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Ekaterina Goncharova/Getty Images(NEW YORK) The Danish concept of "hygge," or "coziness," can help fend off the seasonal blues. Spending time with loved ones and creating a cozy ambience with scents, lighting and sounds can improve mood and reduce stress during the wintertime. "Hygge is a mindset an attitude and approach to living that prioritizes togetherness, affection, slow living, gratitude and contentment," said Natalie Dattilo, a clinical health psychologist at Harvard Medical School. Hygge (pronounced "hoo-ga") is relevant year-round. It can, however, be especially helpful during this time of year, when shorter daylight hours and stressful holiday events may contribute to seasonal drops in mood. Nordic countries, like Denmark, have some of the shortest daylight hours and harshest winters but often rank highest in the annual World Happiness report. "It would be very easy to be isolated and depressed. Hygge is a coping mechanism tha