How to Create a Hygge Lifestyle
Creating a hygge lifestyle doesn’t have to start with how you decorate. Getting in the hygge mindset and finding some small things in your surroundings can help you create the hygge lifestyle you’ve been craving.
Whether you are here because you’re wondering if I’m trying to make up a word or whether you want guidance on how to create a hygge lifestyle, let me first start with a definition. Hygge (hue-guh) is a Danish word that means “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being”. For example, have you ever been snuggled up in a cozy blanket with a book and a cup of cocoa in front of a fire?
That’s hygge!
Creating a hygge lifestyle does not have to be difficult. In fact, it should be the exact opposite. Hygge is being comfortable and cozy in the simplicity of life. It is a feeling rather than an event. I sometimes get sucked into the Pinterest views of hygge that make it feel like it has to look a certain way. That’s not true! Those pictures may evoke a feeling of hygge but if you get stressed thinking that you cannot create that, no sweat! You don’t need to create a specific look! It’s a feeling we are after and if you can create a feeling of hygge through different ways, then you are doing it right! Let me give you some tips on how you can create a hygge lifestyle in your own life that will leave you feeling hygge all year long.
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Creating a Hygge Lifestyle
Keep it Simple
Like I mentioned, we sometimes feel overwhelmed by the images of hygge we see. That goes against hygge though! Hygge is finding joy and comfort in simplicity. It’s about slowing down and enjoying the present. If you are finding stress in trying to create a hygge lifestyle, try taking a step back and resetting yourself. Take a deep breath and start by going through the list below!
Put Down Electronics
How many times have you been on your phone for an hour and felt satisfied afterwards? Chances are, not very often. That’s why setting aside electronics, like phones, tablets, and video games, is a good place to start when creating a hygge lifestyle. By all means, listen to music or find a movie to watch with the family or friends!
Light Candles
To some, candles are cozy. To others, a fire hazard. If you’re on the cozy team, don’t forget this step! A good-smelling candle can help create a smell of coziness.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
You can’t feel comfortable if you aren’t comfortable! Put on your comfy clothes and prepare yourself for hygge. Feel free to add fuzzy socks and sweaters if the weather permits!
Find a Cozy Blanket
I wasn’t much of a blanket person until I met Josh. Now I am happy and content with a cozy blanket. Unlike Josh though, the types of blankets I like are 100% different. He likes thick, heavy blankets. I like thinner, lighter blankets. Find the type of blanket that appeals to you and work it.
Find a Hygge Nook
This is less of finding a nook in your home, but more of finding a comfortable spot that you can hygge. For me, this is the corner of the couch. Recently though, I’ve migrated to our front room though. Just finding a place that you can get cozy and go to on a regular basis can help in creating a hygge lifestyle.
Focus on One thing at a Time
Hygge is simplicity. What is more simple than focusing on one thing at a time? With so many people working from home, it can be hard to leave work at work. If you can manage it, do it. Maybe that means only working in your office and not on the couch in your living room at all hours of the day. Maybe that means setting a hard stop for yourself at a specific time. This also extends to other things beyond work though. Whether you are a good multitasker or not. Splitting up your brain power creates a sense of chaos that is not conducive to hygge. Slow down to take care of one thing at a time.
Read a Book
When was the last time you sat down to read a physical book? For me, it’s been a while. I typically listen to books now as I do other things (multitasking! haha). Take some time to sit down in your nook with a cozy blanket to read a good book.
Cook Up your Comfort Food
A big part of hygge for me is food. Finding food that brings comfort to your soul will get you ready to hygge. For me, that’s a grapefruit and hot cocoa for breakfast, a warm sandwich for lunch, and soup in a sourdough bread bowl for dinner with some lava cake and ice cream for dessert.
Get Outside
Hygge does not mean you have to stay indoors all day. Bundling up and getting outside in the crisp air can do wonders to help create a hygge lifestyle. This can range from going for a bike ride or taking a stroll, or even heading for a short hike.
Cozy Up Next to a Fireplace
In the summer, this can seem unthinkable. That’s fine! Come fall and winter, let yourself snuggle up next to that fireplace though, especially if you just came from a walk or bike ride outside.
Add Plants
Bringing the outdoors indoors is a good way to create a cozy environment. Whether those plants are real or fake (most of mine are fake) having greenery in your house can help you get in a hygge mindset.
Find your People
A part of hygge is togetherness. I am an introvert at times though so being around a ton of people that I don’t know too well stresses me out. Being around a lot of people that I do know brings me joy though. Find your happy place and invite those people over for a hygge night of coziness, games, and treats. If those people are just your family members, that’s perfect!
There you have it! Following these steps will definitely have you on your way to creating a hygge lifestyle. What other ways have helped you create a hygge lifestyle for you and your family? I’d love to hear! To get more hygge ideas, check out these books.
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