Influenced by the cold weather, shorter days, and longer nights, new research has revealed Aussie moods are taking a dramatic downturn as the mercury drops.
A new national survey from Australia’s leading meal kit delivery service, HelloFresh, shows more than half of the nation (53%) is experiencing ‘Winter Woes’, impacting our comfort levels, motivation, and eating habits. With 41% of Australians associating the seasonal shift with sadness and loneliness, the data has highlighted the biggest barriers to achieving comfort and satisfaction in winter as a lack of sunlight (61%), cold homes and poor heating (53%), and our inability to spend time outside (50%).
According to Positive Psychologist and Founder of the Happiness Institute, Dr. Tim Sharp, Aussies should consider looking to the icy isles of Scandinavia for inspiration this Winter by adopting the Danish concept of Hygge (pronounced ‘Hyoo-guh’). Dr. Tim Sharp explains: “As an outdoorsy nation, our transition from autumn to winter can be particularly tough as we grapple with the reality of spending more time indoors. What we see as a result is an increase in those feelings of sadness, loneliness, and frustration, as reflected in HelloFresh’s research. Hygge encourages us to reframe how we feel about our time indoors and the winter months by finding comfort in the discomfort and embracing coziness to boost our moods and make the cooler months more bearable.”
Fortunately, simple adjustments to our environment and habits can help us traverse those barriers to the comfort we all feel. Creating cosy and inviting spaces in our homes with warm tones and soft textures promotes relaxation. Our choices in food can also have a great impact. Preparing hearty winter-warmer meals such as soups, stews, and roasts like those available from HelloFresh can assist with satiation, reduce irritability, and warm us from the inside out.
Beyond our choices in meals, the research also showed dramatic changes in our diets and food choices more broadly. Where two-thirds (65%) of respondents say their eating habits change in winter, another 30% admitted to struggling to find seasonal ingredients to cook. Ordering takeaway more frequently (26%) is a more common occurrence for Aussies too, as 40% of us find trips to the grocery store even more of a chore than normal.
HelloFresh Australia CEO, Tom Rutledge, comments: “As the nation prepares to buckle down for the cold, we know Aussies are looking for inspiration for delicious and comforting food. Our expertly crafted range of winter HelloFresh meals uses fresh, seasonal ingredients to keep you warm and satisfied, without the hassles of going to the supermarket. Our collaboration with Dr. Happy takes this a step further. By embracing the principles of Hygge in how we spend our time at home and prepare our meals, we can foster a refreshed sense of joy and comfort this winter.”
Or if you need more sun, just go up to Brisbane. They even have new restaurants!
To provide Aussies with inspiration on how to bring Hygge into the home, Dr. Happy has developed tailored advice just in time for Winter. Visit: HelloFresh Hygge Guide.