Embracing a Hygge Lifestyle

As winter’s cloak hangs on, spring can feel like a long way off.
But don’t let this dreary season dampen your spirits; instead, take a cue from Denmark, which consistently appears on the World Happiness Report as one of earth’s most cheerful countries. Despite living in such a cold climate, its citizens are experts at finding joy in everyday life, and central to this happiness is the concept of hygge, a term that’s hard to translate exactly into English but can be described as a feeling of well-being marked by coziness, togetherness, and contentment. So sit back and discover how adopting this Danish way of living can make your days brighter both now and throughout the year.

Understanding hygge
Pronounced “hoo-ga,” hygge dates back centuries, though it only recently became well-known in the United States. Blowing onto the scene here in 2016, it sparked many a decorating and fashion trend along with numerous lifestyle books on the topic. With its focus on comfort, hygge is particularly well-suited for the winter months, turning a mundane afternoon stuck indoors into a delightful experience. But even year-round, embracing this concept may just help you strengthen your relationships and boost your overall happiness.

There are many ways to make the areas of your life more hyggelig (hygge-like), from your environment to your social life. Give these few core ideas a try to get started.

Create a haven
Danish winters can be long and dreary, so Danes place a high priority on making the home a sanctuary from the harsh elements. To maximize the limited daylight during these months, they often use light or muted colors on their walls and in their decor. Similarly, you can make your spaces more inviting by adopting a palette of whites, grays, beiges, or light blues and greens. Perhaps more essential, though, are candles—per the European Candle Association, Denmark burns the most candles per person of any country in the continent. Placing a few scentless ones around your home or even building a fire in your fireplace can create an intimate glow and a relaxing atmosphere for the ultimate coziness.

Beyond candles, consider your other lighting as well. For lamps and overhead lights, opt for lightbulbs with a warm temperature or the ability to dim; you could also utilize smart bulbs that can be programmed to emit light in various subdued hues. Hanging string lights, such as around doorways or above your bed, is another an excellent way to craft a soothing ambience in your various spaces.

When it comes to decorating, a minimalistic Scandinavian style can lend a sense of calmness. Choose streamlined wood furnishings upholstered with natural fabrics, and bring in the therapeutic qualities of nature by adding some lush potted plants. And no home is truly hyggelig without pillows, bedding, and blankets for warmth and comfort. Select ones with a soft texture and preferably made of natural materials, such as an organic linen duvet cover set for your bed or an alpaca wool throw for your sofa.

Lastly, consider designating an area of your home as a hyggekrog, or cozy spot. From a sunny window seat to a tiny reading nook, this is your own personal space to sit back, relax, and savor the pleasures of life.

Take it with you
All that said, you don’t have to stay in your abode to practice hygge; you can surround yourself with comforting vibes anywhere. Venture to a local café to sip your favorite brew, or hop in your car for a meandering scenic drive. You could also bundle up and head out on a nature walk—spending time outdoors is important in Danish life. And for an ideal hygge experience anywhere, choose versatile clothing in natural fibers designed to keep you most comfortable, like hyggesokker (warm socks), a cotton T-shirt, and a soft wool sweater.

Enjoy the little things
A large part of hygge is finding happiness in everyday joys, so try to build out time in your schedule, no matter how busy it is, to do what makes you smile. Perhaps it’s donning your favorite college sweatshirt or pair of slippers at the end of a long day, enjoying a delicious piece of pizza on a Friday night, or working on a crossword puzzle over the weekend. By pausing to appreciate life’s little details, you can infuse more joy into your day-to-day and develop a stronger sense of gratitude, helping to boost your overall sense of contentment.

Build community
A cornerstone of the Nordic lifestyle is cherishing times with family and friends, and they may be on to something there—being with people you care about can ease stress, make your life more meaningful, and improve your mood. You don’t have to do anything fancy or follow an involved itinerary; what matters most is appreciating each other’s company and building bonds, such as by catching up in a quick chat or playing a game of checkers together. Whatever you do, refrain from being on your phone. Reading texts or scrolling through your social feed will only take you away from the moment. When you’re fully focused on your loved ones, you can better connect and fully enjoy your time together.

Ultimately, what hygge looks like can vary from individual to individual, so don’t get hung up on the details. As long as it brings coziness to your life, it counts. Adopt this therapeutic approach in your daily living, and you may just find you that experience a greater sense of peace and well-being.

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