What is Hygge & How To Use It To Survive These Lingering Days of Winter

If you’ve been anywhere on social media in the last 6 months you may have seen this funny word hygge start popping up, and thought what on earth is that?? Well, the good news is it doesn’t require you buying anything and it’s an excellent way to thrive in these remaining days of winter (and all the days). So here’s your hygge how to, just in time for the chilly remaining days of winter.

What is Hygge??
First of all, it’s pronounced hue-guh. This Danish concept is basically an approach to life that embraces being present and choosing to find any feeling or moment as cozy, full of joy, or special. The Scandanavian region particularly values this as most of their winter months are spent in darkness (like 18 hours of it per day) yet they can still choose a life of joy in that season.

How To Hygge
Simply said, get cozy! Whatever that might mean to you, product may vary, outcome remains the same. Here are some ideas to get started:

1 | Pick your favorite everyday place
Perhaps a bay window with a cushioned windowsill or a plush leather chair next to a fireplace.

2 | Make it extra special
String up some twinkle lights, bring home some fresh flowers, and maybe add a few polaroids of your loved ones. Most importantly though, is switching to natural light. Whether that’s a fireplace or a plethora of candles, your body is soothed in natural lighting. 

3 | Get cozy yourself
Put on your comfiest PJ’s, chunkiest wool socks, and wrap up in your softest throw blanket. Bonus points for fur pillows.

4 | Food & Bev
Turn on the kettle and seep an extra special tea, or grind up your favorite bold coffee and pop it in the French press. Top it off with your favorite comfort treat if needed.

5 | Analog activities
Put your phone on DND and pick up a new book, maybe start with The Little Book of Hygge to really get you acquainted with the lifestyle, or start reading from any of our favorite inspirational books. If you are artistically inclined, grab a sketch pad and do some therapeutic drawing, or take a stab at writing. Journaling actually is hugely helpful for finding and building your dreams.

No matter what you do, the whole point of Hygge is that you are repositioning your mentality to that of joy and gratitude. In a world filled with so much hustle, when do we actually stop and be present? Start today.

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