Have you ever heard of the Danish word, hygge? This word has been pronounced in a variety of ways, but its proper pronunciation is “hoo ga.” If you’re still struggling, I would recommend typing it into a search engine and having the search engine say it for you.

This word has gained popularity in recent years and rightfully so! The translation of hygge is closest to coziness or comfort. It has roots in Scandinavian culture and is about finding comfort and warmth within your life. This could be within the environment in which you live or with those with which you want to surround yourself.

Hygge often comes to mind during the winter months for me as my hygge consists of:

Warm drinks (tea and hot chocolate)
Blankets and comfy/warm pajamas and socks
Candles
Fireplace
Snuggles with the furbabies

Actually, the high point of the year for hygge in the Danish culture is Christmas and wintertime. Due to the winter being so long and cold, hygge has been said to be a survival strategy with family members and friends during those cold months. However, hygge doesn’t stop in the winter and can be incorporated into your life year-round. Hygge can also be different for everyone and is actually very similar to coping skills. What works for one person or what one person considered hygge, another may not.

Incorporating hygge into your lifestyle may help boost the neurotransmitter, serotonin, which helps stabilize mood and increase happiness. You also find serotonin’s impact on sleep and eating. In fact, a lack of serotonin has been associated with depression and anxiety, so a lifestyle change that is very much within one’s control, such as adding some more hygge into their life might be just what’s needed! During the upcoming winter months (or depending on where you are located if there is a winter storm headed your way), perhaps see if you can start to incorporate this comfy cozy vibe into your life. You might be surprised at what happens!