It’s a truth, universally acknowledged, that this time of year in Edinburgh often feels miserable and relentless. With the festive joy of Christmas far behind us, and the guarantee of endless rain, freezing temperatures, and looming deadlines, February is a difficult month to endure, let alone enjoy. However, rather than postponing our happiness until spring has sprung, it’s worth embracing the joy in the present moment, no matter how bleak it looks outside.
The Danish concept of “Hygge” (feeling cosy, comfortable and content) is a fitting approach to mitigate those winter blues. Start by creating a cosy environment at home. Treat your bedroom as a sanctuary – simply making your bed in the morning is a really easy way to help your space look more organised and less overwhelming. Warm-toned lighting is also a must; you can easily create an inviting, comforting atmosphere with salt lamps, scented candles, and even LEDs. Adding flowers and houseplants also helps your space feel alive and refreshed.
Being gentle to yourself is hugely important, yet often overlooked in a world of brutal “75 hard” challenges and guilt-inducing New Year’s resolutions. Don’t feel guilty for doing things that genuinely make you feel happy. Sometimes, taking a few hours to sit and watch a film with your flatmates instead of subjecting yourself to an all-night library cramming session can cure a frazzled brain. Even when social media urges the importance of “protecting your peace” and “focusing on yourself”, don’t underestimate the importance of socialising with the people that make you feel the most seen. It’s the perfect time to consider any reading week antics – whether it’s visiting friends at different universities, or exploring somewhere new, having something exciting to look forward to is a true game-changer.
It is also essential to look after yourself physically. At this time of year, all sorts of nasty illnesses are making the rounds – there’s nothing worse than having to drag yourself out of bed for a 9am lecture with a pounding head and runny nose. Make sure to fuel your body properly; you can romanticise this by trying a new flavour of herbal tea – sip it by the window while watching the rain fall outside. Alternatively, experiment with a new, hearty soup recipe and host a dinner party, complete with a jazzy playlist. Pairing that with the aforementioned warm lighting would create a night to remember.
Practising gratitude is central to cultivating a positive attitude when things feel bleak. I keep a list in my notes app where I jot down every “good” thing that happens to me – big or small. On a rough day, looking through a huge list of things that have made you happy can tremendously boost your mood. Express feelings of gratitude to others – it’s easy to slip into a cycle of complaining and constantly expressing thoughts of negativity can be draining. Combat this by letting a friend know that you are grateful for them, or something that they’ve done – it’s a simple, yet effective way of maintaining an uplifting environment.
Image provided by Katie Bean.