While everyone was busy preparing for the holidays, Old Man Winter sneaked in when we weren’t looking and set up house. Here we are in the second month of the new year, and it is clear that he has made himself comfortable and is in no rush to move along. I don’t know about you, but the shortest month of the year always feels like the longest to me. I begin to weary of the harsh weather and while I know the days are finally getting longer, it doesn’t happen fast enough. So I’ve been researching ways to overcome the inevitable grumpiness that accompanies this time of year, and one word has consistently popped up on my computer screen: hygge.
I have to admit, I had heard of the concept of hygge but didn’t really have an understanding of it. The word originates from the Old Norwegian language, although it has largely been embraced as the essence of the Danish culture for the last couple of centuries. As a nation, their winters are long and dark, yet they are consistently some of the happiest people on the planet, which is good reason to take note of their practices.
Hygge, pronounced hoo-gah or hew-geh, is more about a feeling than a specific lifestyle, however. Defined as “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being,” you’ve most likely practiced hygge without even realizing it: snuggling under a blanket to watch a movie or enjoying a simple meal with close friends and family all fit the bill if they elicit a feeling of comfort and simplicity for your soul.
Following is a list of ideas to help you better understand hygge. It is not meant to be used as a checklist to of items to accomplish, but rather to help you start thinking about the things that bring contentment and coziness for you.
1. Lights. Think layers: dim down the lights, add candles, start a fire in the fireplace. Perhaps add a string of twinkle lights if that warms your spirit!
2. Soothing aromas. Research has shown that scents can have positive effects on mood and stress reduction, so light your favorite scented candle, fill a diffuser with a lavender-based essential oil mix, or even simmer a pot of spices on the stove.
3. Create a nest. Chunky knitted throws, fluffy blankets and soft pillows are all necessities in creating a cozy nook to curl up in.
4. Get comfy. Even the Danes have those sweatpants or PJ bottoms that are not for public use but get plenty of mileage in the home—wear them with abandon matched with an oversized sweatshirt and a thick pair of socks or fluffy slippers.
5. Warming drinks. Warm yourself up from the inside out by making yourself a cup of your favorite tea, hot chocolate, or pour a glass of red wine.
6. Entertainment. Keeping it simple is key: invite a few friends over for a light meal and games, watch your favorite movie or dig into that book you’ve been meaning to read. Phones and computers are definitely off limits!
7. Bring the outside in. Even in winter there are beautiful branches and foliage to be found—evergreens, pine cones, curly willow or colorful branches such as red twig dogwood and birch are a few of the items you may find. Go on an easy expedition down the road or to your local park to gather a few items and find a container to display them in.
Most of all, remember to keep it simple! It’s about finding contentment in the simple things of life. Listen to your heart and be intentional in acknowledging the people and things that warm your soul.
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