When winter is upon us, it brings colder temperatures, shorter days, less sunshine, and unpredictable weather, leading to more time spent indoors and changes in one’s mood and emotional well-being. After the excitement of the holidays and flurry of events as the previous year came to a close, the colder months at the start of the new year can feel challenging. Due to this, it is of no surprise that both children and adults may experience increased irritability, stress, and anxiety during this time of year.
For adults, there is a lot of talk surrounding “New Year, New Me,” promoting elements of changing one’s life through discipline, motivation, getting active, and more. However, this doesn’t align with the truth of what may be happening internally—for both adults and children. For a parent to be successful in helping their children, they must first acknowledge that children are not immune to these seasonal changes, and they may struggle to express how they feel, making things suddenly feel harder. By first recognizing this fact, a parent may begin to support their child.
So what can you do to shift from the “New Year, New Me” mindset to one focused on meeting yourself and your child where you’re at? That’s where elements of Hygge, a Danish concept of reset and rest, come into play.
Hygge essentially refers to the act of creating a sense of comfort and savoring simple pleasures, allowing for the enjoyment of meaningful time and being present. This can help foster connection, happiness, and a reduction in stress. By implementing Hygge in your approach to dealing with the negativities that the winter months can bring, families can begin to navigate struggles with confidence, balance, and resilience.
What are the best ways to showcase Hygge in daily life?
You may start by maintaining a daily routine, encouraging:
Regular physical movement — outdoor walks when weather permits or fun indoor activities can help boost your child’s energy and mood.
Prioritize nutritious meals — ensuring balanced meals can help your child feel their best. It is absolutely true that foods such as fish, leafy greens, berries, and nuts are great for boosting brain health.
Consistent sleep schedule — setting a bedtime is incredibly important to ensure your child gets consistent sleep, aiding in their development. Toddlers need 11-14 hours of sleep, pre-schoolers need 10-13 hours, school-aged children need 9-12 hours, and teens need 8-10 hours.
Meaningful social connection — create situations for human connection, either through family time, such as game nights, or playdates with friends.
Create calm, cozy spaces at home — having a spot in your home where your child can retreat to feel elements of comfort and peace can be important for year-round struggles, but is especially important over the next few months. This can simply be their bedroom, or a special nook in the house.
Offer creative outlets — drawing, journaling, music, or art can give children healthy ways to express and process their feelings.
Together, Hygge and these strategies create a balanced approach that supports both structure and emotional resilience during the winter months. The balance of the two allows for children to manage seasonal stress more effectively, build coping skills, and find moments of joy and comfort even during the darker, colder months. It’s about creating a supportive rhythm that nurtures both the body and mind while making everyday winter days feel calmer, connected, and fulfilling.
How can Brain Balance assist with these struggles in the New Year?
Brain Balance of Greater Baltimore is unique because we naturally create a warm, supportive, and balanced environment for children. Our team has such diverse backgrounds that when it comes to such elements as Hygee, we embrace them fully, allowing for a nurturing setting that supports every child’s growth and development.
Especially when it comes to our owner, Beth Snow, who has an extensive background in both education and yoga. This allows her to guide children in ways that are mindful, patient, and tuned to each child’s individual pace and needs. By combining structured learning with calm, intentional practices, Beth helps children feel grounded and supported as they build focus, confidence, and emotional regulation.
In truth, Brain Balance of Greater Baltimore goes beyond traditional programs by integrating science-based strategies with thoughtful, holistic approaches—helping children thrive not only academically, but socially, emotionally, and physically as well.
Interested in receiving assistance? Book an assessment with us, and we’ll be happy to discuss your family’s concerns and needs.
