For many high-school students, the colder months are no laughing matter. The lack of sunlight and frigid weather can lead to the production of less serotonin and more melatonin, potentially resulting in fatigue, lack of focus, and sometimes symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. However, there are some proven ways to combat the winter blues, and, as it turns out, we can learn a thing or two from the Danish.
Denmark––a country that receives less daylight in the height of winter than even the northernmost cities in the continental United States––has consistently been rated as one of the world’s happiest countries. “Hygge,” most closely pronounced as “hooga” in English, is a large part of how they pull this off.
What Hygge Is and Why It Matters in Winter
Originating from Old Norse, hygge most closely translates to “protected from the outside world,” but others have argued that its best definition is “coziness of the soul.” Common ways to practice hygge include wearing soft clothing, lighting candles or building a fire, sipping warm beverages, partaking in hobbies like crafting or reading, or sharing a homecooked meal with loved ones—all activities that lend themselves to the winter season.
However, true hygge goes beyond these activities. Because hygge is built on an appreciation of the present moment, it fosters a spirit of mindfulness, simplicity, gratitude, and community—values that are central to Danish culture. Those who practice hygge describe it as both a mindset and a lifestyle, ones in which the concepts of coziness, togetherness, mindfulness, and slowing down rule decision-making.
Bringing Hygge Into Your Student’s Routine: Study Space, Rest, and Connection
So, how can hygge help your student? First, they might consider giving their at-home study space an atmosphere of coziness. You might think that warm, dim lighting, pillows, blankets, candles, and soft, comfortable clothing combined with homework creates the perfect recipe for sleep. However, these conditions have been tested and shown to lead to positive mood qualities, such as relaxation and comfort. Environmental & Design Psychologist Dr. Sally Augustin states that “when we’re in a more positive or relaxed mood, we get better at problem-solving, we think more creatively, and we get along better with each other.” The individual benefits from each element of hygge that your student experiences contributes to a higher-quality working mindset.
Furthermore, it’s essential to remember that hygge also rests on both unstructured and social time. Make sure that your student spends dedicated time away from their studies to both engage with their family and friends and to take some time alone for themselves, whether that’s to engage in self-care or practice hobbies. For instance––believe it or not––several studies have highlighted how online gaming amongst Danish students reflect the effects of hygge. Social and cooperative games, in particular, were found to positively impact social well-being and participation in the classroom, perhaps through the sense of belonging that came from working towards in-game achievements.
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The best part about hygge? While its effects are most powerful during the cold winter months, hygge can be practiced year-round. Adopting hygge on a daily basis may be especially beneficial for today’s students, who are often overstimulated by technology, stressful news, social media, and the complexities of modern life. In fact, today’s students are more likely to experience mental health struggles than students a decade ago. Since adopting the hygge mindset directly combats stress, it’s a great way to build a sense of stability and inner peace.
