During the month of December, Loyola Libraries staff make lists and check them twice. What are these lists about? Anything! You can look at past years’ lists here and stay tuned for more lists!
As I write this list, we’re experiencing our first snow of the fall here in Chicago. Here are some of my favorite ways to create hygge, the famous Danish idea(l) of coziness and contentment.* Try one of these tips at a time, or layer two or three together to feel extra comfy!
Mindful breathing is always a great way to start. Find a quiet place where you can close your eyes for a few minutes and pay close attention to what your breath feels like on your nose as you breathe naturally. As thoughts come up, just let them go – this is your time.
Snuggle with a pet – If you don’t have a pet, you can always visit Ashlar, Loyola’s Therapy Dog, during his office hours in the IC. If you prefer a cat, check out https://purrli.com/ to hear the comforting purrs of a cat (with adjustable mood and meow frequency) in your headphones.
Enjoy a fireplace – There may not be a fireplace where you live, but you can add some cozy ambience to your room by playing one of the many fireplace videos on YouTube. You’ll soon feel snug as a bug in a rug listening to the crackle and watching the orange light.
Get creative – Fiber arts like knitting, crochet, cross stitch, and weaving are fun, but also comforting as you do something that occupies your fingers and gives you something to concentrate on. Crochet is probably the simplest to start with since you only need a hook and some yarn; there are lots of instructional videos on YouTube.
Writing – Perhaps not everyone’s idea of fun, especially during exam time, but writing is a great way to get any worries off your chest. It doesn’t need to be “good” or to even make sense. Just write down anything that’s occupying your brain. If you like what you write, put it in a drawer for later. Make it a regular habit and treat yourself to a dedicated notebook for your pleasure writing. I enjoy writing with different colors of ink depending on my mood.
Hot beverages – Whether it’s a cup of tea, hot cocoa, or your favorite bespoke coffee creation from a local roastery, be sure to take the time to savor the warmth, the taste, and whatever pleasant thoughts come up.
Comfy socks and other clothes – Your body deserves a break from restrictive clothing now and then! Change up your study habit by putting on your favorite socks or fuzzy hoodie for an afternoon.
Put on a favorite movie or TV show – You can always see if the library has your film of choice by searching the catalog. Or you can go directly to one of the streaming services like Kanopy or Swank to see what’s on offer. Check out the film studies LibGuide for links: https://libguides.luc.edu/video
Put on some comforting music – get hyperlocal with LUC’s own radio station, WLUW. https://wluw.org/
Light a candle – Although open flames aren’t allowed in campus buildings, you could turn on a small LED tealight or light a candle online for free at https://grateful.org/light-a-candle/
Read or listen to a book for fun – In addition to “serious” academic books, we have collections of Popular Literature at Cudahy and Lewis libraries. Snuggling up with a fun book is a great way to bring more hygge into your life. Check out the Libby app as well, for audiobooks and e-books. It’s great for reading and listening at home over winter break, too.
For even more tips, check out The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking, available at Loyola Libraries.
*Credo Reference defines hygge as “a Danish word used to describe the quality of comfort, conviviality and coziness, with a feeling of contentment or well-being, and a concept widely marketed as an aspirational lifestyle choice. It is regarded as being a psychological state and a significant part of Danish cultural identity.”
When Lewis Library Access and Operations Manager Ted Jackson isn’t traveling the world visiting libraries, he can be found at home knitting sweaters, reading books, drinking coffee, and bothering his cat, Dieter.
