What Is a Hygge Lifestyle & How To Embrace The Hygge Life
Hygge has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reasons. It has been featured in several publications, became the subject of multiple books, and has been a hot topic on social media.
Still, not everyone knows exactly what hygge is. That’s why I’m dedicating this post to explaining what a hygge lifestyle is and how you can embrace the various aspects of this alternative lifestyle. As someone dealing with an autoimmune disease, adapting parts of this lifestyle has greatly improved my overall quality of life.
What Is A Hygge Lifestyle & How To Embrace The Hygge Life
What Is A Hygge Lifestyle
The Oxford Dictionary defines hygge as “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well being.”
Practicing hygge means adopting this unique way of life – turning ordinary moments into ones that feel comfortable, special, and meaningful. According to Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute and the author of The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living, hygge is about creating a comforting physical environment by dimming overhead lighting, lighting candles, and snuggling up with soft blankets while sipping warm, comforting drinks like tea or hot chocolate.
How Do You Say Hygge
Hygge is pronounced “hyoo-guh” or “hue-guh.” The word hygge is a Danish word/concept that was originally derived from Old Norse. It became a popular concept and a regular practice in Danish culture in the 19th century.
When faced with horribly rough winters, the Danish don’t complain. Instead, they turn off their devices, get comfortable in front of the fire, and get lost in a good book. That’s the hygge way of life. It’s no wonder that Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world, but now it’s gaining attention from the rest of the world.
Hygge isn’t a “one size fits all” kind of lifestyle. People practice it in different ways. But at the center, it’s all about resting, living in the moment, and appreciating the simple pleasures in life and how they make you feel.
Benefits Of Hygge Lifestyle
The benefits of hygge include:
- Reduced stress
- Greater self awareness
- Less depression and anxiety
- Better mental health
- Increased feelings of self-worth
- Improved relationships
- Better quality sleep
How To Live A Hygge Lifestyle
Avoid Multitasking.
Hygge is about savoring the moment and finding pleasure in the little things. Whether you are watching a movie or chatting with a friend, do just that and nothing else.
Share A Meal Of Comfort Food With Someone You Love.
Whether it’s a close friend, a partner, or a family member, sharing a meal with someone you love is a fantastic way to practice hygge. As you eat, try to focus on how each bite makes you feel. You’ll notice a warm, comforting feeling that reminds you how much pleasure exists in small, simple things. Focus on consuming comforting, healing foods as well.
Play A Board Game With Friends.
Spending time with friends creates feelings of togetherness, which is the essence of hygge. According to Wiking, “The most important social relationships are close relationships in which you experience things together with others…where you share thoughts and feelings; and both give and receive support.”
Hosting a game night is a great way to bring people together. Invite your friends over for a board game and quality conversation. That warm and cozy feeling it gives you is what hygge is all about.
Create A Cozy Corner.
Create a ‘hyggekrog’, or a cozy corner, in your home that is dedicated to slowing down and getting comfortable. Pick an area that you find especially comforting, whether by a large window with a lot of sunlight or near the warm fireplace, and fill it with anything that will make you feel at ease–a soft throw blanket, a comfy chair, or soothing music.
Take A Walk.
Spending time in nature is another easy way to incorporate the hygge lifestyle into your daily routine. Leave your phone at home and go for a walk. Notice the abundance of nature that surrounds you, and appreciate each sight, sound, and smell.
Enjoy A Long Soak In The Tub.
When you spend quality time taking care of yourself, you can experience a new sense of calm. Enjoying a long soak in the tub is a popular hygge practice. These aromatherapy diffusers are a great way to promote relaxation so that you can clear your mind, focus on becoming as comfortable as possible, and live in the moment.
Light A Few Candles.
Lighting some candles is an easy way to create a soft glow that is calming and comforting. You don’t even have to use scented candles. You can use simple white candles like these. If you prefer a scented candle, this candle will help add to the cozy feeling hygge is all about.
Make Some Homemade Baked Goods.
There are few things as quintessentially hygge as the smell of fresh baked goods that you’ve handcrafted in your own kitchen. When you bite into simple, homemade treats, you’ll feel a warm, comforting sensation that encourages you to live right there in the moment.
Get Lost In A Good Book.
Getting lost in a good book is an easy way to live in the moment. Cuddle up in your cozy corner, get warm and comfortable, and open up a book you’ve wanted to read. The world around you seemingly disappears as you take a deep dive into a feel-good story.
Snuggle With Someone (Even A Pet) That You Love.
Hygge encourages connecting with people who make you feel good. To take that connection to the next level, snuggle up close with someone you love, even if it’s your beloved pet. That physical and emotional connection creates a sense of warmth and comfort you can’t find anywhere else.
How do you feel about the hygge lifestyle? Will you give this way of life a try?
It’s relatively easy to adopt a hygge lifestyle, but it does require you to make a few initial changes. Are you open to incorporating the hygge way of life into your current lifestyle? Share your thoughts! Then, head over to the blog to read more about all the ways I try to make the most of each and every day.
