As the calendar turns to winter and the days grow shorter and colder (by Texas standards, anyway), it is common for people to experience the winter blues. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to compound the feelings of seasonal depression as many holiday festivities will be cancelled or altered and the ability to enjoy the outdoors for dining or social gatherings will be further limited by cooler weather.   

One way to overcome these feelings is by embracing the Danish concept of “hygge” (pronounced "hoo-gah"). Loosely translated as coziness, it’s more about creating an atmosphere of warmth and contentment. If it can help Scandinavians, it could help Texans, too.    

Create a Cozy Home 
If you must spend more time indoors, make your space an enjoyable place to cozy up in during the winter. Take some time to clean up or declutter a space to serve as your at-home retreat. Put out your fluffiest blankets to wrap yourself in. Light candles or hang twinkle lights to create a warm glow. Find time to be present and relax in this comfy space you’ve created for yourself.   

Eat & Drink Warm Foods  
Now is the time of year to savor the comfort foods and drinks you did not feel like consuming in the hot Texas summer. Fire up the slow cooker and create some soups and stews. Embrace the opportunity to enjoy hot cider and cocoa now that it finally feels appropriate to drink them.   

Bring the Outdoors, In 
One way to up the hygge is to include more natural elements in your home. An easy way to do this is to add plants throughout your space. If you don’t have a green thumb, no worries! You can add other natural touches such as dried flowers or pinecones that have little to no upkeep, or even just wooden furniture—anything to remind you of the outdoors.   

Light a Fire  
Relaxing by the fire is about more than just staying warm. It is a way to decompress and block out the rest of the world. Whether you turn on your fireplace or create an outdoor blaze (perhaps even with some socially distanced friends and loved ones), this is an opportunity to slow down and be present in the moment.  

Get Sunshine & Fresh Air  
Days will be shorter and fewer of them will be sunny. That doesn’t mean you won’t have opportunities to enjoy some sunshine! Even if it is cold, bundling up and heading outside for some fresh air in the middle of the day can have a positive effect and help you acquire some necessary vitamin D.  

Give Yourself Grace 
Remind yourself that this year has been hard and times are not normal. It is OK to go easy on yourself. Practice giving yourself grace and realize that it is OK to feel a little down after all that you have experienced this year.  

Disclaimer: If you are experiencing a mental health issue such as depression or anxiety, seek help from a trained mental health provider.