What is Hygge and Why Should I Embrace It This Winter?
Envision this: you’re seated in a bay window surrounded by patterned pillows and hanging greenery, wrapped in a bulky knit blanket and watching the snow fall outside with the crackling of a fire in the background. Perhaps you have a new book in your hands, or maybe you’re catching a break while homemade cinnamon rolls cook in the oven.
Some may define this ideal winter situation as cozy or comfy; and although these words are great adjectives to describe this snug environment, we’re latching onto one word in particular: Hygge.
What the heck is hygge? (Pronounced hoo-ga.)
In short, it’s what sets the Danish apart from the rest of us – their ability to tap into feelings and moments of coziness surpasses that of the average wintertime enthusiast. By definition, hygge is a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that creates a feeling of contentment or well-being (a defining characteristic of the Danish culture). Sounds like something that’s worth embracing this season, ja?
Here are a few ways that you can channel hygge this winter in the comfort of your own home.
Blankets, candles, fluffy pillows and loungewear.
Need we say more? Be sure you have comfortable loungewear in your closet and add knit blankets to the edge of couches and chairs in your home. Don’t forget to place your favorite seasonal candles in spaces where you and your guests spend most of the time, and absolutely dress up your family room with patterned pillows. All of these things embody the concept of hygge.
Embrace natural light.
Open up the curtains, raise the blinds and let in as much natural light into your home as possible to illuminate each room. Lighting is essential to embrace Hygge!
Spend time outdoors.
Don’t be afraid to get outside and explore the wintery weather. Being outdoors can boost your spirits – especially during the darker months of the year. Layer your clothes and dress warmly so you can enjoy the cold atmosphere. Bring blankets and hand warmers if you’re planning on staying outside for an extended amount of time! Bonus: bring a thermos of hot chocolate along with you.
Share meals and spend time in the kitchen.
Invite friends and family over to enjoy meals together (perhaps this becomes a weekly routine!). Include nourishing comfort foods on the menu like soups, stews, roasts and casseroles. If you’re hosting, spend a little extra time in the kitchen while cooking with soft music playing and a glass of red wine. Ignore the fear of indulging (the Danish don’t!) and instead focus on mindfully savoring food and company.
Create a hygge playlist.
We’re talking all tunes that are stress-releasing, calming, romantic and/or positive-vibe inducing. If you can, play the tunes throughout the whole house!
Unplug.
Leave your digital devices alone and instead enjoy a good book, play a board game, journal, cook or spend time with company.
Make time to unwind.
Don’t be afraid to take an extra hour or two at night to unwind and prepare yourself for bed. Or, don’t hesitate to take a warm bath in the middle of the afternoon, put on a face mask or paint your nails a new color. The Danish embrace rest and recovery – so should you!
Ready to bring the Hygge concept into your daily life this winter? Here are a few of our favorite Hygge items that you shouldn’t live without!
1. Chunky Knit Handmade Blanket
2. Winter Set of Essential Oils
4. The Hygge Game – Cozy Conversation in Pleasant Company
5. Scandinavian Comfort Food: Embracing the Art of Hygge
7. Magnolia Stoneware Coffee Mugs (Set of 6)
Nest Health Connections
Nest Health Connections is a corporate wellness company revolutionizing health and happiness in the workplace. We create holistic customized wellness programs for employers and their employees.