The Art of Hygge
Winter is only two weeks away, and we’re getting excited! What better way to welcome the cool change than creating a cosy home. Today on the journal we explore the Danish lifestyle craze Hygge. After reading you may just become a fan of winter!
By now, we’re guessing you’ve heard of Hygge, the Danish lifestyle trend that emphasises cosiness and all manner of things that make you feel good.
It’s not a single action but rather a way of living life in a more mindful, warm-and-fuzzy way, and don’t we all need that right now!
Hygge has been part of Danish culture for centuries but has now taken the world by storm. This is in part due to the steady rise in popularity of Scandinavian design, but also, by our endless pursuit for work/life balance.
It’s a refreshing take on daily life and a reminder to revel in what’s good, no matter how big or small. Read on to discover how to incorporate hygge into your own life.
How to pronounce Hygge
The word Hygge is pronounced “hoo-gah.”
What is the meaning of Hygge?
Hygge isn’t just a word; it’s a concept, and as such, there’s really no direct translation.
It’s about cosiness and surrounding yourself with the things that make life good, like friendship, laughter and security, as well as more concrete things like warmth, light, seasonal food and drink.
If you've ever enjoyed reading a book indoors on a rainy Sunday or a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly day, you've experienced hygge without even knowing it. There are other words to describe a hygge life such as Hyggebusker - these are that pair of pants you’d never be caught dead wearing in public, but practically live in when at home as they make you feel cosy.
The Danes also use ‘hyggelig’ (hygge-like) to describe things - it could be reading a good book in your favourite cosy corner of the house or:
- Lighting a candle - their warm light creates the perfect cosy atmosphere
- Relaxing in front of a fire - add a glass of red wine for extra hygge vibes
- A good throw blanket - think oversized, chunky knits that keep you warm
- Baking homemade sweets - if we’ve learnt anything during isolation it’s that baking is a great way to while away time! The smell of freshly baked cookies or delicious warm banana bread instantly puts you at ease.
- Playing relaxing music - anything acoustic will have you falling asleep.
This obsession with all things cosy is credited as one of the reasons why Denmark is always at the top of the list of the world's happiest countries, despite their infamously miserable winters.
Danish doctors even recommend “tea and hygge” as a cure for the common cold!
Hygge is not:
- Staring at your phone all day - focus on being present.
- Hibernating indoors alone all winter - enjoying the cool change with others.
- Strict rules - where Marie Kondo inspires people to declutter their homes and only keep things that “spark joy” in their life, hygge encourages people to live life a little fuller - eat that extra slice of cake!
How will you be incorporating the concept of hygge into your daily routine?