In recognition of World Mental Health Day on October 10th, it's worth pausing to reflect on the small, meaningful ways we care for our minds and hearts. While conversations around mental health often center on therapy, coping strategies, and clinical support, there's also power in the quiet rituals that help us feel safe, grounded, and connected. One such practice is hygge (pronounced “hyoo-guh”)—a Danish concept that doesn’t translate neatly into English, but once felt, becomes unmistakable. It’s the flicker of candlelight, the warmth of a drink in hand, the quiet intimacy of a post-dinner conversation. Hygge embodies comfort, safety, and presence—and it offers a gentle, soul-nourishing complement to mental wellness.
Though not a formal therapeutic practice, hygge can be deeply healing. It’s not a structured self-care strategy, yet it invites a certain type of kindness toward oneself. It encourages a shift—not toward productivity or self-improvement—but toward softening. It helps people savor the quiet magic of being alive and connected. It draws attention to the sound of laughter, the way sunlight dances on water, or the feel of a favorite hoodie fresh from the dryer.
In a world that often feels rushed, frayed, and performance-driven, hygge offers a gentle act of rebellion. It nudges people out of overthinking and into presence. It reminds them to put down the phone, take a deep breath, and truly engage—not just physically, but with full presence and heart.
And the beauty of hygge? It doesn’t require a cabin in the woods or a Pinterest-worthy setup. It lives in:
- A cup of tea and five uninterrupted minutes to enjoy it.
- A campfire shared with loved ones.
- The comfort of a favorite hoodie, warm from the dryer.
- A slow, screen-free dinner.
- That tender moment of stillness when everyone’s tucked in and the day is done.
Hygge reminds us that warmth, safety, and stillness are not luxuries—they’re birthrights. We are allowed to simply be.
So for anyone whose mind is busy, whose days are full, and who feels as though they’ve been holding their breath—try hygge. Settle. Simplify. Let the moment matter.
Jeremy Biffert, MEd, RCC
Walsmley EFAP