What the heck is hygge?!? This is the question you may currently be asking yourself and I’m here to tell you exactly what it is and how you can embrace hygge for yourself!
So, let’s get comfy and dive in!
Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is a Danish and Norwegian word that loosely translates to coziness in English. While there is no direct translation, it can best be described as a feeling of coziness, happiness, comfort, presence, and gratitude. Essentially hygge means creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that will bring relaxation and peace to you and those around you.
Hygge is an extremely important part of Danish culture and has been since the 1800s. It is part of the reason why Denmark is consistently ranked as one of the world’s happiest countries. Danes know how to slow down, enjoy life’s simple pleasures, and cozy up, all while doing it with the ones they love.
So, how can you embrace hygge for yourself? It really is quite simple actually. Be present, relax, and get cozy! Cold, dark winter days are the perfect time to experience hygge and bring a bit more happiness and warmth into your everyday life.
Now, let me provide you with some ideas on how you can embrace hygge in your own life.
9 Simple Ways to Embrace Hygge:
1. Aromatherapy:
Let’s kick your hygge experience off with some great smells! Light your favorite candle, turn on your essential oil diffuser, or cook citrus, rosemary, and cranberries on the stove! You can also pull out your favorite lotion for a soothing scent, use a candle warmer, or place eucalyptus in your shower for a fantastic and relaxing smell. All of these options will help make your space feel cozier and more inviting. My favorite is my diffuser and it’s linked below! It’s the perfect size and design, don’t pass this one up!
2. Warm Lighting
What’s cozier than warm lighting?! Nothing! Grab your fairy lights, Christmas lights, candles, or salt rock lamp to really embrace hygge. Soft lighting is the perfect way to make any space feel cozier and more inviting. This type of mood lighting creates a pleasant and calming experience, allowing your eyes to relax and allowing you to truly embrace your space. My favorite warm lighting is my salt rock lamp. It emits a soft amber glow and you can control the brightness. Salt rocks also emit negative ions which help to purify the air. Seriously, if you don’t have a salt rock you’re missing out! Snag one here:
3. Fuzzy Blankets
If you are really trying to get cozy, especially in the winter, grab your favorite blanket and snuggle up! Fuzzy blankets are the perfect way to get warm and cozy. I’m always on the hunt for a great blanket, so if you’re like me and can’t pass them up, check this one out:
4. Sweats / Pajamas / Robe
Fuzzy blankets are great when you are ready to hunker down and snuggle into bed or on the couch, but what about when you’re still getting stuff done for the day? Comfy sweats or a robe are the answer, my friend! With so many people working from home these days, this is the perfect time to live in sweats and be cozy at all times (business on top, sweats on the bottom, right??). Check out this super comfy set here:
5. Slippers
Now, personally, slippers are my favorite! I don’t know about you, but my feet are perpetually cold and since I am working from home I basically live in my slippers. They are so warm and cozy, you can’t help but relax the minute you slide your feet in. With that being said, go grab your favorite pair and put them on. Currently, I am loving the cross-band trend. Check them out below, you won’t regret it!
6. Hot Drinks
Drinking something hot is the perfect way to feel all warm and fuzzy inside. So, stop reading this right now and go grab some coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or hot apple cider (and hey, who says it can’t be spiked for an even warmer feeling, am I right?) Drink any of these curled up in your fuzzy blanket, with your comfy sweats and your warm slippers on and you are well on your way to feeling the ultimate hygge!
7. Plants
What’s the best way to bring the outdoors in when it’s cold? Plants! Buying house plants is a great way to embrace hygge. Plants help to reduce stress, purify indoor air, and brighten up your surroundings. This will help you live your life cozier, more clearheaded, and much happier. If you’re not sure what to get I would recommend a Snake Plant. They purify the air better than most plants and absorb excessive amounts of carbon monoxide in the air. So, what’re you waiting for? Go get some houseplants!
8. Start a New Book or TV Show
Reading a new book or watching a new TV show or movie can be a great escape. This is a good way to unwind and get cozy after a long day. So, snuggle into your favorite spot, grab a book or the tv remote, and get ready to relax! If you’re looking for new books to read, check out my blog post on personal development books here. This book by Eckhart Tolle is a must read:
9. Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude
Now, the best and final way to truly embrace hygge is to practice mindfulness and gratitude every day. This will bring you to the present moment and allow you to cherish everything that life has to offer. The previous tips were how to embrace hygge with the help of material possessions, but this is how to embrace it internally. The external factors that help you feel cozy, coupled with the internal gratitude highlight why hygge is so enticing and why the Danes are so happy!
I don’t know about you, but I sure am feeling cozy now! Give some of these tips a try and let me know what you think in the comments! I promise you, the Danes know what they’re talking about – Hygge is the way to go.