How To Hygge Like You Know It

Monday, February 6, 2017


I love words. And especially words that encapsulate a feeling, like the inuit word "Iktsuarpok", meaning the sense of anticipation as you wait for someone's visit to your house. So, how could I let go of a beautiful word like Hygge without sharing it with everyone.

Hygge(n.) a Danish ritual of enjoying life's simple pleasures.

It's a Danish word. And as everyone knows, all things good and stylish come out of the Scandinavian countries. Think white interiors and minimal, uncluttered furniture. Yup! So, is it even a surprise that Hygge is a Danish concept?

Hygge is a lifestyle. Scandinavian countries have really long, cold winters and the Danes don't let that get them down. They just Hygge.

What is Hygge? Contentment. Happy thoughts. Watching TV under a  cozy throw. Reading a good book. Conversations with friends. That long phone call with your best friend, Hot cup of tea in the morning. It's that feeling of coziness, when everything feels right with the world.  Anything that gives you that warm, cozy feeling is Hygge. Encapsulating all these things is the concept of Hygge.


How To Bring In Hygge Into Your Life: 

  • GET RID OF YOUR PHONE
Less Technology = More Hygge. Play your favourite music while making dinner instead of having the TV on in the backgound. Hang out with friends, call someone, read a book.

  • BUY CANDLES, LOTS AND LOTS OF IT

                                                Buy candles and light them. The dim lighting helps to soften the home and the surrounding and gives you the right amount of coziness in your heart.

  • COMFORT FOOD
                        Going out to restaurants and eating food that you cannot pronounce is so overrated. Hygge is simplifying your life and finding joy in uncomplicated things.


  • INVITE FRIENDS OVER & DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE MENU
                           Hygge involves being with friends and family. Just enjoy the company by sharing a simple meal or just a cup of coffee.


Winter can be tough, do the things that bring warmth and joy to your heart. Slow down. 

Hygge is about finding the extraordinary in the mundane  ordinary things of life. And the Danes must be right. Isn't Denmark the happiest country, according to a recent survey? 

3 comments

  1. I love this word/ritual! It really is a way of being isn't it? Yes to more happiness and contentment :)

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  2. Ooooh I love this! Knew this word all along but never really understood the meaning. We all need more Hygge in our lives. I feel I was born to just Hygge! 😁

    ReplyDelete