The days are getting shorter. It's the time of the year when I find simple contentment in warm wool socks, candles and mugs of fragrant tea. Though I'm not from Denmark, I love embracing the Danish concept of "hygge" or "coziness" in winter.

According to Natalie Dattilo, a clinical health pscychology at Harvard Medical School, “Hygge is a mindset -- an attitude and approach to living that prioritizes togetherness, affection, slow living, gratitude and contentment."

Practicing hygge can be helpful this time of the year when  shorter daylight hours and stressful holiday events can take a toll on our physical and mental health.

Ways to practice hygge include:

• making your body feel cozy with sweaters, warm socks and scarves.
• making your home feel cozy with cozy with soft lighting, candles, blankets and pillows.
• cooking warm, fragrant soothing comfort foods like soups, tea, and baked goods
• lingering over a nice meal
• spending quality time out with good friends and family
• unplugging from technology
• enjoying books, puzzles and games 
• taking a hot bath
• keeping in a gratitude journal
  

Hygge is about embracing the small ordinary things that give you pleasure. It is about being present and spending quality time with yourself and your loved ones in an environment that feels good.

Have a cozy week!