Hygge Counselling: Using Cozy Self-Care to Cope with Social Isolation

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Social isolation can take a toll on your mental health, leaving you feeling anxious, disconnected, and uncertain. One simple yet powerful approach to self-care during these times is Hygge (pronounced “Hyoo-guh”), a Danish concept that focuses on finding comfort and joy in life’s simple pleasures. In this article, we’ll explore how Hygge can help you care for yourself while socially isolated, and offer practical tips you can start using today.

During periods of social isolation—whether due to a pandemic, illness, or other circumstances—many people experience stress from changes to routine, disconnection from others, and uncertainty about the future. I remember feeling this way myself. Prior to a recent period of self-isolation, I was in the middle of a family road trip. Upon returning home and settling into isolation, I found myself feeling anxious, struggling with the sense that I was missing something. As my wife describes it, I was “squirrely.”

Amidst all this uncertainty, it can become very easy to overlook the importance of self-care. A few months ago, I was researching new ways to incorporate self-care into our lives. Through this process, I stumbled across the concept of Hygge. A word that has no direct translation but can be summed up as simply “cozy” or “a ritual where one can find enjoyment and comfort in life’s simple pleasures.” This trend has taken off in Denmark and has become a staple of their culture.

What is Hygge?

Hygge is more than just a trend—it’s a mindset and a practice. It’s about slowing down, being present, and savouring the small moments that bring warmth and contentment. In the context of social isolation, Hygge can serve as a good reminder to stop and take time for ourselves. We aren’t sure what tomorrow will bring, but we can engage in the little things here and now.

How to Bring Hygge into Your Life

Here are some tips to bring some Hygge into your life, no matter where you are:

• Light up some scented candles or the fireplace: Help change up the environment around you to a more calming and relaxing space.
• Spring cleaning: As the weather begins to warm up, take advantage of the time to pack away heavier winter items and bring out the light and colourful spring arrangements.
• Bring plants inside: Bring some life into your home with potted plants. It’ll help warm up your environment, and watering them can add a daily ritual to your routine.
• Open the blinds and windows: As the days get longer, try to let some sun into your house. If possible, take time to sit in the warmth and enjoy the light. As the weather continues to warm, open your windows and let the fresh air circulate.
• Decorate with photos: Find a space where you can print out some photos from past springs and summers. Reflect on memories of happiness and prepare yourself for future activities to come.
• A few others: Blast the radio and sing along, talk to your pets, savour the first sip of coffee, bake some homemade snacks, and pick up a book you’ve been meaning to get to.

Through this time, it’s important to focus on what’s in front of and around us—to keep ourselves grounded in the present and take care of our physical and mental health. If you are seeking additional support, Bayridge Counselling Centres offers online and phone therapy services across Ontario. Our team includes registered psychotherapists (RP), registered social workers (RSW), and psychologists (C.Psych) who can help you navigate feelings of isolation and anxiety. Give us a call at (905) 319-1488 to connect with us.

Find your Hygge.