Hygge, pronounced hoo-gah, has been dominating the headlines of late.
Although there is no literal translation, hygge means cosiness: think blankets, candles and woolly jumpers.
While people all over the country are scrambling to Scandi-inspired interiors and fashion in a bid to add a little hygge into their lives, it is in fact Scotland’s wildlife that is championing this trend.
Photo credit: Michelle Gilders / Alamy Stock Photo
Although they don’t hibernate, bats do have periods of torpor during the winter in order to save energy in the winter.
Gerry O’Brien, Forest Ranger at Forest Holidays said: “During these phases bats will lower their body temperature, slow their breathing and lower their metabolic rate."
Read more: Hygge and the pursuit of happiness: how a Danish concept could banish the winter blues
On warmer nights bats will top up their food reserves, and when the weather remains cold, go back to remaining torpid. Remaining cosy indoors with loved ones during the long, cold nights is very hygge – the perfect excuse to invite your friends over, light some candles and play board games.
Photo credit: Richardom / Alamy Stock Photo
Many Danes say that hygge is not meant to be translated, but is meant to be felt.
Mindfulness therefore plays a pivotal role in embracing this lifestyle, particularly during the winter months when the days are short and the nights are dark. Each autumn wood mice will store seeds and nuts in their underground nests for the winter. Omega-3 fatty acids have been praised for a wealth of health benefits and have been suggested to positively impact one’s mood. Learn from these cute critters and carry seeds around with you to beat the winter blues.
Photo credit: Juniors Bildarchiv GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo
As we learn more about the Danish way of life, it’s hardly surprising that Danes are amongst the happiest people in the world.
Read more: Hygge and the pursuit of happiness: how a Danish concept could banish the winter blues
But perhaps this is because Danes don’t believe in denying themselves anything and there’s not much yo-yo dieting in Denmark. Instead, hygge is about indulging in the good things in life. Why not learn from these adorable hedgehogs who build up their fat stores in order to survive the winter.
Photo credit: Skip Higgins of Raskal Photography / Alamy Stock Photo
“Squirrels are homeotherms which means that unlike some mammals, their body temperature remains fairly constant throughout the year”, says Gerry O’Brien, Forest Ranger at Forest Holidays.
Read more: Hygge and the pursuit of happiness: how a Danish concept could banish the winter blues
Although they don’t hibernate, squirrels spend less time outside foraging in the winter and more time in their den sharing with several squirrels.
Spending time with friends and family is at the heart of hygge.
Photo credit: Naturfoto-Online / Alamy Stock Photo
Hygge is about feeling calm so your home décor plays a big part in this and natural materials like wood are extremely important to achieving the feeling of cosiness.
Read more: Hygge and the pursuit of happiness: how a Danish concept could banish the winter blues
“In the winter, badgers will clean out the sett and fill their nesting chamber with fresh bedding, even filling the entrance of their tunnels with twigs and leaves to cut down on draughts”, said Gerry O’Brien.
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