The first time I heard about the concept of hygge (pronounced hyoo guh) was from the literary legend that is Susie Dent.
Describing Jon Richardson as ’hygge incarnate’ on 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, she explained that the Danish concept is all about embodying cosiness and comfort. It’s about contributing towards a more joyful and balanced lifestyle.
Something we all know the Nords do in spectacular fashion.
And what better time to embrace hygge than when it’s cold and windy outside (currently thanking storms Isha and Jocelyn for hibernating inside)?
But really, this is a year-round concept and one that I implore you to embrace.
Here are eight simple ways to do just that.
Create a cosy space (or two) for yourself
Whether it’s your bedroom, living room, snug or even your office, this year it’s all about arranging your living space to be cosy and inviting.
This can be done with bundles of beautiful blankets, plush pillows, cosy cushions, and maybe even a fireplace if you’ve got one! It’s really just about creating a comfortable atmosphere and a place where you’re happy to spend your time.
A place that instantly makes you feel happier or makes your day a bit better.
Introduce warm lighting - everywhere!
Whether it’s candles, fairy lights or flickering lamps, hygge is all about soft, warm lighting and I, for one thing, love a bit of mood lighting! I always have some cute little fairy lights or scented candles on the go.
This lighting encourages relaxation and tranquillity and gives you the opportunity to slow down and unwind.
This year is all about comfy clothing
I’m aware that I’m very fortunate, I get to live and work in my comfy leggings and an oversized sweatshirt, and I do this a lot.
I am ALL about the comfy clothes.
But if you don’t do this enough, it’s time you did!
Come home from work? Chuck on some joggers and a big jumper. Working out? Leggings and a baggy Tee. Going to see friends, wide-leg trousers and a cosy jumper.
Basically, what I’m saying is whenever the opportunity arises to be comfy then take it. Especially when you’re sitting around relaxing, but even as you go about your daily life.
Tight, uncomfortable clothes are OUT this year and comfort is very much in.
Surround yourself with all the things you love
Whether it’s watercolours on the wall, houseplants, flowers, hand-crafted coffee mugs or piles of books, it’s time to surround yourself with the things you love.
You can incorporate these into your interior design or simply make sure you have plenty around the house so they will always bring you joy.
Connect with nature
Bringing natural elements into your home and workspace can create a soothing atmosphere and houseplants famously boost the mood and improve the air quality.
That is why I have so many.
But it doesn’t just have to be plants. Wooden features or furniture, natural art or photographs, indoor water features or even just flooding the room with natural light can all contribute towards this joyful feeling.
You could even have an indoor herb garden or introduce natural scents to your home. All of this can help to generate positive emotions like calmness, joy and creativity.
Take back the simple pleasures in life
Hygge isn’t just about the physical space around you, it’s also about the activities, routines and habits you introduce into your daily life that create happiness and balance. It’s about indulging in self-care.
This might be having coffee with friends once a week, your evening skincare routine, going for a dog walk or preparing a comforting meal each day.
Even these simple tasks can bring immense joy and you need to make sure you take the time out to appreciate this. That is why hygge is also about practising mindfulness. Taking time to slow down and take back the simple pleasures in life.
Work on building stronger connections
Part of creating a comforting and warm lifestyle is also about cultivating strong relationships with those in your life. It’s about spending quality time with friends and family, as well as contributing to the local community.
For example, we recently went on a family getaway - with my cousins and their partners - to a cosy converted barn in Devon. It snowed while we were there, so we enjoyed the hot tub in the snow, played board games, drank wine and sat in front of the log fire.
It was an all-around perfect weekend and hygge is always so much better when celebrated with others.
Take some time away from technology
The final suggestion on this list is to give yourself plenty of opportunities to disconnect from technology.
Sure, we live in a digital world and lots of us rely on technology to do our jobs, as well as lots of other daily activities.
But hygge encourages you to switch off every now and then. To do something that doesn't involve looking at a screen, or at the very least, doesn’t require you to be totally immersed in what’s happening on the screen.
You might want to read a book, have coffee with a friend, or even phone someone while you snuggle under a blanket. However you choose to switch off, just give yourself a break from technology every now and then.
It’s time to embrace hygge this year!
Just remember that hygge is all about bringing joy and happiness to your life, so some of these suggestions might not be for you. For example, you might hate burning candles, taking a long soak in the bath or seeing your family (it happens).
So ultimately, it’s about creating a cosy, comfortable and happy life that fills you with joy. And that can be achieved however you like.