Erin Evans, M.Ed., LPCA, NCC 

While many celebrate the “fall back” time change for its gift of an extra hour to sleep, the November time change brings a note of sadness for me. In general, I strongly prefer the warm and sunshine; I celebrate in the spring as the days grow longer and warmer, and I grimace in the fall as the days shorten and get colder. Growing up on the western edge of the Eastern Time Zone, I had grudgingly accepted it getting dark at about 5:30pm at the earliest after the time change. Now living on the eastern edge of the Central Time Zone, I know the sun will eventually disappear by 4:30pm. When I first moved here, I had a very hard time accepting that and cursed the time change all winter. I still don’t enjoy it, but it has grown easier over the years. One of the tricks that has helped the most was being introduced the Danish hygge (hoo-gah). 

Hygge roughly translates to “coziness,” and it includes concepts like happiness, contentment, security, simpleness, and wellbeing. As a cultural practice or philosophy, it involves actions like creating comfortable spaces, engaging in anchoring routines, and cherishing time with loved ones. From my understanding, it generally entails slowing down, getting fully present, and allowing oneself to appreciate the simple enjoyments available in the moment. 

Important to note, hygge need not require expensive items to practice as marketing agents may have one believe. It really is about the simple pleasures. One may take the time to fully enjoy their morning cup of homemade coffee—appreciating the mug collected on a favorite trip, feeling of the warmth of the cup against one’s hands, and savoring the smell and flavor of the preferred brew. Or one may snuggle up in a quilt or afghan crafted by a loved one with a favorite movie, attempt a new comfort food recipe with a friend, pick a car air freshener with a soothing scent, spend a few extra moments playing with a pet, bundling up to take a walk and smelling freshly fallen snow, etc. 

For me, this practice is a great alternative to feeling grouchy about the cold and dark. Instead of complaining that I don’t want to go anywhere after 4:30pm, I challenge myself to slow down in a way I might not at other points in the year and look for ways to create that sense of coziness. Altogether, I end up creating my own moments of light and warmth that prove deeply restorative. For those that struggle with seasonal depression or who dislike the winter like me, I would invite you to try hygge and see what difference it can make for you. 

To learn more about If you would like additional assistance coping with seasonal depression, please contact us as (270) 943-7817 or [email protected] to schedule a counseling appointment. You can also learn more about our services by clicking here: https://www.amandapatrickmft.com/services