For some, the winter is a magical time of year.
For others like me, its a gloomy, cold, darkness you just have to wait out.
But theres a better way to get through winter.
A mindset that involves embracing the unique aspects of the winter months.
Enter the Danish concept of hygge.
Hygge, which is actuallya word of Norwegian origin, is pronounced hoo-gah and loosely translates to coziness.
Its more of a state mental balance and psychological well-being.
Its a feeling many of us feel when we go home for the holidays.
But it doesnt have go away when you head back to the real world.
And, believe me, the Danish know what theyre talking about.
They have some of the longest, harshest winters, yet theyreone of the happiest countries in the world.
Here are some tips on how you might achieve hygge this winter and hopefully enjoy it more than usual.
Basically, become an expert at hunkering down at home and getting as comfortable as possible.
Reading a book by the fire with a hot drink is hygge.
So is eating homemade baked goods while watching TV under a mountain of blankets.
Its best to avoid large, empty rooms, as well as spaces thatlookcold.
If not, even a TV with a fake fireplace video can help.
Think of winter as your time to hibernate and your warm home as your bear cave.
Use the winter as an excuse to do all of those things youve been putting off.
Harsh cold, foul weather, and dangerous roads makes gatherings and outings a hassle.
There are two ways to go about hygge-style gatherings.
The more often you do this the better.
Pro tip: bust out the seasonal items to truly embrace what the winter has to offer.
Beers, cookies, and anything else that is exclusive to this time of year.
Dont let those comfy couches at the local coffee shop go to waste.
Post up at a cozy cafe or bar and have a go at make some new friends.
And because of that, Ive never invested in decent winter garb.
Again, not warm enough, 100% comfortable.
It could be skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding, or having a snowball fight.
Hygge is as much about mindfulness as it is about coziness and a sense of belonging.
Its about being more connected to the real world andshowing gratitude for what you have.
Wikingsums up the essence of hyggeas the pursuit of everyday happiness.
When you look at winter through a lens like that, it feels a whole lot warmer.
You might even start to miss winter come spring time.
Illustration by Angelica Alzona.
Photos byOakleyOriginals,Mt.
Hood Territory,Mt.
Hood Territory, andlibraryrachel.
