If you’re lucky to live in a part of the world where you can experience all 4 seasons, the chances of choosing winter as a favourite season might be low. Apart from the obvious winter characteristics of cold weather, heavy snow and shorter daylight, some less obvious characteristics of winter might include a desire to slow down and withdraw from the clamor of the outside world.
Hygge in the Winter
A state of mind that is closely related to this desire is something the Danish culture refers to as “hygge”. While the translation of this word is sometimes difficult to capture, Brown University Health has described it as a sense of well-being and contentment that comes with “embracing the season…and finding comfort in coziness”. As such, it encourages people to take advantage of this time of year and to capitalize on what it has to offer.
Harnessing the Winter Season with Ontario Virtual School
A great way to embrace the season of slowing down and staying home is by taking a virtual online high school course with Ontario Virtual School. As an accredited online school in Ontario, students are able to choose from a variety of online courses that will count towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Whether it’s taking a Gr. 11 or 12 upgrade course such as Gr. 12 English ENG4U or taking a compulsory course for graduation such as Gr. 9 French (FSF1D), the ability to complete these courses from the comfort of your home is priceless.
How to Hygge with Online Learning
Although the concept of hygge is of Danish origin, there is no doubt that this state of mind resonates with Canadians as well. With OVS being a Canadian school with its head office in Toronto, Ontario, we know full well how to embrace the season of winter and can offer students ideas on how to find their hygge in online learning:
- Create a Cozy Learning Space
- Soft lighting (lamps, fairy lights, warm bulbs)
- A blanket or hoodie for warmth and comfort
- A comfortable chair or cushion
- Pair Learning with Comfort Rituals
- A warm drink (tea, hot chocolate, soup)
- A favourite mug reserved just for study time
- Light instrumental music or ambient sounds (rain, fireplace, soft piano)
- Take it Slow and Embrace Self-Paced Learning
- Pause lesson videos when needed
- Rewatch explanations without pressure
- Work in shorter sessions with breaks
- Dress for Comfort and Focus
- Cozy socks or slippers
- Comfortable hoodie
- Favourite pyjamas for ultra comfort
- Embrace the Stillness
- Silence notifications during study time
- Use headphones to block out distractions
- Study in a calm, low-traffic area of your home
- Enjoy the Moment
- Jot down questions with a favourite pen while watching lessons
- Keep a small notebook or digital journal, using favourite colours
- Celebrate progress, such as finishing a unit
- Make Connections
- Reach out to teachers with questions
- Connect with a Guidance Counsellor for planning
- Remember that mental health matters
Take Advantage of the Winter Season
As one of the best online virtual schools, OVS has courses for all students. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn from the comforts of your own home and create your own hygge. Register today!
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Frequently Asked Questions Why is winter a good time for online learning? Winter naturally encourages slower routines and fewer distractions, making it an ideal time for focused, intentional learning from home. What is hygge, and how does it support learning? Hygge is about comfort and well-being. Creating a cozy learning space can help students feel calm, focused, and more engaged with their coursework. Can students learn at their own pace with OVS? Yes. Ontario Virtual School offers self-paced courses, allowing students to pause lessons, revisit content, and focus on understanding rather than rushing. Will students still receive teacher support? Absolutely. Students have access to OCT-certified teachers and can reach out for support throughout their course. Who is OVS a good fit for? OVS is ideal for students seeking flexibility, comfort, and balance, whether upgrading a course, managing a busy schedule, or preferring to learn from home. How do I register? Click here! |
Sources:
Definition of hygge. (n.d.). https://www.dictionary.com/browse/hygge
Embrace hygge and learn to love winter | Brown University Health. (n.d.). Brown University Health. https://www.brownhealth.org/be-well/embrace-hygge-and-learn-love-winter
Written by Natalie Tayler(OVS Teacher)