The seasonal depression is so real, besties. Winter is here and, if you’re anything like me, you’re desperately searching for small things to uplift your mood. Scrolling on TikTok has become my only source of entertainment this season: My entire FYP recently has been a combination of Zoolander memes (the trend I didn’t know I needed) or people entering their hibernation era.
‘Hygge’Tok is another side of TikTok that I’ve found myself on, and it has single-handedly cured me of sad girl winter. Hygge is a Danish concept that has increased in popularity over the years. Mary Skinner is one popular TikTok creator who incorporates hygge into her life during the autumn and winter months to better her mental health, and she might be onto something. We might be able to learn a thing or two from the Danes — they’ve been deemed the happiest people in the world for years, despite their dreary weather and harsh winters.
What is hygge?
Although it can’t be translated directly into English, hygge is the Danish word that describes a warm mood and atmosphere of coziness and comfortability. In essence, it means an escape from the anxieties and fast-paced lifestyle of the outside world. It’s a kind of sanctuary, an informal moment surrounded by close friends and family where you can be completely yourself. It’s all about intentional slowness and being present around the people that you love. Hygge is also about appreciating little moments of pleasure.
What’s the hygge Aesthetic?
Think: warm cottage core. The aesthetic of hygge is all about ambient lighting and a mood of complete serenity and warmth in the home. Romanticize everything about the winter season. Candles burning in every room, the smell of fresh baked goods filling the home, laughter from your closest friends, and listening to the sounds of a winter storm outside when you’re safe indoors. It’s a moment of enrichment time in your enclosure.
In terms of clothes, the aesthetic of hygge is embodied with all things layered, casual, and comfortable. We’re talking neutrals, thick material, and anything to keep you warm. It seems like everyone is in their scarf era this winter, and I’m here for it (very hygge of you). Chunky sweaters and thick socks are two winter essentials, and earmuffs are also making a comeback (love!). Of course, winter clothes can be unbelievably expensive. Lucky for me, an old thrifted grandpa sweater is very hygge as well.
Here’s how to Hygge:
Whether you’re spending time at home for the holidays or staying at college this season, incorporating hygge to cope with feelings of sadness during the colder months doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t have to go out and buy anything special in order to achieve it. It’s all about appreciating simple pleasures in your life and embracing moments of slowness this season. But if you’re looking to decorate a little bit, fairy lights, candles, knitted blankets, and throw pillows are all giving hygge — big lights are officially canceled this winter.
The goal is to create a space where you feel safe and secure. Dorm rooms may feel like a very temporary situation in college, understandably so. If you know you’ll be moving out in a few months, what’s the point in making the space entirely your own? But we’ve still got months of winter ahead of us, and creating a dorm environment that feels homey and comfortable has helped me in the past dealing with seasonal depression in college.
Hygge is the art of being present with friends and family in a relaxed environment. If you’ve ever felt the need to be “on” in social settings, hygge embraces silence and authenticity. For all the introverted girlies, this is your safe space. It’s also about equality and sharing the responsibilities that come with hosting friends. If you’re having people over for a theme night or movie night, everyone brings snacks instead of just one person. Oftentimes the role of the host gets overwhelming, but with hygge there is a sense of equality and togetherness where everyone pitches in. Sledding is also an activity that you can do this winter with friends, even in college. If you’re a girlie in the northeast, this is your time to shine.
Another activity to incorporate into your life this winter is hosting a dinner where everyone helps to cook the meal — have all of your friends bring an ingredient over and cook all together. Hygge is all about taking it slow and appreciating the process, so preparing comfort foods together gives you a sense of relaxation and connection. Hygge is also about treating yourself — and we know how I feel about that, besties. I know I’m not the only one who’s nostalgic for the banana bread and sourdough baking era of the 2020 quarantine.
Bottom line – you don’t have to spend a bunch of money in order to incorporate hygge into your life this season. You also don’t have to follow the “aesthetic” perfectly! Take what you like and leave the rest, it’s more about giving yourself permission to relax this season in a safe atmosphere.