Hygge Happiness
Have you familiar with the Danish concept of hygge?
As the days get shorter and colder, it’s easy to settle into a funk. Hygge (which is pronounced “hoo gah,”) originates in Denmark and is more of a sensation than anything specific. Hygge is a state of being or, more accurately, a mood; a new perspective on life that encourages slowing down and appreciating the wonderful, simple things in life.
Many people’s perceptions of their home and work lives are shifting as a result of this lifestyle trend. The term is loosely translated to mean “cosiness” or the sensation of being hugged.
Doesn’t THAT make you feel all warm and fuzzy?
Embracing the hygge lifestyle is rather easy as simplicity is the foundation. Here are five easy and simple ways you may make the season a little less bleak by embracing the Danish way of life.to bring some cosiness to your life during the dark days of winter:
1. Embrace, warm, easy-to-prepare comfort food
Hygge instils a sense of contentment. It is not really hygge if you’re running about trying to cook the ideal, Pinterest-worthy, warm meal. Consider chilli, homemade soups and stews as examples. Something simple, warming, and delectable soothes the soul.
2. Elevate the ambience
Our sense of smell has a strong psychological impact. The worst odours can entirely detract from our enjoyment of almost any location. Pleasant fragrances, on the other hand, can be used to achieve hygge at home because they improve our mood and the atmosphere of a space. Participants who were given three minutes of lavender aromatherapy felt less melancholy and more relaxed, according to a study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience.
If lavender is not your fragrance of choice there are so many others that may bring a soothing element. For me, I simply love the scent of sea salt & sage, sandlewood and amber. It’s all about what you love and makes you happy.
3. Get cozy
This is the time of year to bring out those super soft, or down throw blankets. If even watching the news on TV, but better yet with a good book or movie, there is something so soothing about being snuggled in on the couch. Cozy up!
4. Get outside
There is something very therapeutic about enjoying the outdoors even though the cold may have you thinking otherwise. The Danes are renown for their love of nature. If it’s cold out, bundle up before your walk (see our post Gear Up for some of our favourite cold weather gear to make that outing more appealing). If possible, bring something warm to drink and a friend or two. Make sure to take your time enjoying nature.
5. Lighten up
With the days being shorter, creating a glow in your home space is good for the soul. If you are fortunate enough to have a fireplace, light a fire whilst you enjoy that end of day cup of tea (or other bevvie of choice!). The flicker of flame and the soft glow is truly a tonic. Alternatively (or in conjunction with), up your candle game.
The soft glow of several candles is especially comforting especially if they have a lovely fragrance. Our shop’s “Chalet” candle has a baseline fragrance notes of amber, cedar wood and tobacco, with top notes of vanilla and birch. The scent brings me back to our skiing and chalet getaways…sigh!
Hygge has long been a way of life in Denmark first documented in the 1800’s, and yet it only truly came onto the North American trend radar in 2016. When you look at its philosophy and the ease of incorporating it into your every day life, it’s a surprise we have not embraced it sooner.
This may well be a contributing factor as to why Danes have been rated one of the happiest countries in the world year after year.
I’m all about happy during the long winter months.
Happy hygge to all.
xoxo ~ S
