How to cope with long winter nights and seasonal depression | BBC News

Key Concepts

• Hygge (pronounced "Hoo-gah"): The Danish art of creating a nice atmosphere and enjoying simple pleasures in life, particularly as a strategy for coping with winter's cold and darkness.
• Analog Play: Engaging in activities that do not involve digital devices, such as jigsaw puzzles, board games, and side-by-side activities.
• Lighting: The strategic use of soft, warm light, especially candles, to create a comforting and inviting atmosphere, as opposed to harsh overhead lighting.
• Simple Pleasures: Appreciating and actively seeking out small joys in everyday life.
• Winter Survival Strategy: Hygge is presented as a cultural practice that helps Danes make the best of the darker, colder months.

The Art of Hygge

Mick Viking, author of "The Little Book of Hygge," explains that "hygge" (pronounced "Hoo-gah") is the Danish art of creating a nice atmosphere and enjoying simple pleasures. While practiced year-round, it serves as a crucial survival strategy for winter, helping Danes cope with colder and darker conditions. The concept is about making the best of the situation by creating a perfect night in and enjoying what is possible during the dark hours.

Pastries and Comfort

Pastries are highlighted as a significant element of hygge. The transcript shares an anecdote about a British mother who, after discovering hygge, began calling her afternoon tea with her children "a hyggely afternoon" instead of a "lazy afternoon." This reframing removed guilt and allowed her to appreciate the simple pleasure of the moment.

The Importance of Lighting

Lighting is presented as a cornerstone of creating a warm and comforting atmosphere in Danish culture. Danes use twice as many candles as the second-highest country in Europe. The preference is for "pockets or islands of light" rather than harsh, white overhead lighting.

Case Study: The Canadian Family A Canadian reader, after reading "The Little Book of Hygge," began lighting candles for family dinners. Initially, his three teenage sons teased him, mistaking it for a romantic gesture. However, the practice evolved into a ritual of "food and fire," and the sons eventually began lighting the candles themselves. This change in atmosphere led to family dinners lasting 15 to 20 minutes longer, as the boys slowed down, enjoyed the food, and engaged in conversation. This illustrates how lighting can foster connection and encourage a more relaxed pace.

Embracing Analog and Slowing Down

The concept of hygge encourages a move away from digital devices and their emitted light, promoting "analog play." This includes activities such as:

• Jigsaw puzzles
• Side-by-side activities
• Board games

The transcript also suggests going for a walk if conditions permit, framing these as integral parts of the hygge way of life. The overall sentiment is about slowing down and appreciating the present moment.

Global Appeal of Hygge

Viking expresses surprise at the global success of his book, attributing it to giving a name and language to something people were already practicing. The book has been translated into 39 languages, and many readers have written to say they had been experiencing hygge all their lives without knowing the word for it. The book, therefore, provided a framework for appreciating existing enjoyable practices.

Sleep and Daylight

Regarding sleep, the transcript suggests that more sleep is needed when it is dark. However, it also emphasizes the importance of getting outside to enjoy the limited daylight available, even in darker latitudes. Exposure to daylight and obtaining Vitamin D are noted as beneficial for improving mood.

Conclusion

Hygge is presented as a practical and accessible philosophy for enhancing well-being, particularly during darker months. By focusing on creating a warm atmosphere through lighting, enjoying simple pleasures like food, engaging in analog activities, and consciously slowing down, individuals can cultivate a sense of comfort and connection. The global resonance of the concept suggests a universal desire for these elements in modern life.