Winter is here! Whether you’re in the Chicago area, in the British Columbia, Texas or Florida, it is STILL winter, and with that comes an opportunity to embrace this change of season. For many however, the snow, the colder temperatures and shorter days seem to contribute to bad moods and longing for warmer days. But what if you practiced and spread a little hygge? What is “hygge” you ask? Well, back in 2016, Oxford Dictionary featured as a finalist for “word of the year” a Danish word called “hygge”, pronounced “hoo-guh” made the list. There is no English word that directly translates to this word, but “cozy” comes close. The Danish definition of hygge is: a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being. This thought, this term, this attitude, this lifestyle of a Scandinavian coziness had begun to make significant inroads with an international audience! At least six books about hygge were published in the United States this year, with more to come in 2017.
Meik Wiking, the author of The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets To Happy Living, and CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, says that hygge has been called everything from “the art of creating intimacy,” to “coziness of the soul,” and even, “cocoa by candlelight.” In his book, Wiking explains that you know hygge when you feel it, but that some of the key ingredients are togetherness, relaxation, indulgence, presence, and comfort. “The true essence of hygge is the pursuit of everyday happiness and it’s basically like a hug, just without the physical touch,” he says.
Before I suggest a strategy to apply a day with the hygge mindset, just peruse the following list of words, thoughts, and ideas to get yourself in the mood…
- Cardamom pods and cinnamon
- Wooly socks
- Arctic Sweater
- Hot Cocoa with marshmallows
- Nice cup of tea
- Board Games
- A good book
- Roaring Fire
- Your favorite sweats
- Snuggly blanket
- Stew in the crock pot
- Lit candles
- A blank to-do list
- Sharing a bowl of popcorn popped the old-fashioned way
- Your favorite movie watched from the couch
- A latte with a milk-foam heart
- Fresh baked cookies
- A walk outside after it first snows
- Flannel shirt paired with your favorite jeans
- Sitting around a fire pit with friends and a mug of a hot toddy
Are you feeling peaceful, calm, and cozy yet?
Winter is the most hygge time of year. It is candles, nubby woolens, shearling slippers, woven textiles, pastries, blond wood, sheepskin rugs, fresh brewed coffee in a beautiful mug, and a warm fireplace. According to an article from The NewYorker and author Ann Altman: Hygge can be used as a noun, adjective, verb, or compound noun, like hyggebukser, otherwise known as that shlubby pair of pants you would never wear in public but secretly treasure. Hygge can be found in a bakery and in the dry heat of a sauna in winter, surrounded by your naked neighbors. It’s wholesome and nourishing, like porridge; Danish doctors recommend “tea and hygge” as a cure for the common cold. It’s possible to hygge alone, wrapped in a flannel blanket with a cup of tea, but the true expression of hygge is joining with loved ones in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
There does not need to be anything fancy or expensive to bask in hygge, in fact, that is an important distinction of what this is all about-- appreciating the simple pleasures of life! And what this means to you personally, may be a little different from someone else, but there are some common threads, with the most important being the mindset associated with relaxation, simple indulgence, and gratitude. Hygge has long been considered a part of the Danish national character. a practical way of creating sanctuary in the middle of very real life.”
So what is the next step in embracing a little hygge in your life? Here is a suggestion of a strategy how you might go about it:
Clear your schedule! Or at least an hour, or an afternoon.
Create the perfect environment. When Danes are asked what they most associate with hygge, 85% say CANDLES. So perhaps pick-up a bag of 20 tea lights, or collect your stash and light them ALL! (finding candles in the classroom and the boardroom is common place for the Danish!).
Grab your coziest blanket and set up camp! Whether you decide to watch a movie, read a book, or enjoy some music, a blanket you love is a must.
Speaking of cozy, grab your sweats, leggings, favorite wool sweater, hoody- or whatever you love to be comfortable and cozy in. Ok, you got that on? Now bask in the glory of the dreamy comfort!
Create a menu to indulge mindfully. Even a simple bowl of oatmeal or porridge in a special bowl can be very hygge! Take the time to bake, cook, prepare something that just sounds GOOD. And savor it! Get a stew simmering, or a hearty soup, some brownies, or whatever might smell and taste amazing! Close your eyes and take a bite!
Combine all of the above with a relaxing activity. Play cards or a board game, knit or crochet, read a book, put on Netflix, pet the dog, are just a couple ideas. You can even create a “hyggekrog”- which roughly translates to a “nook”, where you can really create a sanctuary of the spirit of this mindset.
Hygge is something we can all do right now to practice self care that is simple, sincere, and approachable. Finding a way to make the everyday pleasures more mindful, joyful and even beautiful will not only benefit you personally, but can impact and spread to those around you. Put a little bit of thought into it, and see how you can make this winter one touched with a little of that hygge spirit!