Bring more positivity, comfort, and contentment in your life by learning the best ways to live well with hygge and all the benefits that go with it.
Have you heard of “hygge” before? It is currently very trendy in the self-care industry. And once you understand what it is, you won’t be a bit surprised as to why.
What is Hygge?
Hygge is a lifestyle practice that originated in Denmark. It is pronounced as “hoo-ga” and means “cozy” or “sense of well-being“. Hygge is all about bringing comfort and joy into your life by creating an inviting and relaxing environment while taking better care of yourself. Denmark is considered one of the happiest countries in the world and that is because the people there understand the importance of slowing down and enjoying life.
This blog post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
The hygge lifestyle has been celebrated since the 18th century and encourages finding happiness in the habitat that surrounds you. Even in today’s modern world, hygge can provide plenty of benefits to your emotional wellbeing through self-care.
Hygge can be practiced throughout the year, but most find it especially beneficial to focus on it during the fall and winter months. As the weather cools down, and it remains darker outside for longer periods of time, the need for coziness and comfort becomes very important.
But hygge is not just about feeling cozy or happy. It’s also about taking care of yourself by embracing each moment and trying to relax. Hygge can help reduce stress and make you feel more connected to your loved ones.
To put it simply — feeling warm, cozy, and content while appreciating life and the people that surround you at home, that is hygge.
What are the Benefits of Hygge?
There are many advantages of bringing hygge into your daily life. It’s a wonderful way to improve your mood naturally, create more self-care habits, and allow for peace with the practice of unwinding, indulging in relaxation, and enjoying a reset.
“Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world and allow ourselves to let our guard down.”
– Meik Wiking, The founder and CEO of the Happiness Research Institute
Hygge helps cultivate mindfulness. By seeking out moments of pure joy in unexpected ways, you may lower your stress levels, reduce depression symptoms, and increase your self-awareness.
Hygge is all about self-care. It promotes an atmosphere of comfort and calm that can bring about relaxation for your mind and body. It gently whispers peace, appreciation, and comfort to your soul.
Hygge helps in realizing less is more. There’s no need to be surrounded by lots of people, places, and things to be happy. There are beautiful moments to be experienced and enjoyed on your own which can be dynamic. Happiness comes from within.
5 Best Ways to Live Well With Hygge
There is no specific guidance on how to incorporate hygge into your everyday life, simply look for and pursue pleasurable moments. It’s all about enjoying the little things in life and slowing down to savor the moment.
Hygge is about having a hot cup of tea with your loved ones on a cold winter day or curling up with a book by the fireplace on a rainy day. But it’s not just about being cozy though, it’s also about being kind to yourself.
1. Be Warm and Cozy
Since Hygge is all about coziness and relaxation, try to use more comfort and warmth in your home. Embrace the cooler months by creating a warm environment at home by using:
Soft blankets
Pillows
Plush area rugs/carpets
Fuzzy socks
2. Enjoy the Aromas
An effective way to unwind is by embracing your favorite scents. Filling your home environment with smells that relax you will bring more joy into your life. Try implementing some seasonal scents using:
Candles
Essential oils
Baking
Potpourri
3. Set the Ambiance
Create the perfect ambiance for hygge by not only controlling the lighting but the warmth, as well. This is what makes hygge so popular in the winter months as opposed to the summer. Set the ambiance with:
A fireplace
Candles
Softer lighting
4. Time to Relax
Choose soothing activities to help you kick back and relax. Remember, this is all about bringing comfort to your home, so pick things that may calm you, such as:
Reading
Sipping tea
Puzzles
Listening to music
Your favorite hobby
5. Express Gratitude
Keep yourself grounded by understanding and appreciating all there is to be grateful for. Find a quiet spot to:
Hygge is an attitude of mindfulness and contentment that can be practiced anywhere, anytime. It’s about comfort and warmth and enjoying the simple pleasures in life.
Learn More
Looking for more insight on hygge? I recommend the NY Times bestseller, The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living.
This book is easy to read, has illustrations, and does an excellent job of explaining the benefits of feeling warm, cozy, and safe, and how to add all that into your everyday life.
Don’t miss this simple, quick introduction to the subject of hygge.
Available in Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, and Audiobook from Amazon.
