The concept of “Hygge”
Imagine this: it’s a crisp winter evening, you’re wrapped up in your coziest blanket, sipping on a steaming cup of tea, and surrounded by the soft glow of flickering candles. That feeling of pure contentment and comfort—that’s what we’re diving into today: hygge.
You may have heard the word before—this Danish/Norwegian concept of hygge (pronounced “hoo-guh”). It may sound strange,but trust me, it’s a game-changer when it comes to embracing life’s little joys.
Think of hygge as that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you’re snuggled up with a good book on a rainy day or sharing a laugh with friends over a homemade meal. It’s all about creating a cozy sanctuary in your everyday life, cherishing the simple moments, and finding happiness in the small things.
We’re going to unpack this beautiful idea—a blend of comfort, relaxation, and mindfulness—that encourages us to slow down, appreciate the present, and relish life’s pleasures, big and small.
7 ways to embrace “Hygge” in your own life
Having grown up in Norway, I was pretty much born and raised on the concept of “Hygge”. In Norwgian we often say “That was hyggelig“, after having had a good time with friends, or having enjoyed a nice experience. Ready to create some hygge for yourself?
Let’s dive into 7 ways you can embrace hygge in your life:
1. Host intentional dinners
Invite a little group of friends or family members for a casual, yet intentional dinner. Choose people you know you can be yourself around. Prepare a nice and delicious meal and something good to drink. Decorate the table with candles and other decor items you like. Enjoy a cozy evening with people you care about. Talk, laugh, eat and have a good time!
2. Take nature walks
Scandinavians love to walk everywhere. It’s like second nature! Taking a nature walk can be a really nice experience, especially if you try to be present in the moment. Put on a comfortable outfit and some good walking shoes, and head to the nearest forest, beach or park. You could also just take a walk around your neighbourhood. Call a friend, put on some good music, or just enjoy the sound of nature. Bonus “hygge” points if you bring some coffee and a snack, and find a nice spot to sit down and enjoy your treat!
3. Light all the candles
Candles create such a cozy vibe. For a little bit of extra hygge in your everyday life, try adding a candle to every room in the house. Light a candle in the kitchen while cooking, at the dinner table, in the bathroom while doing your skincare routine and in the living room while you snuggle up with a good movie. Notice the difference it makes to the space! Just remember to always blow them out before leaving the room. Battery operated candles are also an alternative that is safer with kids or pets around.
4. Take Sundays off
Seriously! If you have a job that allows it, take this day off to get ready for a new week. Clear your scedule and fill your Sunday with activities that bring you joy and fill you up with new energy. This is individual for all of us, and you know best what you need. You could go to a cafè with a friend, go hiking with your husband, or just hang out at home in your pajamas all day, watching your favorite TV-show. I don’t like making Sunday plans weeks in advance. There’s something really nice about having that day open to do whatever! Remember that we all need a day or rest and recharge.
5. Embrace and celebrate the seasons
Embrace seasonal changes and celebrate them with rituals or activities that evoke coziness and joy. Decorate your home for Easter, go for picniks in summer, pick apples and make jam in the fall… Embrace every season and come together with people you love to celebrate. Create new traditions you can do year after year, and enjoy old traditions that bring you a feeling of nostalgia and comfort.
6. Enjoy hot beverages
Here in Norway, people are serious about their coffee. Break at work? Coffee. Having guests over? Coffee. Taking a break while on a hike? Coffee. It brings people together and it is a nice pick-me-up during the day. Embrace hygge in your own life by drinking hot beverages; especially in the cooler months! Tea and hot chocolate is also allowed. Going out to cafès is also a very “hyggelig” thing to do.
7. Do things that make you laugh
Whatever it is for you – do something that makes you laugh every day. Watch your favorite comedy, hang out with people that make you laugh, hang out with kids (they sure can have funny stuff to say) or call your dad to get some funny dad jokes. Laughter is healthy and makes us happier people. There are enough things throughout the day that requires you to be serious. Take a break and have a laugh. You might feel lighter afterwards!
Did you enjoy my tips on how to embrace Hygge in your own life? Check out my other blog posts here.
Have a great day and see you in the next blog post!