As darker winter days approach, we all feel a bit low at the thought of endless days of lack of brightness, bare trees and generally gloomy weather. If that sounds familiar, then you need to know how to Hygge from Danish culture.
Hygge (pronounced as Hoo-ga) is a Danish word that represents a whole culture of coziness and wellbeing. This may just be behind what makes Danes some of the happiest people on the planet.
Hygge or the concept of focusing on well-being and warmth comes from cultures like Sweden, Norway and Denmark that traditionally only see a few hours of day light in winter. These cultures have created ways to sustain themselves through the darkness by slowing down and focusing on internal and community well-being. Similar to the concept of seasonal adaptions, Hygge involves taking cues from nature to relish the simple things in life and taking a step back from the craziness. It is not about clean living or perfectionism, but showing gratitude for the every day, finding balance and living your life well, what ever your own version of it is.
Hygge is the name given to the atmosphere and experience of coziness, well-being, self-love and happiness. It is also sometimes also called the art of creating intimacy. The word originates from a Norwegian word that means well-being.
There are many different variations to how you practice the Danish culture of ‘Hygge’
- Atmosphere – by having the correct kind of lighting. Something soft instead of harsh or bright lights.
- Being present or mindfulness – by focusing on the task at hand and perhaps, switching off your phone!
- Pleasure – eating right for yourself!
- Think about equality – thinking about us instead of just me
- Practice gratitude – being thankful for what you have now
- Harmony – no place for competition or bragging
- Comfort – surround yourself with comfort and not just extravagance
- Give in to truce – no need for conflicts or disagreements
- Practice togetherness
- Create a sense of shelter – a feeling of safety for yourself and those around you
At the end of the day, Hygge is all about self-care combined with connection with other people and creating an environment that feels cozy and safe.
Here are some practical ways to enjoy some Danish Hygge
#1 Get the right lighting to set the mood
This one is important for Hygge. Hygge lighting is about creating a warmer light that feels cozy and comforting instead of harsh light. So decorate your home and corners with lamps and warm white bulbs. Fairy lights are also a great way to create an cozy ambience.
#2 Create a Hygge corner
A hygge corner is a space in your house that feels like the perfect little cozy nook. A place where you can curl up and just shut out the world. Use cushions, blankets, low lighting and anything else that makes it snug. This is the perfect spot to sit down and read a book, journal or even meditate any time of the day.
#3 Make an autumn/winter reading list
There is nothing quite like reading a good book to calm the nerves and help you recalibrate with yourself. Reading books curled up in that snug hygge corner you created is the perfect activity to bring a sense of wellbeing.
#4 Reach out to friends and visit with them
Social interactions are one of the key elements of higgle. Danes don’t tend to go out a lot in the colder months, so they socialize at each others houses. However it is not a fancy dinner with elaborate planning. A simple hygge diner is just a no-frills dinner which is all about simple but good food and is often cooked together with the help of guests. Imagine everyone around the kitchen, socializing and eating a casual meal.
#5 Indulge with food
Hygge encourages eating food that make you feel good. With the holidays coming soon, it is easy to worry about over-eating and focusing on dieting which is a form of deprivation. Instead make sure to eat what is right for you and just enjoy the simple pleasure of delicious food.
#6 Join the slow food movement
The slow food movement is the opposite of fast foods, 2 minute meals and insta-pots. Instead it is the concept of taking time to gently bake and cook something with love. Taking a full afternoon to gently cook or bake something is very hygge. Cooking can be a very relaxing and nourishing activity if done right. So go ahead and look up slow cooker recipes or even try making bread from scratch.
#7 Brew coffee
It is said that Danes are Europe’s biggest coffee drinkers and believe that a warm cup of coffee is good for the soul. So if that is for you, then enjoy that good cup of coffee. If coffee is not for you, opt for another warm drink like a cozy chai toddy or even mulled wine. Hot drinks are super hygge.
#8 Start new traditions with family
Another way to foster that social connection is by creating family traditions. There are so many ways to do this. Start a motivational movie night with your friends, create a monthly board game night or even a night of cooking and conversations. Just do something that will bring you and your friends or family closer together and create memories.
A hygge tradition is cooking together with others. This is the perfect time to spend time with loved ones and cook together, especially children. The focus is not perfection but to enjoy the company.
#9 Connect with nature
When we are close to nature we tend not to be so engulfed in technology and are usually in a more mindful and relaxed state. Nature has healing and calming properties that have been scientifically proven to uplift your mood. So plan some trips to local forest preserves, state parks or even a local park that can have some stark beauty at this time of year.
#10 Snuggle up with blankets and other woolies
Socks, jumpers, hats and scarves are all hygge. They create a sense of warmth and a feeling of being enveloped with love.
#11 Start a gratitude journal
Curl up in your hygge nook and journal in your most beautiful note book about all the things you’re thankful for.
#12 Review your work life balance
The Danes have the best working hours in the world with most of them working around 30-35 hours a week. They take the time to reflect. You too can take the time to review your life and see if you can make any tweaks to your lifestyle.
#13 Go camping or even glamping
Although spending time in a tent in the cold might seem like the last thing you want to do, it will provide you with a few hygge gems including closeness and connection with your fellow campers, being in nature and of course, the opportunity to enjoy a campfire.
#14 Make your exercise cozy
Instead of working out in a gym make your exercise more cozy by doing yoga or pilates indoors in gentle lighting. Running or walking outside in less than great weather can have a hygge upside because that mug or bowl of something warm when you get home will feel so good.
#15 Have regular technology free hours
Everyone sitting on their phones or laptops does nothing for togetherness, so why not try setting some times when you and your family agree to put away their phones? This is something we’ll be doing in our family for sure.
#16 Use sense of smell to Hygge
Winter smells like cinnamon and clove are definitely a hot favourite this time of the year. Using essential oils or candles or even incense increases the coziness factor and leaves your space smelling amazing. 
At the heart of all of the above suggestions is taking joy in simple pleasures, being in nature, connection with loved ones and practicing gratitude. Those are all powerful things and can make a huge difference to how you feel. To find out more about the Danish culture of Hygge, check out The Little Book of Hygge, which is such an easy and enjoyable read about this topic.
We would love to hear what you think about Hygge! Have you heard of it before? Does your wellbeing suffer in the autumn and winter months? and do you think you’ll be trying any of these tips?
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