Five Ways To Add A Little Hygge To Your Life

For a long time I dismissed Hygge as a fad, a bandwagon that everyone was jumping on. But recently, as I’ve come to embrace mindfulness, self care and a deeper connection to nature, I’ve changed my mind. I’ve realised that Hygge is already an important part of my life.

Hygge which is pronounced Hue-ga, is a Danish word to describe a feeling. It’s that warm and cozy feeling, a sense of gratitude, of joy in simple pleasures.

It’s well-known that Denmark is considered one of the happiest countries in the World and Hygge is a very important part of Danish culture – it’s principles light up the long Scandinavian Winters.

The sense of well-being that hygge offers is something we can all benefit from all year round. But as the nights draw in this Autumn, it’s the perfect time to embrace the warm and fuzzy and add a little Hygge to your life.

Candlelight

The warm glow of fire is central to a Hygge filled home. Although a real open fire would be best, it isn’t a practical option in alot of houses – but we can all light candles! While the flame is miniscule compared to the crackle of flaming logs – it’s still fire! And it creates that lovely warm glow that makes you feel calm and relaxed.

Choose scented candles to add another layer of contentment. I love anything with a spicy scent, particularly patchouli, sandalwood and cinnamon.

Blankets – lots of them!

Warmth is crucial for Hygge. Whether it’s warm lighting, warm welcomes or warm toes and fingers.

Ensuring that you have decent curtains will stop drafts, reduce noise from outside and block out that annoying street-light! Tactile fabrics like velvet add another layer of texture to your room. But I don’t think anything increases a sense of Hygge more than blankets.

You can pick up a vast array of throws, quilts and blankets in charity shops and vintage fairs or you could even make your own. Something about wrapping yourself in a blanket seems to cocoon you against the world. Whether you’re curled up on the sofa with a book or huddled round a campfire with marshmallows.

Nature – get outside and bring it inside

Watching the seasons change is one of the simplest, most pure joys we can have. So during the day throw your curtains open. Even if it’s grey outside – fill your home with as much natural light as possible and enjoy the rain and snow, the sunsets or sunrise.

Bring nature inside. Bunches of flowers brighten any room but so do fir cones, shells and leaves. Perhaps you could display nature finds on your fireplace or coffee table.

Wrapped up against the cold is the perfect way to enjoy a leisurely walk at sunset And if you find a few nuts and berries to bring home for the kitchen then all the better!

Eat, drink and be merry

Food is a big part of Hygge. The Danes love to gather with friends and share a meal or a drink and nothing delights the senses more than the smell of baking wafting from the kitchen.

An afternoon spent preserving berries picked on a nature walk is frankly an afternoon well spent! Preserving is always more fun with friends so why not invite one or two to join you in jam making?

Hygge food tends to be uncomplicated and inviting. Tuck into a steaming bowl of soup, warm your hands on a delicious mug of hot chocolate or dip into a tin of quirky biscuits.

Craft

Hygge can’t always be about enjoying the company of loved ones. There won’t always be glasses clinking and crackly records playing – sometimes you’ll be all on your own. Sounds amazing doesn’t it 😁

So instead of switching on the telly, why not take up a new craft. There’s something thoroughly relaxing about making something with your own hands. Choose a craft that produces little mess and results in something beautiful to wear or decorate your home and you have the perfect Hygge craft. I suggest, knitting, crochet (something I just can’t seem to master!), embroidery, cross stitch or needle felting. All of which can be started with very little investment in materials and equipment.