What is Hygge?
Hygge is a defining characteristic of Danish culture, developed to combat the difficult feelings and decline of wellbeing commonly experienced through the long, dark winter months. Pronounced as “h-oo-g-a,” this Danish concept, when translated reads as 'coziness' and is defined as the coziness that facilitates a person to feel comfortable, content and promotes good wellbeing.
The framework of hygge requires allocating time away from your fast-paced life to be in a positive, present environment which encourages relaxation and the enjoyment of more peaceful pleasures in life. The essential components of this framework are togetherness, presence, relaxation, comfort, and indulgence. The details of where, when or what that looks like, are entirely individual to you. The objective is to create an experience of warmth, comfort, and contentment; you choose how to achieve this.
The framework of hygge requires allocating time away from your fast-paced life to be in a positive, present environment which encourages relaxation and the enjoyment of more peaceful pleasures in life. The essential components of this framework are togetherness, presence, relaxation, comfort, and indulgence. The details of where, when or what that looks like, are entirely individual to you. The objective is to create an experience of warmth, comfort, and contentment; you choose how to achieve this.
Hygge is an effective way of increasing happiness and general wellbeing that is available to everyone and can be achieved within a small financial budget. In fact, the practice of Hygge reflects the understanding that wealth and wellbeing are not definitively dependent on the other.
The practice of Hygge provides a way of enhancing personal potential, improving emotional and physical wellbeing as well as creating a happier society. Some examples of the ways Hygge can be beneficial are listed below. There are many, many more!
- Reduces loneliness and strengthens relationships
- Increases happiness and self-esteem
- Increases resilience
- Reduces depression / anxiety
- Contributes to a greater quality of life
- Reduces stress levels
- Encourages relaxation and improved sleep
- Reduces risk of poor coping strategies (e.g. excessive drinking, etc)
- A positive coping-strategy for seasonal-affective disorders
Practise Hygge all year round
Importantly, it doesn’t have to be cold, dark night with a blanket of snow hiding the path from those wrapped up warm while wandering the streets. Hygge isn’t limited to the winter months. It can be practised all year round, in a variety of settings. Below is a list of suggestions as to how you can welcome Hygge into your life.Some tips for practising Hygge
1. Establish your safe space to optimise your experience of Hygge. Settling into an environment that complements your approach to achieving relaxation and presence is essential. In creating this space, consider your five senses:Sight: the lighting: soft, dull sources of light are preferable to strong, harsh lights when your intention is to indulge in comfort and relaxation.
Smell: consider using scented candles, fresh flowers, or your favourite scent to enhance your comfort in the space.
Hearing: select a gentle playlist, a good audiobook or just enjoy the peace and quiet.
Taste: Treat yourself to a beverage (hot or cold) and your favourite comfort snacks to indulge in.
Touch: select different textures that please you – a soft pillow, a heavy blanket, or wear your favourite comfy clothes.
2. Do it together. Hygge is an action that can be done independently or with others – it is entirely up to you! Typically, humans are social beings, and therefore there are many benefits to a shared approach. Inviting others to practise Hygge with you can benefit the relationships you share and enhance your reflective experiences, through conversations like, “Do you remember that time when …?” Often these chats end in laughter and increased gratitude, both are captured in the aims of Hygge.
3. Eat and drink. Enjoying a hot drink provides you with inner warmth that can enhance your ability to relax. Drink it at a slow pace, allowing yourself the opportunity to savour the flavour and sensation. Along with a supply of your favourite comfort foods, you are optimising your Hygge experience. Treat yourself!
4. Log-off, switch-off and unplug. Taking a break from social media, or that dreaded inbox full of emails, provides you the space to be present and focus on your personal desires and pleasures, without the pressures or judgements of social comparison. Instead, you can occupy your time with some journalling, read a book, or simply reflect on the quieter pleasures in your life.
5. Engage with nature. Decorate your safe space with houseplants, seashells, or other pieces of nature, or alternatively head out to the hills or by a river, lake or the sea. The sounds, smells and positivity of nature can provide you with a Hygge experience where you can savour the simple moments and appreciate the little things around you. As well as promoting exercise and physical wellbeing, this is a great way to take time out of your busy routine to escape to nature, where we are more inclined to be present and stress-free.
Smell: consider using scented candles, fresh flowers, or your favourite scent to enhance your comfort in the space.
Hearing: select a gentle playlist, a good audiobook or just enjoy the peace and quiet.
Taste: Treat yourself to a beverage (hot or cold) and your favourite comfort snacks to indulge in.
Touch: select different textures that please you – a soft pillow, a heavy blanket, or wear your favourite comfy clothes.
2. Do it together. Hygge is an action that can be done independently or with others – it is entirely up to you! Typically, humans are social beings, and therefore there are many benefits to a shared approach. Inviting others to practise Hygge with you can benefit the relationships you share and enhance your reflective experiences, through conversations like, “Do you remember that time when …?” Often these chats end in laughter and increased gratitude, both are captured in the aims of Hygge.
3. Eat and drink. Enjoying a hot drink provides you with inner warmth that can enhance your ability to relax. Drink it at a slow pace, allowing yourself the opportunity to savour the flavour and sensation. Along with a supply of your favourite comfort foods, you are optimising your Hygge experience. Treat yourself!
4. Log-off, switch-off and unplug. Taking a break from social media, or that dreaded inbox full of emails, provides you the space to be present and focus on your personal desires and pleasures, without the pressures or judgements of social comparison. Instead, you can occupy your time with some journalling, read a book, or simply reflect on the quieter pleasures in your life.
5. Engage with nature. Decorate your safe space with houseplants, seashells, or other pieces of nature, or alternatively head out to the hills or by a river, lake or the sea. The sounds, smells and positivity of nature can provide you with a Hygge experience where you can savour the simple moments and appreciate the little things around you. As well as promoting exercise and physical wellbeing, this is a great way to take time out of your busy routine to escape to nature, where we are more inclined to be present and stress-free.
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