You may have heard the term used more often in recent years, especially in lifestyle publications regarding fashion and home furnishings, and you may be wondering just what is hygge?
Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”) is a word that’s used in reference to a feeling or moment of coziness and peace that comes about by experiencing the little things in life. It can be acknowledged alone or with friends, in your home or on-the-go. Hygge is not something that you can physically touch or buy at the store; rather, it’s a concept of overall warmth and comfort that you embrace within your soul!
Hygge has a history - and there are many ways to not only feel, but also inspire it in your daily life.
HISTORY OF HYGGE
Hygge refers to a Danish cultural concept that became very popular internationally in the 2010s, despite having been around for centuries. The word is Norwegian and means “well-being” - the notion spread to Denmark in the 18th century and became very important to the country’s culture.
Hygge was a way for Danish people to cope with particularly cold winters, but the concept can be applied to a variety of different people and places. In fact, you may have already taken steps to embrace hygge without knowing it!
HOW TO EMBRACE HYGGE
Just as there isn’t a single definition of hygge, there isn’t a sole prescription or set of steps for how to experience it. For example, if you are relaxed at home on a Sunday, curled up with a good book, that could be hygge. If you are sipping hot cocoa by the fire on a snowy day, that could also be hygge. Hanging around at home in your sweatpants, or sitting in the dining room surrounded by friends and family, or drawing a warm bath could all be hygge, too. Even cuddling up in a pair of Fuzzy Babba slipper socks can count as embracing hygge!
The key to hygge is the positive emotion behind enjoying the simple moments and pleasures in life. If you’re ever felt comforted by the Robert Brault quote, “enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things,” then you probably understand the concept.
There are so many ways you can embrace the hygge lifestyle. Here are just a few.
- ADD WARMTH WITH LIGHT: Lighting a few candles in your home can bring warmth to your space, and could help you to feel in a more relaxed mood. Consider an scented option for an extra soothing experience. If you have a fireplace, add some firewood and kick back in comfort.
- SNUGGLE UP WITH A BLANKET: It is such a comforting feeling to wrap yourself in something soft and warm when you’re chilly. In the spring and summer, a lightweight cotton or linen blanket can bring you peace and happiness.
- ENJOY HOMEMADE TREATS: Maybe it’s that little bit of love that gets added in, but sweets, comfort food and hot drinks taste especially delicious when made from scratch!
HYGGE ALL YEAR LONG
Even though hygge is often associated with cold winters, the truth is you can be hygge all year long. No matter the temperature, as long as you’re enjoying the little moments or spending them with the people you love, it’s hygge.
Sipping a glass of wine on a porch in the fall? Hygge. Having a springtime sleepover with friends? Hygge. Turning on a movie to watch with your kids? Hygge. Riding a bike through the park? Hygge. Laying in the grass and smelling the sweet scent of summer air? You guessed it: hygge.
You can truly live the hygge life every day!
FUN FACTS ABOUT HYGGE:
- In the Broadway musical Frozen, there is a song called “Hygge” which is all about being comfortable!
- The national celebration of all things cozy through hygge is one of the reasons why Denmark often ranks at the top of the list of world’s happiest countries, even though they also have really harsh winters.
- There are currently 4.7 million (!) posts with the hashtag #hygge on Instagram.
How to you embrace hygge in your everyday life? Tell us in the comments!