How I Hygge

 

I first heard the word ‘Hygge’ on a podcast called ‘The Art of Simple‘. Click that link to check out the podcast. Then I heard more about it on the ‘DIY Mommy‘ channel.

 

 

Around this time, I had been taping into my genealogy and being part Scandinavian I loved this idea. It is a Danish word that does not easily translate into English.

 

Hy•ggye [hue-gah]- A calm, comfortable time with people you love. A complete absence of frustrations, or anything emotionally overwhelming, often enjoyed with good food drinks, warm blankets and candlelight.

You see Danes are the most happy people group in Europe. They also meet the most with family and friends. This leads to them feeling calm and peaceful. Danes also prefer natural and organic.

 

What Hygge means to me

There is nothing I love more on a winter days or nights at home then to get a warm beverage, get in my pajamas or other cozy lounge wear. I put my therapeutic warm wrap around my neck and snuggle on the couch with a blanket or get cozy in bed. Eating delicious homemade soup and enjoying the company of friends and family. These are all forms of hygge.

 

 

Cozy blankets and pillows

There is a reason why some people have a habit of buying cozy blankets. It gives a sense of warmth, coziness and security. Babies practice hygge everyday of their lives!

These are my favorite blankets of all time. I even take them with me on trips. Hygge away from home!

Are you into DIY? Why not make your own chunky knit blanket! They are very on trend right now.

 

 

 

Candles and fireplaces

Candles and fireplaces symbolize warmth and are the small version of a fire. Sadly, we do not have a fireplace but we do have a wood stove. Netflix and cable providers usually have the videos of a fireplace burning like Birch logs, Yule log, etc. Just type in ‘fireplace’ in the search on your streaming service. To me, being cozy by the fireplace is good for the soul. Grab your coffee, a blanket, a good book and you are good to go. Hygge.

 

 

Twinkle/String lights

I am in love with twinkle lights. I love the battery operated ones that Target has. They come in different metallic wire and have different toppers for the lights like snowflakes. They typically go by twinkle, dew or fairy lights. Look for battery operated ones that are on a timer. They will come on at the same time every night and create that ambiance for you.

 

 

Wood texture

So basically, anything cabin like or rustic. I love birch logs. Birch trees are very nostalgic for me. My grandparents had two big birch trees in their front yard and I just thought they were so pretty. Wood is earthy and is very grounding.

Music

Putting on Christmas music definitely makes you feel the hygge vibes. I even think nostalgia can be a form of hygge. We recently inherited my grandparents’ victrola. I have been working on acquiring Bing Crosby 78s and those classics for Christmas.

 

Warm Drinks

When I think of cozy, I also think of hot drinks- coffee, tea, mulled cider and even a hot toddy. They warm your body immediately and warm your soul too. I don’t care what time of the year it is, coffee is my go to for feeling cozy, especially during the cold months of the year. It warms you from the inside out and is so special to grab a warm blanket and cozy up and savor. Coffeeshops honestly make me feel cozy and in a good mood. For me, coffeeshops can be enjoyed with or without company.

Good Company

It’s all about work life balance. Danes do this well. They make it a point to leave work at 5, at the latest. They don’t work on weekends. 60 percent of Europeans socialize with friends and family at least once per week. When you have close company your body releases oxytocin- the happiness and feel good hormone.

Honestly, I think hygge is especially great for people who experience or suffer from anxiety, like me. Hygge makes you feel happy, calm, secure and content.

Try it this winter. Let me know what you think!

The Little Book of Hygge

If you are interested in reading more on the subject of hygge, check out this book.

 

Have you learned something new?  What are you looking forward to doing that is hygge this winter?