Embracing Winter With Hygge: Tips for Finding Cozy and Calm During the Colder Months
A few years ago I traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark, a city within a country that has been consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world. Copenhagen was lovely because every restaurant, cafe, and store had a warm and cozy ambiance with dim lighting, candles, and lots of plaid. While there, I learned that creating a cozy ambiance is an essential part of Danish culture, something they refer to as hygge. Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is a Danish term used to describe a feeling and way of living that emphasizes coziness, warmth, and togetherness. When surveyed on what hygge means to them, Danes identified the following: hot drinks, candles, fireplaces, Christmas, board games, music, holiday, sweets and cake, cooking, books, Sundays, birthdays, television, and stormy weather. As you may notice, many of these things are associated with fall and winter, which are the “seasons of hygge.” With the weather cold and the days short, we can use this time to focus on pleasure and comfort. Hygge isn’t just about flannels, wool socks, candles, and oversized blankets– it’s a way of living. Meik Wiking, author of the popular book “The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well,” defines hygge as the following:
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.
While it’s common to experience seasonal mood changes during the colder months, embracing hygge can help you find comfort and peace during this time of year.
Want to learn how to embrace hygge during the colder months? Here are some tips:
Atmosphere
Hygge is all about a warm and cozy ambiance. Our homes, which the Danes refer to as “hygge headquarters,” are where we typically feel the most hyggelig (the Danish term for hygge-like). Our living spaces have a significant impact on our overall well-being. This is especially the case now, as many of us work and live in the same space. Here are some ways to make your home more hyggelig:
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- Clear clutter. Research shows that having a messy home decreases our life satisfaction. Additionally, clutter is associated with higher levels of cortisol (which is considered the stress hormone), difficulties falling asleep, procrastination, and reduced focus. The piles of mail we need to sort through, children’s toys scattered across the floor, or dishes piling up in the sink are constant reminders of unfinished business. Don’t wait until your working or living environments are chaotic and overwhelming. One way to tackle clutter is to set aside 15 minutes at the beginning or end of your day to declutter your space. At the end of the workday, organize your desk or home office. Before bed, declutter your home.
- Lighting. Avoid harsh lighting and stick to warm, dim lighting. It is more hyggelig to illuminate your space using several smaller lamps rather than one larger lamp. Candles are also a fundamental aspect of hygge.
- Foliage. The more greenery, the better. Plants are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also provide a small way to connect with nature, which can be more difficult when it’s colder and darker outside.
- Warm colors. Warm, neutral, and earthy tones tend to feel most relaxing. Warm tones that will make your space more hyggelig are browns, grays, maroons, ambers, or olives.
- Textures. Softness and coziness are key in creating a hyggelig space. Warm blankets, comfy couches, and soft pillows make your space perfect for unwinding and relaxing.
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Presence
Hygge can be considered a practice in mindfulness because of the emphasis on enjoying and making the most of the present moment. And, as research consistently shows, mindfulness helps to boost our mood and reduce stress.
Pleasure
Hygge juxtaposes the chaotic and stressful lives many of us lead by emphasizing enjoying the little things and being kind to yourself. Wiking points out that ”the more it sets the here and now apart from the tough realities of the outside world, the more valuable it becomes.” Here are some hyggelig ways to find pleasure:
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- Food and drinks. Hygge food and drinks taste sweet, familiar, and comforting. The Danes believe that the longer a dish takes to prepare, the more hygge it is. On top of the pleasure one gets from consuming comfort foods and drinks, many Danes feel that the actual process of cooking and baking is hyggelig. Plus, there’s also nothing better than the smell of freshly baked cookies permeating your home.
- Amusement and fun. Reading a good book, completing a puzzle, or engaging in an activity with loved ones are all hyggelig, which brings us to…
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Togetherness
One of our most fundamental human needs is connection, and our social relationships play a huge role in our overall happiness and well-being. In fact, the biggest predictor of our happiness is the quality of our social relationships. Gatherings of about 3-4 people are most hyggelig because it allows us to connect on a deeper level with those we love and care about. Here are some suggestions for hyggelig activities you can do with loved ones:
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- Play games. Games (particularly board games) take us back to simpler times and provide a fun and interactive way to create memories with the ones we love.
- Cook together. Remember how I mentioned that cooking and baking are hyggelig activities? Cooking or baking with loved ones is even more hygge! Try hosting a cooking or baking party where everyone helps create a meal that is enjoyed together.
- Host a movie night. Watch an uplifting or lighthearted movie together. Cozy up on the couch with a warm beverage, popcorn, and a soft blanket.
- Get crafty. Find a fun project that you can do with friends or family. Some examples are crocheting, knitting, scrapbooking, jewelry-making, or painting.
- Start a book club. Gather a few close friends and discuss an agreed-upon book. You can even turn this into a potluck by having each person bring something to eat or drink.
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Safety and comfort
Some of our most basic needs are safety and comfort, both physically and psychologically. Our homes should feel like safe havens from the outside world, a place where we can truly be ourselves. Warm blankets, scarves, wool socks, and cozy chairs are all hyggelig ways to find comfort.
Gratitude
Hygge is all about savoring the little things and appreciating the smaller moments of joy and gratitude. Create a daily gratitude practice that helps to foster a sense of gratitude, which will not only improve your outlook on life and overall happiness, but it will also improve the quality of your relationships.
Want to give yourself or your loved ones the gift of hygge this holiday season? Explore our hygge gift guide here.
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