Hygge (pronounced “Hue Gah”) is hard to translate as it is more of a feeling rather than a word. Roughly translated it means “coziness.” We like to think of it as a feeling or mood created by taking genuine pleasure in ordinary, everyday moments. Well, who wouldn’t want to add a little more of that into their lives? This could be one of the explanations why Denmark is considered one of the happiest countries in the world.
The good news is, hygge is easy to add into your own life. You don’t need to redecorate your home, go out and buy expensive new things, or learn a new skill. Actually, you probably already have most of the things you need already under your own roof. Keep reading to see the simple changes you can make to add some hygge to your home and make you a happier person in general.
1. Find a Cozy Corner
Designate a relaxing spot in your home to sit and get cozy (hygge) after a long day of work. This can be a corner of the couch, a separate sitting room, or favorite oversized chair.
2. Stock Up on Unscented Candles
Add warmth to your surroundings by lighting a fire and/or lots of candles. You don’t need to make it pretty. The candles don’t even need to be scented. Just stack a bunch together or spread them throughout you home and light them all. The glow of the candle light will immediately relax you and put you in a good mood. Just make sure you remember to blow them all out!
3. A Soft Plush Blanket is a Must
Surround yourself in cozy and warm textures by slipping on your favorite wool socks or slippers and covering yourself in a soft plush blanket.
4. Drink Hot Beverages from Beautiful Mugs
Sip on a body-warming hot drink. Grab your favorite mug and make yourself some tea, cocoa, freshly brewed coffee, or even some hot mulled wine like the Danish do.
6. Stock Your Pantry With Comfort Food
Yummy comfort foods are a must. This isn’t the time to worry about calories. This is about indulging and not feeling guilty about it. Your hygge time is about nourishing and feeding your soul. So skip the celery and find a recipe for a homemade dish made with fresh ingredients or a family recipe for a rich decadent dessert.
7. Make Your Home Welcoming for Guests
Invite friends or family over. Hygge is all about connecting with loved ones and the people around you. Even if it’s just sitting and talking, watching a movie or listening to music. Connecting and spending time with people you love will definitely lift your mood and make you a happier, more relaxed person.
8. Go Outside or Bring the Outside In
Spend time outdoors. The Danish spend lots of time outside. They ride their bikes wherever the can, go for hikes and walks, and generally love to be in nature. Even if you start by just taking a 15-minute walk around your neighborhood, you’re adding that much more hygge into your life. No time for the outdoors that day? Research shows that even adding in natural greenery and plants to your home is good for your health and happiness. Click
No time for the outdoors that day? Research shows that even adding in natural greenery and plants to your home is good for your health and happiness.
9. Learn Why People Love Hygge
So, why the obsession with hygge? Well, this concept is obviously nothing new to the nordic. However, it’s becoming more of a trend here in the US. It may have something to do with the fact that we all crave a simple way to be happy and enjoy life.
After a long day, everyone deserves to make time for themselves. In a world full of comparing ourselves to others, over spending, depressing news, anxiety, technology overload, and the loss of human interaction, the concept of “self-love and nurturing” seems to get lost. Hygge is a way to take care of yourself and enjoy life’s simple moments in a completely attainable way.
10. Try Our Orange Spice Chai Tea Recipe
Want to add some hygge into your life? Try our Homemade Orange Spice Chai Tea Recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 Bags of Black Tea ( Darjeeling works nice but any black tea should do)
- 2 cups milk (use whole milk for a richer creamier tea or try almond or soy if you prefer a healthier alternative)
- 2 Cups Water
- 8 Cloves
- 8 Cardamom Seeds (or 1 teaspoon ground cardamom works as well)
- 4 Black Peppercorns
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1 Piece fresh Ginger Sliced
- Peels from 1/2 an orange
- 1/2 an orange zested
- Honey or Sugar to taste
How to Make It:
Using a medium sized saucepan over medium heat, add the water, cloves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom, peppercorns, and ginger. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and cover. Let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid back into the pot and return to heat. Add tea bags and let steep for an additional few minutes then add the orange peel and zest. Add the milk and honey or sugar. Strain into mugs and serve!
Challenge Yourself to Hygge Everyday
Try the Hygge Challenge. Every day this week, practice at least 4 of the ways we mentioned above that you can bring hygge into your life. After the 7th day, do you feel happier? We think it’s worth a shot to try it out and see!
