What is Hygge & How to Practice It
After briefly mentioning Hygge in my previous post on layering lighting in your home, it became clear that not everyone is familiar with this term and I thought it was definitely worth getting into. The definition of Hygge (pronounced ‘hooga’) in the dictionary is:
“A quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).”
Safe to say most of us in this modern world could use a little bit more Hygge, right?
If you’re having trouble grasping the concept based purely off of the description, here are a few situations that, in my opinion, embody Hygge:
Curling up under a blanket and sipping tea in front of the fire
Gazing out the window from a comfy spot while it rains or snows
Sitting down to a home cooked meal with dear friends or family
Now, Hygge can feel different to everyone depending on the things they prioritize in life. Typically it will revolve around spending time with loved ones, a quiet atmosphere, and sharing a meal or drinks. I imagine there are infinite possibilities and that the one true tenant is that it’s all about appreciating the little moments.
There’s a reason Danish people are amongst the happiest in the world, and this could very well be a large part of it. It’s not just about doing these things, but about being present while they are happening. If you’re sitting down with a hot cup of tea, you could also be worrying about this year’s taxes in your mind while sipping away. Because the mind is distracted and worrying while you’re taking place in this otherwise relaxing activity, you are in fact not relaxing at all.
So how do you make this a part of your life? While I am certainly not a Hygge expert, I am a flawed individual deeply committed to making my life better and more enjoyable through trial and error. Here’s what I’ve found so far:
Set up your home for your new Hygge lifestyle. Keep it clean and organized to the best of your ability. Have lots of candles around for easy lighting. Introduce artwork that makes you feel things. Keep cozy blankets close by.
Slow cook some food. I know it sounds silly, but the act of putting something in the oven for 4 hours or stirring a pot of slow-cooking soup naturally slows you down. And at the end, you’ll have a wonderfully nourishing meal to savor.
Get (or make) some loose leaf tea and ritualize your brewing process. Making a cup of tea, even before drinking it, is a deeply restorative process. I recommend loose leaf because it forces you to handle the herbs and connect with the earth. It also tastes a hell of a lot better.
When you have friends and family over, put your phones away. Unless it’s to show someone a funny video, because nothing makes you feel better faster than a little bit of laughter.
Meditate! If you aren’t quite into that, just take a few long breaths. Breathe in for 3-4 seconds, pause, breathe out for 3-4 seconds, pause, and do it 3-4 times through. When you’re done, look around and appreciate everything you have. If you’re not feeling happy with your life right now, look out the window. Be thankful for the sun shining, or the hum of traffic that reminds you that you’re not alone in this world. Anything. Just be grateful. It will bring you immense peace.
And that’s all I have for now! While Hygge isn’t solely focused on the home, the home does naturally become the central theme because it’s where we do most of our living. Try to remember that it’s not about having all the right things or buying the perfect decor. I actually think excessive buying distracts us from the true meaning of Hygge. Use what you have, and donate or sell what you don’t need.
Until next time,
Nicki
