What Is Hygge? Have You Heard Of This Cozy Danish Lifestyle?
In the wintertime, it can seem difficult to find the little joys in life. If you’re snowed in, you might be missing the sunshine and warm fresh air. Though, winter is actually one of the coziest times of the year – cuddling up with soft blankets, eating warm soups and soul food, lighting candles and warm lighting. There are so many little ways to find joy in the wintertime, so much so that TikTokers are turning toward hygge to help them find the little cozy moments of wintertime life.
What Is Hygge?
Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word that describes a mood of coziness – of comfortability, contentment and well-being. According to The New Yorker, “it derives from a sixteenth-century Norwegian term, hugga, meaning “to comfort” or “to console,” which is related to the English word hug.” Basically, hygge is the idea of incorporating slow living into your life, to bring in all aspects of cozy and relaxation when you have the chance. While this term has been getting popular in the United States since 2016, it has been recently making its rounds on TikTok. But how can you jump on this and feel the hygge yourself?
How To Hygge
Now that we know the general concept of hygge, how can you join in? Well, similar to slow living, hygge is really the focus on bringing in cozy and warm moments into your day-to-day life. It’s all about relaxing and taking time for yourself. This might mean lighting a candle and reading for an hour every day. Or maybe skip the shower and take a relaxing bubble bath instead. Instead of popping in a TV dinner, carve some time out to cook something or bake something. Slice some vegetables, measure out ingredients, and take a deep breath as you use food to create. During a busy week, see if there’s some time when you can spend time with your friends and family. Sometime when you can all just be together – relaxing and having fun. Learn a hands-on new hobby that doesn’t involve any screen time, maybe crochet, knit or embroider. Hygge can be incorporated into any aspect of your life. It’s all about taking time for yourself and finding peace and relaxation in the busy world we live in.
Learn more about Hygge
If you’re still a little bit confused about hygge and the history of it – there are thankfully so many resources available! First, read all about it with “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living” by Meik Wiking. This book is all about learning about hygge and how it can further be incorporated into your life. Next, dive even deeper with his next novel “My Hygge Home: How to Make Home Your Happy Place.” Tired of reading about it? Try to play “The Hygge Game” with your family, friends or partner. This game poses questions that will ignite deep and meaningful conversations to take place. In true hygge nature, you can spend some time with your loved ones and actually get to know them, instead of doing something surface level. Light a candle, make some food and ask each other questions all night. Want to experience hygge alone? This Hygge coloring book will allow you to rest and relax, taking some time to be with yourself and to reflect. Be mindful and take some time to clear your mind.
What is hygge? We hope this article has helped you figure it out and maybe even inspired you to give it a try! Let us know in the comments section if you have anything to add!