Dear Life Section,

The dull gray days have made it hard for me to feel comfortable at home. I’m stuck inside and the slushy snow has made it impossible to want to leave my house. I’m feeling restless, unmotivated and lonely. I can’t control the weather but I can try to control my mindset. What do you recommend to help bring comfort into my home? I want to embrace the winter weather, not endure it.

Sincerely,

Cozy Wannabe

Dear Cozy Wannabe,

While we may live in the rainy state of Washington, sometimes it seems like there is nothing that can prepare you for the gloom of winter.

From October to June, it seems like the forecast always predicts rain.

Like Bella Swan in “Twilight“ said, “In the state of Washington, under a near-constant cover of clouds and rain, there is a small town named Forks.” There is no doubt the constant cloud and rain can take a toll on your mental health.

With the mix of melting snow and rain, the desire to leave the house is fleeting and you start to understand Bella Swan’s constant state of depression. During cold times like these, it is important to try your best to improve your well being and surround yourself with comfort. This can be by yourself, with your loved ones or cozying up with a coffee at the library.

Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is a lifestyle embraced by the Danish that practices a relaxing quiet lifestyle surrounded by the ones you love – and yourself. Conducted research found that practicing elements of hygge can improve overall happiness.

Meik Wiking, The Happiness Research Institute CEO, wrote “The Little Book Of Hygge: The Danish Way To Live Well” about living a hygge lifestyle.

“You cannot hygge if you are in a hurry or stressed out, and the art of creating intimacy cannot be bought by anything but time, interest and engagement in the people around you,” Wiking said.

Lighting is one of the most important aspects to this practice, so this means the big light in your room can not be turned on. An array of candles and ambient lighting lamps on the floor, wall and table are key to hygge.

Hygge is informal, there is no agenda. Hygge highlights that it is crucial to take time for yourself.

Make sure you are in a quiet, calm environment. Turn on some music or white noise, watch your favorite movie with a friend, take time to slow down and enjoy the quiet moments of life.

The gloomy weather makes hygge necessary, lack of sunlight can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder which is a type of depression.

People who practice hygge closely incorporate natural rather than synthetic materials like wood, ceramics and outdoor features. While this may be difficult to do in the dorm or a college apartment, lighting is simple yet effective.

The meaning of the word hygge dates back to the 1800s and a similar old Norwegian term that was close to “well being” and “protected from the outside world” that had the same values of hygge.

Hygge focuses on taking time to slow down with yourself and the people you love. Denmark is ranked as one of the happiest nations in the world, whether that’s because they offer free tuition, subsidized childcare and universal healthcare. There is no doubt why the Danes are notorious for being happier and more content with their quality of life.

Whether that’s cozying up next to the fire with your loved ones, or lighting a candle and reading a book, hygge is proven to improve quality of life. Blankets, hot chocolate and game nights will help you embrace the hygge lifestyle.

With the commotion of midterms and melting snow, prioritizing yourself and your well being is mandatory.

There is no doubt as to why Denmark ranks among one of the happiest countries in the world. With a hygge lifestyle, it is definite that the benefits of relaxation and comfort will follow.

Sincerely,

The Life Section