Winter can be a magical time of year—or it can feel like an endless stretch of dark mornings, chilly days, and gloomy evenings. ❄️ The cold and lack of sunshine can make it harder to stay active and connected, leaving you feeling stuck or unmotivated. If you’ve ever found yourself longing for the warmth and energy of summer, you’re not alone.
But what if winter didn’t have to feel this way? What if, instead of waiting it out, you embraced it for the unique gifts it offers?
Let’s explore how to shift your perspective and create joy—even movement—during the colder months.
What is Hygge?
Have you heard of the Danish concept of “hygge” (pronounced “hue-gah”)? It’s a mindset that embraces the little things that make winter special—a way to find coziness, connection, and joy during the darkest time of the year.
Hygge isn’t just about wearing fuzzy socks or lighting candles. As Natalie Van Deusen, a professor of Scandinavian Studies, explains:
“The best translation is coziness, but not the physical coziness that you get when you put on a sweater or cuddle up with a blanket. It’s more of a state of mental balance and psychological well-being.”
For a country like Denmark, where winter days can have up to 17 hours of darkness, hygge is how they thrive instead of just survive. Let’s borrow some of their wisdom and apply it to our own winters.
Notice Your Winter Thoughts
It starts with your mindset. What are you telling yourself about winter? If your internal dialogue is full of negativity—“It’s too cold to do anything” or “I just have to survive until spring”—it’s no wonder you feel unmotivated.
These thoughts can create a feedback loop: the more you think winter is boring or unbearable, the more you avoid engaging with it. And the less you engage, the harder it feels to move or find joy.
Try catching those negative thoughts when they pop up. Can you reframe them?
- Instead of “It’s too cold to go outside,” try “I’ll feel refreshed after a brisk walk.”
- Instead of “Winter is boring,” try “What new activity can I explore this season?”
- Instead of "I'll get too cold out there," try "What clothes do I need to keep me warm outside?"
Let Yourself Slow Down
Winter invites us to embrace a different rhythm—a slower, more intentional pace. After the whirlwind of the holidays, this slower season can be a gift. Think of it as nature’s way of encouraging rest and restoration.
But slowing down doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means choosing activities that nourish you.
- Cozy up with a book or a long-neglected podcast. 📚🎧
- Take up journaling or a creative hobby you’ve always wanted to try.
- Go to bed earlier and let yourself catch up on sleep. 🛌💤
Slowing down is not about hibernating out of boredom—it’s about choosing to embrace the quieter energy of the season.
Make Your Home Cozy
Hygge thrives on creating an environment that feels warm and inviting. When your home feels cozy, it can shift your mood and help you appreciate the season.
- Dim the lights and add candles or string lights for ambiance.
- Layer your space with soft blankets and pillows for an extra touch of warmth.
- Create a special corner where you can unwind—a comfy chair with a blanket, a cup of herbal tea, and your favorite book or playlist.
Even small changes to your environment can make a big difference in how you feel.
Find Joy in Outdoor Movement
Let’s be honest—getting outside in winter can feel like a chore. But movement is key to feeling good, both physically and mentally. Natural light, even on cloudy days, helps regulate your circadian rhythm, boosting your energy and improving sleep quality. 
Think of your circadian rhythm as your body’s way of keeping time. It helps you stay awake and tells you when you to sleep by affecting your brain, body, and hormones. Getting natural sunlight or bright light improves your energy during the day and sleep quality at night (1, 2).
Dress warmly and plan winter activities that you can only do this time of year:
- Go ice skating, sledding, or hiking through snowy trails.
- Take a simple walk in your neighborhood, focusing on the crisp air and how it feels to move your body.
If getting outside feels overwhelming, consider investing in a “happy light” to mimic sunlight exposure. This can help combat the winter blues and keep your energy up. (Google "happy light" and you'll get more options that you bargained for)
Stay Connected
Winter can feel isolating, especially with cold weather and shorter days. But connection is vital for our well-being. Make an effort to reach out to loved ones, even when it feels easier to stay in.
- Host a cozy gathering with friends or family.
- Share a meal, a movie night, or even a virtual chat if weather makes travel difficult.
- Join a class or community activity to meet others while staying active.
Companionship is at the heart of hygge, and it’s a powerful way to beat the winter blues.
Winter doesn’t have to be a season you simply endure. By shifting your mindset, creating a cozy environment, embracing movement, and staying connected, you can transform the colder months into a time of restoration and joy.
Remember: movement doesn’t have to mean intense exercise, and slowing down doesn’t mean giving up. Both can coexist, bringing balance and energy back to your winter days.
What’s one way you’ll embrace winter differently this year? Let me know—I’d love to hear how you’re making the season a little brighter. 🌟
Sources:
- Campbell, S. S., Dawson, D., & Anderson, M. W. (1993). Alleviation of sleep maintenance insomnia with timed exposure to bright light. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 41(8), 829–836. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.1993.tb06179.x
- Fetveit, A., Skjerve, A., & Bjorvatn, B. (2003). Bright light treatment improves sleep in institutionalised elderly--an open trial. International journal of geriatric psychiatry, 18(6), 520–526. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.852
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