If, over the course of my life, I had been asked to invent a lifestyle, it would definitely have been hygge—a Scandinavian (Danish to be precise) concept that has been all the rage these last couple of years. With so many articles and books published about the topic, this particular art of living is all about cozy comfort. Although it’s a concept that’s rather hard to grasp or define, for Scandinavian people, hygge is extremely important, as it contributes to their everyday happiness.
Here’s how I integrated hygge into my everyday life in a very natural way.
Cottage mode activated
The whole goal of hygge is to slow down and lower your stress; exactly how you feel when you’re taking it easy at the cottage. Keeping this in mind, it’s important to remember to breathe and to do what makes you happy, even when you’re at home.
Simple things that are easy to incorporate into your life include staying in your comfy clothes all day (if possible), reading a good book curled up under a warm throw in front of a fire, going outside for a breath of fresh air with your dog, and being in a calm and relaxed state. Do you see what I’m talking about? Not only do these activities cost absolutely nothing, they are SO good for the soul.
I love the hygge lifestyle, because it allows me to get lost in my thoughts. For me, these moments are as necessary as the air I breathe. Playing a board game or doing a puzzle . . . why do we do these things at the cottage, but rarely at home? When you stop and think about it, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t always be in hygge mode.
Hygge at home
For a 360-degree hygge lifestyle, you need to start by making your home cozy and inviting. To do so, opt for wall colours that are pale and soft, for a look that evokes complete serenity. Also, choose to keep things simple and streamlined with natural materials, like wood and stone.
Don’t hesitate to add some comfort and life to your home. Integrate some pretty green plants, plenty of comfy cushions, and of course, a few soft throws to keep you warm.
Fill your home with pleasant scents. Essential oil diffusers have never been more popular and are perfect for recreating a spa-like atmosphere throughout your home.
The idea of a hygge home is also about ambience. You want your rooms to be welcoming, but not over-charged. Adopting a streamlined decor means keeping the essentials and getting rid of any knick-knacks.
Make sure the lighting throughout your home is soft and warm. Candles are great, as they help create a calm and relaxing environment.
And finally, hygge is about being fully present in the moment. So turn off your TV and put on some of your favourite music instead. In fact, cutting back on screen time is one of the best ways to disconnect, which is essential in this modern era in which we live.
Finding happiness in the little things
It’s pretty simple: always try to find joy in life’s little moments.
For me, a moment that I absolutely adore in my day is when I make myself a hot tea with foamed milk and drink it out of my favourite mug. When it’s cold out, I can drink four, five, sometimes even six teas a day, whether I’m working or not—that’s how much it makes me feel good! It’s the epitome of comfort.
Another moment of happiness for me is, without a doubt, my nightly bath with essential oils and plenty of candles for ambience. The hot water, the hypnotizing flames . . . it’s so good for the soul. It’s become the favourite moment of my day, a little ME time before heading to bed!
You could also curl up next to a source of heat and just unwind. Or take a nap, if your schedule permits. Sometimes, you need to set some time aside for YOU, without feeling guilty about it.
And what about gratitude?
Gratitude is an attitude that’s essential when it comes to a hygge lifestyle. It’s important to realize just how lucky you are and to be grateful towards yourself and others.
Appreciating your home and having a sense of comfort, security, and calm; nothing beats stepping into your house and feeling such an overwhelming sense of well-being. After all, your home is like your own little “cocoon of comfort”.
So hygge is basically a little bit of all this. Small changes to your routine, to your home, and to your attitude, a willingness to take care of yourself and others. In this era where everything moves so fast, it’s important to slow down. Give yourself permission to do that, to breathe, to listen to what your body and soul both need, no matter where you are. So, are you in?
