Although there is no literal translation, hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) alludes to a feeling of cosy intimacy and contentment. It’s all about creating feelings of happiness, friendliness and wellbeing within everyday life.
It’s about finding deeper meaning within ordinary life and establishing a meaningful, mindful connection with the world. Hygge is not about grand gestures, but rather, embracing little luxuries everyday in order to foster a sense of familiarity, comfort and kinship.
1. Spend quality time with friends and family
We all know that having a good time with people we love makes us happy. But when was the last time you sat around a big table with all of your nearest and dearest and shared stories until the wee hours? Laughing, joking and being together – this is hygge.
2. Sit by a roaring fire
Few things evoke feelings of cosiness and warmth more than a roaring fire during the coldest months or a wonderful campfire outside with friends.
3. Keep things simple
Why spend hours cooped up in the kitchen, agonising over recipe books to create complicated dishes. Do things the Danish way and keep the food simple. Whether you choose soap, roast chicken or a salad, always opt for something delicious that can be put together with minimum fuss.
4. Dim the lights and use candles instead
Danes love candles, and so do we. The flickering flames create an ephemeral glow and add a brooding sense of atmosphere to even the dankest room.
5. Decorate the inside with the outside
Danes are big fans of bringing the outdoors inside: Think exposed stone walls, wooden floors, huge tables made from great trees and, of course, big piles of logs ready to be thrown on a roaring open fire.
6. Bake bread
The smell of a freshly baked loaf wafting through the house is about as hygge is it gets. Kneading the dough can be very cathartic and tucking into a home-made bake, straight from the oven, with family and friends, is one of life’s great simple pleasures.
7. Don’t deprive yourself
Hygge is all about indulging in the good things in life, the things that make us truly happy – which, yes, often means eating cake!!
9. Get outside
it’s all about balance and living a good, healthy life – so exposure to nature is absolutely key. Going for a walk, wearing a warm woolly scarf with the wind whipping up your hair or enjoying the sun on your face,
That is 100% hygge too. Then come home, light a candle and relax! x
