The Art of Danish Hygge: Living Cozy All Year Long

When you look at the word, “hygge,” does it remind you of “hug”? Do you get inspired to cuddle a loved one or cuddle yourself under a big, warm blanket with a hot chocolate and a great book?

If it does, you wouldn’t be too far off the mark from understanding the Danish art of hygge.

In the frozen winters of Denmark, the hygge tradition (pronounced hoo-ga) helps the Danes live a happy, cozy lifestyle. It’s where “hugs” meet “well-being.” And, Danes are ranked the Happiest People on Earth as of the 2016 World Happiness Index. They must be on to something.

It might be fun if we can learn to “hygge all year long.” After all, we could all use an upgrade in our happiness index, couldn’t we?

Top 9 Tips for Hygge-Level Coziness

1. Appreciate the Spirit of Hygge.

Hygge is more than a list of procedures to follow.

Imagine one of the most contented feelings of your life. Maybe it was sitting on a warm, sunny beach, or waiting for grandma to pull a batch of chocolate chip cookies out of the oven. Hygge is like that – a feeling.

It’s like invoking good feelings from within and adding the physical comforts to help you hold that feeling, so you can make it through the winter feeling really good. Conceivably, that should work all year round.

2. Adjust Your Pace.

We always hear that we should slow down, but in reality, there are seasons where our get-up-and-go is at a peak. We can take advantage of that. By the same token, slowing down and savoring the good things in life is very nurturing during the cold winter months, which seem to invite a dreamier atmosphere.

Do you feel busy and overwhelmed? Look for simpler ways to get the same things done, and when you have to do it the old-fashioned way, look for ways to feel grateful. For example, if you’ve got to pull weeds, be happy you have hands. If you’re looking for Christmas gifts, let yourself relax and look through the eyes of a child or the person you’re shopping for. It can make the experience a lot more fun and invigorating.

3. Pretend You’re a Cat.

You know how cats love to curl up in a warm, sunny place or in some soft bedding to stay warm? Strive to be like that. Create a little place in your home that’s very special. Think of the lighting, colors, and textures in the area. Have some blankets or throw pillows you can use to create a restful, maybe luxurious mini-retreat space. You can go there to read, sip that hot chocolate, or just daydream. Know that every moment you nurture yourself this way, you’re making an awesome investment.

Like the other tips above, your secret life as a cat can be useful in any weather.

4. Have a No-Worries Get-Together.

In Denmark, families often gather together in winter to socialize in lieu of going out to an event, but they’ve found a worry-free way to do it. Instead of putting yourself through all the stress of cooking for a big dinner party, ask your guests to bring some ingredients and make the cooking a group project. It’s a fresh, fun idea for those who always feel they’ve got to slave over creating an awesome meal, worrying about seating, and playing hostess with the mostess.

In short, get the most spiritual nourishment out of the event with the least trouble and the most fun.

This same idea can be used with a coffee party. Or, in summer, you could do it on the beach!

5. Remember that Nature is Beautiful 24/7/365.

Try taking a trip into the forest, out to the beach, or to any local area to enjoy the winter splendor. If you’re creative, you can bring some hot drinks, snacks, and blankets to enjoy the chilly view from the warm car. I have a friend who has a favorite dead-end road in her town. It takes zero time to drive there, but the sunset view is spectacular year-round.

Some families like to go camping in the winter, which is quite invigorating and uplifting for some. If it feels more like work than fun, then it’s not hygge for you. Hygge can morph to suit the needs of each person. Again, use nature to inspire that good feeling no matter what the time of year.

6. Take a Techno-Break.

No, I don’t mean to take a break from work and go to an electronic games gallery. I mean that once in a while, we should do the exact opposite: turn off the phone, turn off the computer, and turn off the TV.

In an older, simpler time, families used to entertain each other in the evenings with music, readings, and discussions. I wouldn’t force your teenagers to participate in something like this, but I do think it’s good for your eyes and great for the soul to simply do something else besides stare at an electronic screen.

Want to stretch the benefits? Do it for at least a few hours a week year-round.

7. Apply Aroma Therapy.

Everyone responds to scents. Think of a hospital where you’ve been disturbed by a strong antiseptic smell, and compare it to the heavenly scent of a beautiful perfume or bouquet of roses. Scent can be one of the most uplifting elements of a healthy environment, and shouldn’t be overlooked.

If you ask people what their fondest memories of grandma’s cookies are, they will often remember the scent of them baking in the oven rather than the taste.

8. Find the Right Stimulation.

If you suffer psychologically from the shorter days the way some people do, think of things you can do to stimulate the senses into a sense of luxury. Wear bright-colored sweaters of various textures; move the picture arrangement around in your house; bring a new plant to your office or find a new way to inject color; play your favorite old records; visit a child and give the parents a date night out. There are a lot of ways to be creative, lifting your own spirit as you lift those of others.

Some people will find it hard to be creative. Having some supportive friends to pull off a “goofy sweater day” or suggest other ideas might be helpful to you. The idea is to find ways to feel warm, cozy, and lighthearted.

9. Realize That This is Temporary.

As sure as winter came to your house, it will pass. Make the winter a reason to celebrate and enjoy the quiet beauty of the season. As you do, remember that the warmer months are on the way, and they’re a reason to celebrate the variety that this earth has to offer.

And, if you’re inspired by what you get out of this process, extend it throughout the year so you can hygge all year long.

Which of these ideas appeals to you the most, and which have you tried? What’s your favorite mood elevator or self-care ritual during the winter season?

Hygge and Love,