I’ve become so intrigued by the Danish concept of hygge over the past couple of years. I first saw it floating around the internet and heard that you actually pronounce it “hoo-ga,” which is still kind of hard for me to remember, haha. Nonetheless, I had to know what everyone was talking about.
The Danish people are some of the happiest in the world (despite their intensely bleak winters), and hygge is thought to be a big part of this. Last week, I finally buckled down and got a book about it to try and get more of a grasp on what it means.
I received The Little Book of Hygge
Hygge is a Danish word that can’t directly be translated into the English language, but certain words can help encompass the idea, such as coziness and warmth. Its all about making the day to day special.
The concepts in the Hygge manifesto included:
Atmosphere: good lighting and candles! Does it get better than this?
Presence: being present in the moment, no distractions, no phones.
Pleasure: chocolate, a good book, a warm conversation.
Equality: the attitude of “we” over “me.”
Gratitude: being grateful for the goodness that is already around you.
Harmony: it’s not a competition. we can all be accepted as we are.
Comfort: being physically comfortable. with your clothes, in a comfy space with blankets, etc.
Truce: no controversial conversation allowed.
Togetherness: building and reinforcing relationships.
Shelter: a place of peace and security.
Like, how great is this stuff?? I feel like incorporating these principles would be the perfect enhancement to my life and happiness.
I’ve just begun actually incorporating hygge in my day to day. I started with hot chocolate, and bundling up in a blanket, with cozy socks on, to read a book while my boys napped today. This was in replacement of the normal chores around the house, checking things off my to-do list, scrolling through social media, or getting caught up on texts. It was incredibly refreshing.
Other ideas of incorporating hygge in life could be a weekend in a cabin in the woods with a few loved ones, a picnic outside, with delicious food and no real agenda, or a relaxed and intimate movie night with a small group of friends.
How do you incorporate hygge in your life? Do you have any hyggelig (hygge-like) activities or traditions?
I’d love to hear your ideas and get some inspiration!