Are you a winter lover? If you are living on the East Coast, winter especially can feel dark and long. So how can we feel happy through the cold dark months? One word, hygge.
Today I am scratching the surface of the principles of the Danish ‘hygge’, but it might just be enough to get you to embrace hygge.
The Danish are statistically among the happiness people around so it’s no wonder there is an interest in how they live.
So, What is Hygge?
If this is your first time hearing of the term hygge you are in for a real treat. Hygge pronounced, ‘hoo- gah’ originates from the Norwegian word meaning “well- being”.
Hygge is about experiences and atmosphere and less about things. Hygge is everything from the familiar smells of baked apple pie to the lighting of a room, preferable candles. It’s finding safety from a storm in the cozy protection of a warm home with a crackling fire and cozy socks. A tight hug from a friend or hot cup of tea by yourself.
Hygee is about giving our over-achieving adult selves time to relax. Being present enough to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
The Hygge Manifesto:
- Atmosphere – dim light create a cozy atmosphere
- Presence- unplug from social media and disconnect with the outside world to be here now
- Pleasure- find pleasure in a home cooked meal or sweet
- Equality- share tasks like cooking, kindling a fire and conversation
- Gratitude- appreciate the simple pleasures
- Harmony- pleasing conversation, light hearted and easy
- Comfort- relax and breathe
- Truce- Leave the problems of the world for another day
- Togetherness- embrace being together, story tell
- Shelter- your home, room or space is your place of peace and security
Why Create Hygge?
Denmark ranks consistently among the happiest nations in the world. So needless to say we had to lean in on their secrets to see what makes them consistently so happy year after year. While it might be attributed to factors like generosity, freedom, GDP, governance and life expectancy, it seems as though the actual hygge might just be what takes them to the top.
Our most elemental needs are for food, water, sleep and security. Just beyond that is our social need of love and belonging for fulfillment, self-esteem and self-actualization. Since hygge prioritizes spending time with family and friends developing quality relationships over time, the end result is a happier you.
How to Hygge..
Now that you have a taste, let’s talk about ways to hygge. Hygge mostly happens in the home in wintertime but can be experienced outdoors, in summer or in the office.
How to Hygge your Home?
- Soft Fabrics- soft cotton throws, plush pillows and bedside rugs make the space cozier
- Simply- eliminate anything that is causing stress or clutter. It makes daily tasks easier when there is a clear space to work in and only the necessary are kept
- Lamps and Lights – soft light bulbs and candles (Danes would say unscented) in your space
- Make Cocoa- Hygge has been described as “cocoa by candlelight” a sweet treat like hot cocoa, pastries, cake or a traditional danish recipe called glogg is woven into hygge moments to make the experience that much sweeter.
- Socialization in the States tends to take place outside the home at restaurants, venues, bars or coffee shops. Switch it up and host a small gathering of close friends. Cook a meal together, sharing responsibility for preparing a meal.
How to Hygge Outdoors?
- A cozy summer cabin with a bonfire under the stars with hot cocoa or whiskey if you prefer. The atmosphere is quintessential hygge.
- Keep it relaxed- Find a calm space outdoors next to a lake, pond or in view of the mountains. Find a wood picnic table to share food, drinks and conversation. Leave the phones behind, be present.
How to Hygge your Office?
- Make your desk space your own. Photos, crystals, a diffuser, a fun painting, indoor plant and bring in a nice mug to drink hot tea.
- Bond with colleagues- organize a small lunch group weekly, a 15 minute stretch session or just asking a friend how their day is going.
- Find happiness at work- this may mean adopting a positive outlook, keeping a written reminder to relax or maybe a photograph that makes you smile.
Hygge Tips:
- Savoring the present moment is a priority and commitment. Allowing yourself to enjoy good food and good company.
- The best indicator of happiness lies within our social relationships. Finding a healthy work-life balance that allows our social relationships to flourish.
- Hygge happens mainly in home, associated with the colder months or christmas but hygge can be experienced in the closeness outdoors in cabins, boats or the shore far from electronic devices and distractions. Or the company of friends and family or by yourself despite the season.
Hygge opens your eyes to the beauty in the small pieces of life we often take for granted. Hygge makes the cold winter landscape more pleasurable. Do you already embrace hygge? Or is this a atmosphere you are going to become more conscious about creating?
Share with me your thoughts in the comments below.
Reference: Wiking M. The Little Book of Hygge. Danish Secrets to Happy Living.
Leave a Reply