How to Hygge

There’s a new “trend” hitting our pinterest and instagrams.  I’m sure you’ve see it too. If not, Hygge is a collection of Danish practices that encompasses their country.  Why am I telling you about it?

It’s freaking awesome.

Honestly, Hygge is a dream come true and for me as I want to experience more of it.  Especially in the winter months when I’m freezing, the grey sky is dreary, and the roads keep me fearful of leaving the house.

Get Hygge with It

It’s basically what we call coziness.  Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world and they have some of the worst winters.  How can that be?  Well, they own it. Hygge is from a Norwegian word meaning “well-being”.

Hygge has grown in the US over the last couple of years.  I couldn’t help but notice it on pinterest when I saw warm blankets, candles, thick socks, and coffee in a picture.  It conjured up a feeling of comfort and truly, that’s what it’s about.

Danes literally make up words with hygge in it.  They use it as a noun and an adjective.  It’s all part of their culture.

Things that are Hygee-like.

Are fluffy socks, and warm beverages hygee? Yes. Hygee is the pair of pants that you wear at home with holes but you feel like you’ve worn them in.  The ones you hide before people come over.  Or is that just me?

Candles

Burn baby burn.  They burn some of the most amount of wax out of every other country.  They literally love candles. Turn off the lamps and use natural fire to light your night. Including fireplaces.

Don’t Stay Late after Work.

Danes love being at home with their families. It gets dark around four and they want to be home.  This is not our natural inclination here in America.  We think that staying late affords us some “best employee” stamp and we wear ourselves down.  Imagine taking more time for yourself and your family. No wonder they are so happy.

Comfort Foods

Yes, eat foods that make you feel nice and toasty.  Warm beverages, porridge is a classic there, and sweets. They are very food driven, and everything is about comfort.  Everyone has that recipe they love when they need something a little more substantial. Is yours chili, or a pot pie?

Don’t Buy Expensive Things

In America, we love to decorate our house a certain “theme”.  That’s really not the point.  The point of hygge is to create a comfortable place that you find peaceful and loving.  When you think of somewhere as a child that felt like “home” where was it?  Snuggling under blankets and lighting candles is great, but make sure you spend quality, happy time in these places. Dane’s like to keep things simple including their house and wardrobes.

Put the Electronics Down

This is a pretty easy one.  Drinking tea and reading a book is more their style.  Staring mindlessly into your phone defeats the purpose.

Change the Mindset about Winter

I struggle in the winter as I am often go, go, go.  Practicing Hygge helps me realize that this is not always best.  I put my phone and computer away and lay in bed.  Read a book for a couple hours.  Light some candles.  Take a warm bath. Instead of fighting the winter, it’s more about adapting and finding comfort and joy in the winter.

People

People are important.  Finding enjoyment, playing games, cuddling, and just being together is the hygge way.  Laughing, dancing, and relaxing with those you love can decrease depression and help you feel better and more connected.  This is the heart of hygge.

Since it’s so cold where I live, I’m taking an active effort to enjoy the “down” time of winter.  I’m trying to encompass laying next to my loved ones and just being “okay” with snuggling and not having too much of an agenda.  It actually feels really amazing to give myself that freedom.

You deserve it too!

Hugs,

Sarah XO