My clients often tell me how hard it is to endure the winter holidays, especially when they feel sad, lonely, or isolated from those around them.
Recently, I came across an absolutely wonderful book that can help in this situation, which I recommend with pleasure: The little book of hygge – Danish secrets to happy living.
Hygge, like “longing” or “caress,” is that kind of word that is hard to translate or explain and has a special warmth precisely because it is easier to understand with the soul than with the mind; hygge is felt, not learned, hygge is lived, not discussed.
The book suggests using winter as an excuse to do all those things you’ve postponed because you didn’t have time or because you had something more important to do:
… snuggle up on the couch and read a good book,
… drink aromatic tea or coffee,
… follow favorite blogs or shows,
… try to stay among people, go to exhibitions, concerts, workshops, or conferences, learn to build relationships,
… hug at least one person every day (colleagues, friends, relatives) – if you don’t find such a person every day, find a few minutes to fondly remember such a hug,
… maybe it’s time to get yourself a cat or a dog,
… rediscover the pleasure of doing simple things,
… stay in the present here and now,
… indulge in small pleasures,
… be grateful,
… give up competition,
… live a simple life!
