Hygge is a Danish concept that came to the attention of North Americans a few years ago. In 2016, the word hygge was shortlisted as Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year. The term is defined as “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being”.

Though there are some differences of opinion, the most common pronunciation I’ve seen is “hoo-guh”.

However, you want to say it, bringing a little hygge into your life this season may be just what you need.

Since gaining popularity, hygge has been commercialized. You can find a vast array of items at all price points to purchase that promise to bring more hygge into your life.

For me, hygge is about a feeling. It is noticing and enjoying the simple pleasures. I have found often these come at little or no cost.

Every year as autumn turns to winter, I go onto the Palliser Library website, put hygge in the search and place a hold on every book that comes up. I am not exaggerating — every book.

Then, over the following weeks, those books arrive for pickup at my branch. Once home with them, I spend some time snuggled on the couch with them and a hot chocolate, browsing for inspiration.

Currently our library system offers 67 titles associated with the word, including The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking.

This book is a great starting point as it is a nice relaxing, easy read with beautiful photographs, and lots of ideas. It is also available from the library in large print and audio versions.

This year has been tough. Our holidays looked different from previous years. We may find it a struggle to stay cheerful.

Researchers have consistently found Danish people to be some of the happiest people in the world. Maybe we can learn something from them. Research has also shown that bringing hygge into our life can help to reduce anxiety, depression and stress, increase optimism, improve sleep, and improve relationships.

This week, my hygge will include feeding birds, trying to get some photographs of a sunrise and sunset, and snuggling with my dog while reading.

Perhaps the popularity of the hygge trend has already peaked. Yet, it seems to me the essence of hygge is something that never goes out of style.

(Denise Leduc is a registered yoga teacher and fitness instructor. Her yoga and fitness studio, Living Sky Yoga & Fitness is based out of Davidson where she teaches yoga, BarreAbove, Tabata GX and Zumba. She also takes her classes to several other small towns in the area.)

-Denise Leduc