How to Use Hygge to Get Through the Winter

A few years back the New Yorker deemed 2016 The Year of Hygge. Since then the Danish quality of coziness and comfort is becoming a staple in North America. I’m always looking for new ways to bring mindfulness and wellbeing into my life so I decided to do a bit of research on what Hygge is and how you can bring it into your home this winter.

If you’re new to the concept of Hygge here’s what you need to know… Hygge (pronounced Hoo-guh) is a Danish term used to describe a quality of living in which comfort and contentment are at the forefront. What makes Hygge interesting is that it can be defined differently by each person. The idea is to incorporate practices, habits, objects, and traditions that make you feel a sense of comfort and familiarity.

This means that it doesn’t have to be about buying a ton of things like cozy blankets or candles but rather using things that you may already have to elicit a feeling of contentment. This could be as simple as taking the time to actually notice the flavours in your usual cup of coffee or smiling as you approach people on the sidewalk instead of burying your head in your phone.

Winter is a particularly Hygge time of year because it’s already full of beautiful, cozy moments. Creating memories with friends and family around the holidays, enjoying a decadent cup of hot cocoa and using all of your most snuggly throw blankets are great ways to be Hygge this winter.

Here are some more ways you can use Hygge to get through the cold and dark winter months.

Embrace mood lighting

Candles are a great way to incorporate Hygge into your home. They create a warm and cozy ambiance. Scented candles aren’t necessary but your favourite scent might make you feel more content as it brings back feelings of nostalgia. If you can, dim the lights in your home to create a warm glow - the perfect environment to get your Hygge on.

Appreciate the small things

As I mentioned above, Hygge isn’t about rushing out to get all sorts of home decor or candles. But it is about acknowledging the beauty in your everyday life. Practicing gratitude daily, giving a friend a compliment or sharing a story over a cup of coffee are things we may already be doing, but being aware of these experiences allows us to incorporate Hygge seamlessly into our lives.

Spend low-key time with your friends and family

While Hygge can be found in the solitary act of reading or painting while wearing your coziest slippers, it’s quality time spent with friends and family that’s instrumental in recreating this Scandinavian way of life. Having meaningful discussions, sharing hearty laughs and a delicious meal together are key ways to add Hygge to your life. Trying a new experience together as a way to create and connect with your loved ones is also a great way to practice Hygge! 

Above all, what’s important when incorporating Hygge in your life is being present in moments shared with your favourite people. Picture a group of friends drinking some mulled wine, swapping stories around a crackling fire as snowflakes gently fall outside. That’s what Hygge is about.

There are so many ways we can bring a little more of this feeling into our day to day, especially over these next few cold months.

How will you incorporate Hygge into your life? Feel free to share in the comments below!