isn’t about ignoring the challenges of the season or pretending it isn't there. It’s about finding small, simple ways to feel grounded and comfortable, no matter how dark and unappealing winter normally feels.
So grab a blanket and a cup of something warm, and let’s explore how you can bring a little Hygge into your routine and kick winter blues to the curb.
What Is Hygge?
Hygge is a Danish way of living that roughly translates to “coziness.” But it goes so much deeper than just throwing on fuzzy socks and lighting your favorite candle. Hygge is really centered around creating a space that feels warm and comfortable for you and your favorite people during the Winter months so people can stay happy, fulfilled, and free from the winter blues.
Hygge’s roots can be traced back quite a few centuries in Danish culture. The historians believe the term hygge came from the word “hugr,” which means “mood.” This leads us to believe that the Danish people have been using good spirits in their long winters to naturally combat winter blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD.)
Over time, hygge has evolved from a survival strategy to a way of living. The Danes are listed as some of the world's happiest people, and it’s no surprise since they’ve literally mastered the art of being intentional and cozy!
Benefits of Living the Hygge Way
Did you know that about 10-20% of people in America report having winter blues, while 5% of adults experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD?) SAD is a form of depression brought on by the change in seasons, often caused by shorter daylight hours that throw our internal clocks out of sync and lower our serotonin levels. This can leave us feeling foggy and fatigued while we’re trudging through winter in survival mode.
That’s where hygge steps in! Instead of bracing yourself against the cold months and counting down the minutes ‘til spring, hygge invites us to welcome the season by slowing down, prioritizing our comfort, and creating intentional joy. It reframes winter not as something to “get through” but as a time to slow down and nurture ourselves.
One of our favorite parts about hygge is that it can look different for everyone! For some, it’s cozying up with a good book under a mountain of blankets. For others, it’s inviting over friends for an evening of board games and warm drinks. Hygge is designed to work for you rather than just another thing to check off a list.
Research shows that concepts like hygge are important because it:
Reduces stress: Slowing down and creating a warm atmosphere helps calm your nervous system.
Boosts our moods: Little joys in hygge like candlelight or spending time with friends release serotonin, which is our feel-good hormone.
Improves sleep: A focus on comfort helps your body relax and settle into healthy sleep patterns.
Strengthens relationships: Prioritizing time with loved ones creates a less isolated feel in the winter months and a more emotional connection.
Increases gratitude: Hygge encourages us to savor life’s simple pleasures, which helps maintain a positive mindset.
How to Survive Winters in the North When You Hate the Cold
We GET it. Winter up north is not for the faint of heart. Here in Boston, it’s like the sun takes an extended vacation, the skies turn shades of grey, and the wind? It’s like a full-on slap to the face just to remind us that spring is nowhere in sight.
But surviving the winter doesn’t have to feel like a month-long endurance test. In fact, with a little hygge inspiration, you just might find yourself leaning into the season and, dare we say, start to look forward to it?
Here’s how we love to use hygge here at Soultality!
Make Your Space Cozy
Your home is the main place you spend your time in the winter months, so let’s make it a cozy and enjoyable place to be!
Add rugs to cold floors so you’re not tip-toeing across icy-cold floors
Go wild with the fuzzy blankets. Layer them on couches and chairs for maximum coziness.
Break out your favorite slippers. Bonus points if they’re absurdly fluffy.
Ditch the harsh overhead lights and go for lamps and candles.
Create Cozy Rituals
Rituals don’t have to be grand or complicated. As a matter of fact, we recommend that you don’t go over the top. Hygge should be something you look forward to doing with small, meaningful moments in your routine.
Start your mornings slow. Even a couple minutes with a lit candle and sipping your coffee under warm blankets can really lift up your spirits first thing in the morning.
Journal or read books by candlelight. Bonus points if you have a fireplace or the Netflix, log burning video playing in the background.
Take a hot bath with essential oils, then cozy up in pajamas and your fluffiest socks.
Bake something that makes your house smell amazing!
Embrace Togetherness
Hygge doesn’t have to be done solo. Sharing the warmth of the season with your favorite people makes hygge feel even more special.
Host a low-key night in. Keep it simple with board games or a movie marathon. Good snacks are non-negotiable!
Plan a “cozy potluck” where everyone brings their favorite comfort food.
Start a book club, but make it hygge. Pick a feel-good book and gather with everyone’s favorite blankets and hot chocolate.
And a big thing to remember here is that hygge really isn’t about perfection - that totally defeats the purpose of it. Hygge is about finding joy in the small, intentional choices we make to feel good in the winter months. When you light a candle or read your favorite book under a heated blanket, you’re not just creating a cozy moment for yourself. You’re actually signaling to your brain that it’s safe to relax. And when you focus on bringing connection and gratitude into your life, it helps your mind feel grounded and less alone.
Warming Your Winter, One Cozy Moment at a Time
Winter doesn’t have to feel like a season to endure. By embracing hygge, you can reframe those long, dark months as an opportunity to lean into coziness, connection, and self-care. Whether it’s lighting a candle, bundling up for a walk, or hosting a cozy night in, the small rituals of hygge can make a big difference in how you feel.
As mental health professionals who help people with seasonal affective disorder and the winter blues in Boston, MA, we personally practice hygge and encourage our patients to try it too!
At Soultality, we’re here to support you through every season. If you’re looking for personalized mental health care or resources to help you navigate winter, we’d love to help. Let’s work together to make this winter one of warmth, comfort, and intentional joy.