Recently, I have been learning about hygge. If you’ve never heard of hygge before, it’s the Danish practice of coziness during the winter months. According to Denmark’s official tourism website, it’s “creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people.” The Danes actually embrace winter and look forward to it, which is something I am working on.
I think one of the biggest reasons winter leaves a sour taste in my mouth is the lack of Vitamin D I get. I often arrive to the windowless room where I work just after the sun rises and am lucky to leave before the sun has set.
I have decided this winter will be different because I am going to try these remedies:
#1. Take Vitamin D supplements daily.
#2. Eat more foods that are high in Vitamin D. Fish, mushrooms, and even some cereals are rich in Vitamin D. And, fish oil supplements are known to help, too!
#3. Get more sun! I struggle with this during my work week. However, if it’s sunny during my lunch break, I will sit in another area somewhere near a window, or even go on a quick walk outside. Granted, I cannot necessarily absorb Vitamin D through glass, but I will feel a lot better if I am sitting near sunshine than in a room with no view.
Beyond increasing my Vitamin D this winter, I have decided to embrace the hygge attitude! I have a list of “tasks” that I think fits this way of life. Perhaps they can help you, too.
#1. Enjoy my kitchen!
I will use this time as an opportunity to expand my skills in the kitchen with new recipes for soups, casseroles, and hot drinks. I avoid this type of activity in the summer for fear of “heating up the house.” Winter is the perfect time for this!
#2. Read More. Rest More. Watch More.
During the other seasons, I find myself busy running here and there. What a gift it is that during winter we are forced to slow down. Being snowed and iced in is the perfect chance to finish that book I have not had a spare moment to read. Feeling tired? Why not let myself take that nap or go to bed early? I also have several movies and TV shows I never seem to have the time to watch because of the hectic pace other seasons tend to have. Winter is the perfect time to savor these activities that some people may view as “unproductive.”
#3. Walk.
Hiking trails and walking trails rarely close for Winter. The landscape looks so different with vistas even more grand since the leafs no longer block the view. Winter is a great time to get out and move! Thankfully, I have many options near my home base in Union.
It is my sincere hope that this blog post inspires you (and me!) to beat the Winter Blues and embrace this season. Missouri may not be Denmark, but we certainly can embrace the hygge spirit!