What the heck is this ‘Hygge’ that everyone is talking about and why should you care?
Hygge is a Danish word meaning “to give courage, comfort, and joy”.
It encompasses the idea of living mindfully, simply, and savoring happiness.
If you are searching for the good things in life: some tranquility, a sense of calmness to the hectic pace of your everyday life; then I hope you’ll stick around.We’ve got some great ideas to help you embrace Hygge.
Live Hygge to be Happier
Now before you click away thinking this is just another boring “list” post, adding more tasks to your already chaotic life, hang on OK?
This is not just some lifestyle trend. It’s a way of life the Danish people have perfected over thousands of years.
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From using bicycles, which are considered Hygge, to having cafes with Laundromats, Denmark surely knows how to create a feeling of coziness. Check out this awesome video by Visit Denmark that I absolutely adore!
This is not a ‘check the box’ exercise. I know you’ve got plenty of those going on, whether at work or home. Read on to learn about how the Danish concept of Hygge can truly improve your life.
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Be Cozy
Finish the project plan – Check.
Get to the gym three times a week – Check.
Fit in quality time with your sweetie – Check, Check.
“Hygge is about an atmosphere and the experience. It is not about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling we are safe that we are shielded from the world…to be able to let our guard down.”
Meik Wiking
So stay with me, read a little further, watch the video, and you will learn so much about Hygge. And even better, you will probably realize that you’ve been practicing Hygge all along, you just didn’t know it.
Like everything in life, embracing Hygge or finding time for more happiness is a journey.
Wiking talks about the Five Dimensions of Hygge:
The Taste of Hygge
The Sound of Hygge
Smells Like Hygge
Feels Like Hygge
Looks Like Hygge
According to Wiking, Hygge is really all about feelings, and they say that “feels like Hygge” is the Sixth Sense of Hygge. So, while we can talk about candles, cozy shawls and specialty teas, they only serve to help us reach that “sixth sense”. Are you with me? Good.
If you are ready to jump in feet first then good for you! I really recommend this awesome Hygge Box to get your own cozy lifestyle delivered every month to your door. It’s like your own Hygge self care package, and is chock full of goodies, at a reasonable price too! First time subscribers to Cratejoy get huge discounts.
For me, I’m learning too as I go. So thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you really enjoy this post.
Feeling my dog’s heartbeat when he cuddles on my chest – Not absent mindedly petting him while I’m scrolling through social media.
Hygge is holding hands with my hubby while we watch our favorite team play hockey. (Go Leafs Go). It’s listening to a close friend tell you the same story again, but pretending you’re just hearing it for the first time.
Hygge is sitting by yourself, with a favorite cup of tea, and writing in your journal. Hygge is the perfect antidote to when you are feeling overwhelmed.
It’s the simple things that matter, and this Danish way of living truly helps you recognize that.
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Being cozy on a lazy Saturday morning, enjoying a good book, and that second cup of coffee – that’s Hygge
Listening, really listening, without distraction to birdsong in the early hours of the morning while walking the dogs.
Or sitting at the window at night, with a nice cup of hot chocolate, marveling at the wondrous full moon.
Recognizing that feeling of contentment, and truly feeling grateful for it.
When we are at the trailer, and it’s summer and the night is full of stars, I get my Hygge on by laying back in a lounge chair and looking for the Big Dipper – And any other dippers I might find along the way.
That’s how I live Hygge, and have a happy life.
What’s the hype about Hygge and why should you care?
Hygge is a state of mind. You don’t have to leave town. You don’t even need to leave your apartment! You just have to live well.
An important part of Hygge is using the right lighting to induce a cozy feeling. So light some candles, get a soft blanket, and choose a nice, relaxing activity like reading a book or knitting.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to live Hygge either.
Hygge is enjoying that special living space that only you know about. Want to create a special cozy backyard decor?
Hosting a potluck, doing some baking, a cozy décor, and using things because they have intrinsic value – not being superficial.
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Like all of the art on our walls, it makes me happy! It looks cluttered, but I couldn’t possibly part with one picture.
I think my blog is very Hygge. Tons of food, with discussions on self care, and tips to be better organized. Pie is definitely Hygge!
