Cozy crusaders: how to stay warm and cozy during the colder months
Jaycee Stone, Staff Writer
It is 8:34 p.m. on a chilly, fall day. So cold that you see your breath when you’re outside, you get your most comfiest sweatshirt and blanket, a thick pair of socks and curl up to watch your favorite movie. The smell of hot chocolate and popcorn lingers in the air.
Whether you are most coziest under a big blanket watching a movie or reading a book, being cozy is a form of happiness made by yourself. With being cozy, there are people who take it serious, such as the Danish people. They like to call this Hygge.
According to Bungalow, Hygge (hoo-gah) is described as a feeling of comfortable liveliness in a warm atmosphere that encourages wellbeing. Although it is assumed this is for a group setting, it can be for individual participation too. It is also known that it is an offline activity, so you truly focus on being comfortable and being within yourself.
The New Yorker editor Anna Altman mentioned in her post that the term hygge derives from the Norwegian term “hugga” which means to comfort or console. It is associated with being relaxed and grateful for the time given to just simply be there.
Hygge has long been considered part of the Danish national character, said Altman. It has been spent during winter, since it is a time where people naturally bundle up. It is known that the Danes are very disciplined on what makes them happy and brings them joy.
We as the people that did not come up with this term automatically think about the cozy sweaters, candles and mugs, but that is not what it was intended for. Hygge is a feeling, whatever you are doing, as long as it leaves you with a warm feeling inside, it counts.
Now, you may be confused as to what counts as hygge. Things like spending time with family, reading your favorite book or having a painting day with your friends are all great examples of hygge. Scrolling through social media or little things like getting dressed are not examples of hygge. Though you may enjoy those things, it is not providing a comforting feeling that leaves you feeling like you got a bear hug from your favorite person.
There are many ways to introduce hygge to our culture and how we can better perfect the act of being “cozy.” Things like painting or drawing, cooking together or even a sleepover could work. These are things that you could spend quality time with those that you love to be around and you can be content in what you are doing.
You might be thinking though, how can us college students participate in this lifestyle? It is a very limited space, we do not have a kitchen area and there are so many distractions like our phones. Some things we could do is to spend time with friends by having a sleepover, having a movie night or even just being near each other and talking.
Sophomore Merena Russeau is very passionate about this act. She said, “I would say the way that I dress. I definitely go for comfort over style. I also try to prioritize spending 30 or so minutes a day reading without looking at my phone as a way to decompress from the day,” she said.
Russeau makes sure to spend time in her own space but also with friends.
While being with your friends can be fun and beneficial, sometimes you need time to yourself to be content with how you are doing. Things you could do for yourself is reading a good book, cook yourself your favorite snack or even just rocking in a swing around campus.
Times can be tough with classes and assignments being put on us, but it is still important to focus on your wellbeing. Whether you do this alone or with people you are close to, make sure to take this time to be relaxed, comforted and just at peace with life. If you do not feel like you just got a bear hug from your favorite person, then think of a way to make yourself feel that again.
