This holiday season, let’s lean in to comfort, coziness, and live our best hygge life. Hygge, pronounced hoo-gah, is a Danish word with no direct translation in English. It loosely translates to a feeling of coziness, inner contentment, and wellbeing. It’s been a key part of Danish culture since at least the 1800’s, when the word first appeared in writing. Hygge is often credited as the reason Denmark regularly places at the top of the World Happiness Report.
Hygge isn’t just about the things that make you comfortable, but about atmosphere and experiences too. You don’t need to buy all new everything to be hygge. Be purposeful with the things you own, replace and invest in what you need, and intentionally commit your time towards doing things that bring you joy and peace. Anything comfortable, cozy, warm, and simple is hygge. So is being outside and getting fresh air, reading more books, and spending quality time with others.
Hygge requires all five senses.
Sight: pay attention to the lighting in your space. Fluorescent lights seem to be the default in dorm rooms and many homes. Though they are more energy efficient, the bright glare they give off does nothing for the way we or our spaces look. Shut off the overhead lights and use lamps or fairy lights to create the soft, warm comforting glow hygge is all about. Salt lamps are another great relaxing light source and can purify the air in your home. Candles and firelight are other cozy options. Danes burn more candles than any other country in Europe, about 13 pounds per person per year, thanks largely to hygge. Cozy up to your wood-running or electric fireplace, or stream a burning fire on the tv.
Smell: Burning candles with scents you enjoy is a great way to relax and set a hygge vibe in your space. You can also make a simmer pot on a stove or hotplate, adding citrus, spices, and essential oils or extracts to boiling water to create a natural and relaxing aroma. Essential oil diffusers are perfect for dorm rooms and other spaces where you can’t have open flames.
Sound: This depends most on what you find relaxing. Whether you enjoy white noise, music, or silence in your space, embrace whatever makes you feel calm. There are tons of playlists and videos on Spotify and YouTube devoted to hygge vibes you can enjoy.
Touch: Keep and find things with textures you enjoy, especially those that are soft and comforting. Flannel sheets are a great addition to any bed in cold weather, as are comforters and weighted blankets. Adding throw blankets to chairs and couches will make it easier to sit down and get cozy with a good book and hot drink. You can also incorporate another aspect of hygge, togetherness, by inviting people over to make blankets or other cozy crafts.
Taste: making comfort food is a large part of embracing hygge. From your favorite soups or slow-cooker meals to baked goods, spend quality time on the food that nourishes you. Food brings people together like nothing else. Have friends over to make charcuterie boards or host a cookie exchange- gathering and connecting is what hygge is all about.
Elements of hygge can also be brought into home decoration. Focus on natural elements, like wood-based decorations and seasonal greenery. Neutral color schemes with pops of color keeps things simple and comforting without being too cluttered. Speaking of clutter- less is more. Utilize your storage options to give everything in your space a home. Keep it simple!
By prioritizing simplicity, warmth, and connections with others, hygge allows us to enjoy the present while reducing stress. Creating a peaceful atmosphere through soft lighting, comforting surroundings, and meaningful interactions enhances mental health and creates a profound appreciation for life’s small blessings.