The Times Australia
Health

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Positive Psychology Expert, Dr Happy on boosting your mood this winter with Hygge


Influenced by the cold weather, shorter days and longer nights, the winter months have been proven to affect the moods of Australians dramatically.

In fact, new research from Australia’s largest meal kit delivery service, HelloFresh, has revealed that 53% of the nation is experiencing winter woes - impacting our eating habits, comfort levels, motivation and more.

However, winter can also be used to boost our moods as seen through the Danish concept of Hygge (pronounced, hyoo-guh).

Embracing cosiness to boost our mental and physical well-being, Hygge encourages us to find comfort in the discomfort - something we all need during winter.

To help Aussies find joy as the mercury drops, HelloFresh has partnered with Australia’s ‘Dr Happy’, Dr Tim Sharp to share five simple ways Aussies can bring this touch of Scandinavia into their homes.

Atmosphere is everything

For a nation whose winters often drop to -2 degrees Celsius with only a few hours of sunlight per day, Danes are experts in creating warm, cozy environments. Fostering the perfect comforting atmosphere is key to bringing Hygge into the home as our sensory experience directly correlates to our moods.

Consider introducing warmed-tone lights, candles and soft textures to evoke feelings of warmth and relaxation. Small additions like blankets, throws and pillows are also easy additions to help cultivate a comforting environment.

On the other hand, cold, dark environments, will promote loneliness and fatigue - feelings we want to avoid.

Temperature is also key. Extreme cold can make us feel sluggish and unmotivated. This is reflected in HelloFresh’s research, revealing that cold homes and poor heating are one of the biggest barriers to comfort in Australian households.

Warm up with heaters or better yet, a fireplace for the ultimate Hygge experience. Visit https://www.hellofresh.com.au/recipes/winter-recipes

The mind-gut connection

Our choices in food can both positively, and negatively impact our moods. Not only can a satiating meal increase our calmness and reduce irritability, but it can also impact our quality of sleep and our energy levels during the day. Meanwhile, an un-satiating meal will have the opposite effect.

Foods also have an amazing ability to warm us from the inside out - something we need more of in colder temperatures.

Hearty, winter-warmer meals rich in seasonal flavours like homestyle lasagnas or mushroom risottos like those available from HelloFresh are great options to bring Hygge-like comfort and joy to your stomach and tables.

Embrace quality time

As we spend more time indoors during winter, our socialisation levels are also impacted. Without quality time with our friends and family, we can develop feelings of isolation and loneliness. In fact, Aussies are more likely to associate winter with sadness and loneliness than any other emotion - an extremely upsetting fact.

To navigate this, we need to make a conscious effort to surround ourselves with loved ones by creating space for get-togethers within our homes.

Whether it’s curling up on the couch together over a cup of tea and a movie, or even a board game night with mates, this interpersonal connection is at the heart of Hygge and is essential to achieving the feeling of contentment..

Interpersonal time also promotes the creation of feel-good chemicals like dopamine, while preventing stress hormones such as cortisol.

Elevate your dining experience

For families, couples and even roommates, there’s a daily occurrence we can all tap into to elevate our feelings of comfort and connection, and that’s dinner time.

While Hygge doesn’t call for fine dining, it’s about simple pleasures and connection over good food.

Through tactics like styling your dining room with tablecloths, seasonal flowers and mood lighting, we can make dinner a nightly event for us to regroup and reconnect over a delicious meal.

The dinner table should be treated as the hub of the home and a central place for us to gather and enjoy each other’s company.

Bring nature indoors

Thanks to our beautiful beaches, tropical rainforests and vast bushland, Australia has built a reputation as an outdoorsy nation that loves to spend time in nature. But during winter when our time outdoors is restricted, our moods can be adversely affected.

To combat this, we need to reframe how we feel about our time indoors.

A simple way to achieve this is by bringing nature into the home. By adding flowers and greenery into your space, we can promote a sense of calmness and tranquillity, while satisfying the time in nature that we crave.

As an added benefit, plants also naturally purify the air for a healthier and happier environment.

The Times Features

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Uncover the Elegance of Gorgeous Diamond Tennis Necklaces

Key Highlights Diamond tennis necklaces are a timeless piece of jewelry that exudes elegance and sophistication. They feature a continuous line of brilliant-cut diamonds, cre...

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Better for You?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, two of the most common options are dental implants and dentures. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so choosing between them ...

What Neck Pain Really Means (And Why It’s More Than Just Poor Posture)

Neck pain is often brushed off as something temporary — a tight spot after a long day at the desk or a poor night’s sleep. But when the discomfort keeps returning, it could be a ...

The Work of Gosha Rubchinskiy: Fashion, Culture, and Youth

From Designer to Cultural Architect Gosha Rubchinskiy is not just a fashion designer—he's a cultural force. Born in Moscow in 1984, Rubchinskiy began his career in fashion in t...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping