Hygge — pronounced /hoeggeh/ — is a term used by Danes and Norwegians to describe a sensation of well-being, protection, and coziness. The idea of hygge was popularized by Danish writer Meik Wiking in his 2016 book, Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness, and has since been adopted by people around the world who are looking to add a little more coziness to their lives.
The word hygge comes from the Norwegian and Danish words for “well-being.” According to Wiking, it’s “a feeling of warmth and comfort that comes from being with loved ones, eating good food, and doing things we enjoy.”
But hygge is more than just a feeling — it’s also an approach to life. Hygge is about creating moments and experiences that are cozy, charming, and inviting. It’s about savoring life’s simple pleasures and enjoying the company of loved ones. And it’s about taking the time to appreciate the little things that make us happy.
If you’re looking to add a little hygge to your life, here are some tips!
Get Cozy
One of the easiest ways to enjoy the hygge lifestyle is to make your home as cozy as possible. This means adding plenty of blankets, pillows, and throws to your space. It also means lighting candles — a lot of candles! Candles are an essential part of the hygge aesthetic and can help to create a warm, inviting atmosphere in your home.
Another way to make your space more cozy is to add some greenery. Plants & flowers add a touch of life to any room and can help to make your space feel more hygge.
Finally, don’t forget the importance of good lighting. Soft, warm lighting is key to creating a hygge-like atmosphere in your home. So ditch the harsh overhead lights and opt for lamps & candles instead.
Enjoy Good Food & Drink
Food & drink are an important part of the hygge lifestyle. Of course, you don’t need to be a gourmet chef to get in on the fun. Simple pleasures like a cup of tea or coffee, a bowl of comfort food, or a slice of cake can all be enjoyed hygge-style. The key is to take the time to savor your food & drink and enjoy the moment — putting away your electronic devices and disconnecting from the outside world.
If you’re looking for something a little more special, why not host a hygge-themed dinner party? Invite your friends & family over and enjoy a leisurely meal together. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, try your hand at making some traditional Danish dishes like æbleskiver or frikadeller.
Make Time for Yourself
One of the best things about the hygge lifestyle is that it’s all about taking things slow and enjoying the moment. In our fast-paced, always-on world, this can be a challenge. But making time for yourself is essential to living a hygge life.
So, what does that mean, exactly? It means taking the time to do things you enjoy, whether that’s reading a book, taking a bubble bath, going for a walk in nature, or simply sitting in silence and enjoying the peace & quiet. It’s about giving yourself permission to relax and recharge — without guilt or judgment.
Connect with Loved Ones
Whether you’re spending time with family, friends, or even your pet, the goal is to savor the moment and enjoy the company. One of the best ways to hygge up your life is to connect with loved ones on a deeper level. Spend time talking about things that matter to you — your hopes & dreams, your fears & concerns. Really listen to what the other person has to say and be present in the moment.
You can also connect with loved ones by doing things together. Whether you’re cooking a meal, playing a game, or just watching TV, the key is to focus on quality time over quantity.
Get Outside
While hygge is often associated with cozy indoor activities, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the great outdoors hygge-style. In fact, getting outside is a great way to relax and recharge.
In Norway, the term “søndagstur” — Sunday tour — refers to a tradition of taking a long walk in nature on, you guessed it, Sundays. And there’s no reason you can’t do the same! So get out there and explore the world around you. And don’t forget to bring your camera — hygge moments are meant to be shared!
Bottom Lines
Hygge is a concept that has become a way of life for many people around the world. And it’s not hard to see why. Who doesn’t enjoy the simple pleasures of a cozy home, good food & drink, and quality time with loved ones?
You certainly don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy hygge. In fact, many of the best things in life are free. So why not give it a try? You might just find that the hygge lifestyle is what you’ve been missing all along.
If you’re looking for ways to add hygge to your life, start with these tips. From there, let your imagination run wild and enjoy the hygge lifestyle to the fullest!
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