I challenge you not to feel happy when you’re presented with a piece of mouthwatering pie, like this Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie! Comfort food is one of life’s simple pleasures.
Your tummy will be happy with this amazing Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie! It’s got a splash of Grand Marnier in it too just to warm things up a bit.
I think I’ve been searching for Hygge my whole life, I just didn’t know it.
I’ve researched many years, read so many books about living simply, mindfulness, gratitude, living fully, but I’ve only just recently found my coziness.
I really encourage you to get the delightful book called The Little Book of Hygge! It’s not only beautiful to look at and to read, it will become your own Hygge manifesto of sorts.
I’ve included a link here to my Pie Lady Bakes Shop on Amazon with some of my all-time favorite books, beautiful candles and cozy things to help you get your Hygge on.
PinWinter Hygge is indoors or out but these deliciously fat white candles let you linger inside all cozy and warm and dream the day away.
Hygge is all about getting cozy and it’s not just lighting candles at home – It’s about sharing your glow and feeling your happiness, by putting candles in the window!
So while we might like candles in the winter to be all cozy and indoors, in the summertime Hygge is having a campfire or BBQ with your very dearest friends.
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It’s when the neighbors drop by to get caught up with what’s been happening in your lives, talking about world events.
It’s going back in time and sharing funny stories with your closest friends. These are the things that bring joy and happiness to others, sometimes in a very small way will bring you Hygge and that makes sense doesn’t it?
Giving always makes you feel so much better than taking.
And when we’re at that campfire or potluck, or sitting around the table, I love to bring out one of my favorite recipes, like a freshly baked apple cobbler. I think sweets are completely Hygge!
Trade in your treadmill and get outdoors to enjoy nature, or perhaps even take an extra-long walk with the dog.
Hygge is going for a long walk and seeing the first signs of spring, watching those leaves budding and hearing the birds chirping after the long winter months. It’s all about the joy of what the change of seasons – whatever that might mean to you – bring into our lives. That’s the Hygge way.
PinWalking amongst the autumn leaves, such a feeling of cozy contentment.
Fall Hygge and long walks in your local park or nearby woods are so refreshing. Taking in deep breaths of all the smells that fall brings, woodsmoke, fallen leaves, and that crisp fresh air.
In North America it’s all about being hopeful that the warmer and longer days will be here soon. But also knowing that the cooler weather, and longer nights mean it’s time to rest.
Time to Hygge
Ok, so you’re convinced! You’ve gathered up some pillows, a cozy blanket, some reading socks and great books. You are READY! You really want to get some of this HYGGE and get it now! I’m going to get my ‘Hygge’ on this weekend, and here is why you should too!
30 Simple Ways you can Feel the Happiness of Hygge All Year Long
Hygge Home and Décor
Rustic candles in mason jars
Create a Hygge Living Room with Chunky wool throws and afghans (Take up knitting?)
Creamy white and neutral pillows piled on your bed to create a Hygge sanctuary
Soft white candle pillars set around the house and in the windows – share the light!
Hygge at Work
It’s pretty hard to cozy up a cubicle, but a soft shawl or sweater can help
Bring in some favorite photos of family, friends, the dog, and trips you love
Easy to care for plants like succulents bring some greenery and are very unassuming
Organize a potluck for your team, celebrate a milestone, or have birthday months
Make tea time an event every day, use a teapot and tray and include your cube mates with a plate of cookies
Spring Hygge
Longer days bring the gloaming, that soft evening glow between day and night
If you enjoyed this post, and would like moreHygge Home Decor ideas you may also want to visit FTD by Design, to see their tips on how to Hygge your home. It’s a beautiful website!
So now you’re all set. You have a complete list of 30 ways on how to practice Hygge in your life, including recipes, cozy blankets and socks, fun outdoor activities, and lots of ideas to JUST BE.
Judy Kahansky is an experienced writer and baker, creating delicious desserts (including pie!) for over 40 years. She loves to take classic and vintage recipes and update them to fit the busy lives of her readers. When not baking, Judy and her husband Mark are passionate golfers, enjoy the simple life, and are travelers and dog lovers, spending as much time as they can with their sweet pup Ruby.
