Hygge - A Cure To The December Blues

The days seem to get shorter and shorter, with the sunlight vanishing before we get the chance to truly enjoy the day. We at The Edge have found the perfect practice to cure these winter blues - Hygge! Hygge is a defining characteristic of Danish and Norwegian culture. This practice of mind emphasizes special and charming moments of coziness. More than just a physical practice, Hygge is all about creating coziness and joy in your mind. In our small brick dorms here at Elon, Hygge can create the light that our rooms seem to be missing. We at The Edge understand how busy college can get, which is why we have decided to tweak traditional Hygge practices just for you! Happy living is just within your fingertips. These small actions will bring you joy and create an atmosphere of snugness that’ll help you usher in the winter cold with open arms. 

Go Crazy At Oak House 

For the Danish, eating is just important as sleeping. Meals are meant to comfort and excite you. For Elon students, what better way to invite coziness than to relax at a local coffee shop. There are rows upon rows of scones, muffins and cookies waiting to be eaten with a warm hot chocolate. Relax your mind, read a book or utilize the many games Oak House provides and bring a couple friends. 

Create a Blanket Fort 

Instead of staying in bed all day, why not try something different? Blanket forts are the perfect creative solution to sitting like a potato all day! And who doesn’t remember making blanket forts as a child? Recreate the childhood wonder by gathering all your blankets, pillows and furniture to create the perfect hibernation hideaway. This is a great Hygge practice to do with friends or your entire floor! Maybe make a trip to the Oak House AND have a picnic inside your magnificent castle. 

Plan your day! 

This may seem counterintuitive to the American sense of relaxation, but the more you structure and value your time, the more freedom you will have to practice Hygge. By stacking all of your activities before it gets dark, not only will you be productive, but you also free up the rest of your day for more Hygge activities. Danish people themselves work intensely during the day until 4 p.m., and clock completely off the grid to relax, eat good food and enjoy the company of their family. Research shows writing things down is better for your brain than typing, so why not take this winter to rejuvenate your brain? Check out “All That JAS” for the cutest planners (some pf which are on sale!)