hygge / hoog-uh / (hue-guh not hoo-gah)
noun – (especially in reference to the Danish lifestyle) the feeling of coziness and contentment evoked by simple comforts, as being wrapped in a blanket, having good conversations, enjoying food, etc . . .
adjective – cozy and comforting
Hygge is a Danish practice of winding down, getting cozy and comfortable, and indulging in relaxation. There are many ways to practice hygge, and all of them can bring you peace during your time of reset.
Hygge is a wonderful practice that can be done any time of the year, though people tend focus on it in the fall and winter months when the weather is cooler, it is darker outside, and the need for comfort and coziness becomes a priority.
Ultimately though, this is literally a lifestyle and one that makes my introverted soul happy in the idea of it all. I believe we as people desperately need to adopt some hygge into our lives. And the sooner the better for each of us and our households.
Bring Nature in Your Home
An easy way to start practicing hygge is to bring nature back into your home. Instead of using fake plastic plants, consider getting some live plants. It does take more time and attention to care for them, but it can really help you to connect with nature and even improve the oxygen in your home.
Try these succulents (and any others you find!) because they always look amazing and are easy to care for. No green thumb needed! Which is perfect for people like me.
This Peace Lily plant is a wonderful indoor plant that can also help purify the air in your home. Good clean air will help eliminate many toxins and contaminates from your home which in turn helps your body release those things too.
Another option is to start getting fresh flowers every weekend when you go to the supermarket or farmer’s market. It allows you to create a delightfully homey environment, which is wonderful for hygge.
Think Soft, Cozy Materials
Hygge is all about comfort and relaxation, so try to use more soft and cozy materials. This is both on your person and in your home.
Get some soft blankets to put on your bed and sofa, have plush carpets in areas of your home where you have cold tile or hardwood flooring, and put lots of pillows on your bed. Get thick, warm sweaters to wear indoors, and fuzzy socks or slippers.
This plush faux fur blanket will keep you wrapped in warmth when the temperatures dip. (And there are so many colors to choose from that will match your décor!
Kick off your heels and slide your feet into these fuzzy slippers and pamper your feet. After a long day this is exactly what you will need to step into the hygge lifestyle of comfort.
Set the Ambiance
Ambiance is also a big part of hygge, including using candles, dimming the lighting in your home, and using your fireplace on cold evenings. This is one of the reasons why people practice hygge more in the fall or winter months, as opposed to the summer. A big part of ambiance is not only controlling the lighting in your home, but making it warmer as well.
Love candles but not the smoke or smell? Check out these LED pillar candles are a safe way to add coziness to your home. These candles have a flickering flame for a realistic touch.
And if you don’t have access to a fireplace, this freestanding fireplace heater is a beautiful and modern substitute. It adds just the right touch to help set the mood that will help you achieve hygge.
Indulge in Relaxing Activities
Think of some activities that are soothing and relaxing. What do you typically do when you want to unwind? This is going to be completely unique to you. This might be curling up with a good book and cup of tea in the evenings, or working on an art project during the weekend. The activities should be soothing and calm your mind as you do them.
Learn more about hygge from this little book of cozy ideas.
And grab this book too, Hygge: Discovering the Danish Art of Happiness — How To Live Cozily And Enjoy Life’s Simple Pleasures
You will discover:
- Hygge’s origins and why it matters in today’s world.
- How to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and fully embrace minimalism.
- How to incorporate Hygge into all aspects of your life – even if you’re on a budget.
- How Hygge is more than just a concept
Millions of people around the world are turning to Hygge as a great way to live their lives.
You can now be a part of this amazing revolution, build a simpler life, and be happier, more content, and in control of your life.
Unplug as Often as You Can
Here is one of the most important pieces of information about hygge. With hygge, you want to unplug when you can. This is the time to give your mind a break, stop taking in so much news and information, and just relax.
Shut off the electronics, spend some quiet time outdoors, or snuggle into your cozy blanket and maybe read that book you’ve been putting off.
Like anything else, the more you practice hygge the more it will become a part of you. And seriously, wouldn’t you like to relax more and enjoy life? I know I would.
Enjoy putting hygge into practice in your home.
In His Grace,
Callie
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