Sylvie Ouellette is a doctoral candidate in Chemistry/Biochemistry. She received her Bachelor’s in Journalism from Concordia in 1995. In 2017, Sylvie obtained a BSc (Honors) in Cell and Molecular Biology and then joined the Pawelek lab. Sylvie investigates how bacteria scavenge essential iron from their surroundings. Her findings could pave the way for new classes of drugs to contribute to the fight against antibiotic resistance.
We are living in strange, unprecedented times. As I write these words, we are smack in the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to avoid a full, official lockdown, we have been advised to cancel all nonessential activities on our calendar and stay home. For most of us – including the social animal that I am – this sounds like we are being sent to our rooms as a punishment for something we didn’t even do. And it may seem twice as dire as we head into the Fall season. But it doesn’t have to be.
As in many parts of the world, the few months between summer and winter are a dreary but necessary transition. Halfway between swimming and skiing, with short and often foggy days, we are at a loss for things to do, especially now that bars, restaurants, cinemas and museums are closed. Once the beauty of the foliage has scattered on the ground and is turning to mush, even long peaceful walks through the woods start to lose their magic. The lack of sunlight helps complete the gloomy picture. We have no control over what Mother Nature sends our way. We are not the masters of the weather conditions out of doors. But we sure are masters of the conditions and atmosphere of our interiors.
Enter hygge
(pronounced hoo-gah – don’t let the title of this post fool you).
Denmark is known as the happiest countries in the world. Yet due to its geographic location, its inhabitants have to put up with a winter that looks more like an endless fall: never cold enough to snow, never warm enough for outdoor fun, fogs that settle and won’t lift for days. And if the Danes are lucky enough to see the light of the sun, well, it might set as early as 3 o’clock in the afternoon. So how do they manage? It all comes down to one word: hygge.
A word that does not seem to have equivalents in languages outside of Scandinavia (although cocooning could be a close synonym), hygge refers to an all-encompassing feeling of well-being that comes from pleasant surroundings, comfortable digs, and good company. The best definition could be ‘’An appreciation of the moment you are in while you are in it’’.
If you want to find out more, join the few millions who have already read Meik Wiking’s Little Book of Hygge. WARNING: Reading about hygge might trigger an irresistible urge to go shopping at IKEA. Please refrain from doing that. Not only is it against the current governmental recommendations, and chances are you already own everything you need at this point. If not, a quick trip to your local Dollarama will do just fine.
But then again, you might already know how…
Setting up your hygge life is incredibly easy and requires only a few items, including but not limited to: a vast supply of candles or fairy lights; a comfy chair or cushions; a warm sweater and/or blanket; a favourite pair of woolly socks; a hot drink of your choice. The presence of a loved one or affectionate pet is also recommended, although folks who live alone can escape into an interesting book to break the solitude (you’re always in good company if you have a book!). The fireplace is optional, although Netflix offers a nice selection of Fireplace at Your Home videos, with or without ambient music.
Make the most of it
So rather than pining for the ‘’loss’’ of any type of social life, why not focus on creating a new ritual for yourself? Make it a habit of changing into your favourite sweatpants at an appointed time. Although hygge can be enjoyed any time of day, setting up at dusk might fit better in your lifestyle - bonus points if you’re coming in after a brisk walk sporting rosy cheeks and nose! Turn off most if not all artificial lighting and use candles instead (according to the Danes, anywhere from two to a dozen candles is entirely acceptable). Snuggle up and settle down as you please and relax. Gingerbread or pumpkin spice muffins, or any other sweet indulgence, can also help enhance the experience. And then what do you do? Turn off your phone. Wind down. Read. Knit. Write in your diary. Or write a letter (yes, by hand!). Or just do nothing. Bask in the mood. Savour this perfect moment as you are living it.
Pamper yourself. Pamper your self. You need it now more than ever.
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