As the colder months settle in, embracing a Hygge attitude – the Danish concept of cosiness and wellbeing – offers a refreshing approach to staying positive, warm, and connected. In the UK, where short days and chilly nights can sometimes feel overwhelming, Hygge reminds us to slow down and prioritise comfort, community, and a mindful connection to our environments. We practical ways to bring Hygge into your daily life, with insights from positive psychology and Coaching Psychology. Let’s dive into how you can cultivate warmth and wellbeing, whatever the season.
What is Hygge, and Why Is It Important?
Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is more than just cosy blankets and candles – it’s a mindset. Hygge is about creating moments that foster a sense of contentment, safety, and pleasure. It encourages you to be present, savour small joys, and nurture a sense of togetherness, which is essential for mental health during darker, colder months. By embracing Hygge, we can counterbalance the seasonal challenges with a warm, optimistic approach to daily life.
According to studies from the Mental Health Foundation, cultivating positive emotions through habits like gratitude, mindfulness, and connecting with loved ones can improve mental health. Embracing Hygge is one way to build a sense of security and warmth into your day-to-day life, which, in turn, strengthens resilience, especially during the winter.
Hygge and Positive Psychology: Finding Joy in Simple Moments
Positive psychology, the scientific study of what makes life worth living, overlaps beautifully with Hygge. Positive psychology advocates small, intentional changes that build lasting wellbeing – which is essentially Hygge. When we focus on what makes us feel safe, happy, and fulfilled, we’re more likely to build resilience and cope better with challenges. Here are some positive psychology interventions that link well with the Hygge mindset, especially helpful in winter.
1. Gratitude Practice
Research has shown that gratitude boosts wellbeing by encouraging us to focus on positive aspects of our lives. To integrate gratitude into your daily Hygge moments, try journaling each night about three things that made you smile or brought you comfort during the day. This small act creates a sense of abundance, reducing feelings of scarcity that can arise during winter. Mind, a UK mental health charity, also highlights the benefits of gratitude on mood and resilience.
2. Mindful Awareness
Mindfulness – paying attention to the present moment with curiosity and acceptance – is another key positive psychology intervention. Mindfulness aligns perfectly with Hygge, encouraging us to be present and enjoy cosy, comforting moments fully. The NHS offers free resources and guides on practising mindfulness. Try focusing on small sensory experiences, like savouring a hot drink or enjoying the feel of a warm blanket.
3. Acts of Kindness
Performing small acts of kindness can generate feelings of positivity and connectedness. Whether it’s making a hot drink for a friend, sharing a meal, or checking in with a loved one, kindness promotes community and warmth – central elements of Hygge. In coaching psychology, such interventions support building relationships and reinforcing shared experiences, which strengthens our emotional and social wellbeing.
4. Engagement in Flow Activities
Flow, the state of being deeply engaged in a meaningful activity, is a cornerstone of positive psychology. Winter can provide the perfect backdrop for flow activities that encourage Hygge: reading a good book, knitting, baking, or journaling. According to Action for Happiness, flow activities support mental wellbeing and provide a productive way to spend time alone or with others.
Coaching Psychology: Building Resilience Through Hygge
Coaching Psychology – the application of psychological principles to personal growth – can support winter wellbeing by helping individuals set intentions and create habits that foster positivity and resilience. Coaches can guide clients in identifying personal values and goals aligned with Hygge, such as prioritising relaxation, reducing stress, and embracing small moments of pleasure.
For example, during winter, a coach might encourage clients to create an intentional Hygge routine. This could involve choosing a dedicated space at home for relaxation, setting up weekly check-ins with friends, or scheduling regular mindfulness breaks. By creating these intentional, comforting routines, individuals are more likely to find joy and satisfaction during the colder months, reducing the potential for winter blues.
Top Tips: How to Bring Hygge into Your Daily Life
Here are some practical, achievable tips for bringing the Hygge attitude into your daily life. Each tip is designed to enhance wellbeing, connect you to the present moment, and build positive habits that make winter feel warmer and more manageable.
1. Set Up a Cosy Corner
Choose a space in your home – a small nook, a favourite chair, or a sunny spot by a window – and make it your cosy Hygge corner. Add soft blankets, cushions, your favourite books, and maybe a candle. This space becomes your sanctuary, a place to unwind and recharge. The NHS Every Mind Matters toolkit emphasises creating a peaceful home environment to support mental health, which a cosy corner can facilitate.
2. Practise “Hygge Time” with Friends and Family
Carve out weekly moments to connect with loved ones, whether through a shared meal, a virtual catch-up, or a cosy film night. Research by Age UK shows that social connections are critical for mental health, especially during winter when feelings of isolation can increase. Hygge is about sharing warmth, so gather friends for a hot drink, a walk, or a home-cooked meal.
3. Savour a Warm Beverage Ritual
A simple yet powerful way to bring Hygge into your life is by creating a daily ritual around a hot beverage – tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Enjoy it without distractions, savouring the warmth, aroma, and flavour. Use this time to reflect, journal, or simply relax. A daily moment like this fosters gratitude and a sense of calm, aligning with positive psychology principles.
4. Light Up Your Space
In Denmark, where winter days are also short, lighting is essential for creating a cosy atmosphere. Use candles, string lights, or lamps with soft, warm bulbs to make your space feel inviting. The UK-based charity Mental Health UK notes that lighting can have a positive effect on mood, helping us feel more energised and positive during winter.
5. Try a New Hobby
Winter is a wonderful time to explore hobbies like knitting, cooking, painting, or crafting. Engaging in such activities can create a flow state, where time flies, and you feel content and absorbed. A hobby can also provide a sense of purpose and achievement, especially beneficial for mental health during colder months.
Practical Activities to Embrace Hygge This Winter
Here’s a small list of practical activities to help you fully embrace the Hygge lifestyle this winter:
- Journaling: Spend a few minutes each morning or evening reflecting on what you’re grateful for or what brought you joy.
- Digital Detox: Set aside time each evening to unplug from screens and enjoy a screen-free activity. It could be reading, writing, crafting, or just spending quality time with family, pets or friends.
- Breathing Exercises: Practising mindful breathing can help you relax and bring your awareness to the present moment. The NHS offers easy-to-follow breathing exercises for relaxation.
- Nature Walks: Even during winter, connecting with nature can lift your spirits. Bundle up, head outside, and appreciate the crisp air and winter landscapes.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Hygge as a Lifestyle
By bringing a Hygge attitude into your day-to-day life, you’re not just adopting a cosy aesthetic; you’re creating a proactive approach to wellbeing that supports resilience and positivity. Winter doesn’t have to be a time to endure – it can be an opportunity to sloe down, recharge, connect, and savour life’s small, warming moments. Through Hygge, positive psychology, and the right coaching tools, winter can become a season of comfort, connection, and contentment.
Resources and Support
For more guidance on wellbeing and mental health, check out:
- NHS Every Mind Matters: Practical tips and advice for maintaining mental wellbeing.
- Mind Charity: Support and resources for mental health.
- Action for Happiness: Positive psychology resources and community events in the UK.
- Mental Health Foundation: Articles and research on mental health and positive psychology.
Whether through cosy routines, mindful activities, or intentional connections with others, embracing Hygge can help you feel nurtured, even on the darkest days. Try incorporating these practices into your winter routine and enjoy a happier, warmer, and more resilient season.
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Emma Mudge
Co-founder and Coaching Psychologist
BSc (Hons), PGCert, PGDip, MSt
Member of the British Psychological Society
& Division of Coaching Psychology – GMBPsS
EmPower You Psychological Services