The Danish word hygge (prounounced "hoo-guh") means something different to everyone. The meaning is elusive because, in essence, hygge is more about creating a feeling or an atmosphere than anything else. Some would say that it is about cultivating days that you love. Others might say that it is about being present and spending time with family and friends. No matter how you define hygge, it has become popular all over the world.
What's the Hype about Hygge?
Denmark is often ranked as the happiest country in the world. The Danes take their hygge seriously and it shows. They spend their time pursuing warmth, comfort, slowness, intimacy, rusticity and simplicity. This year, the United States ranked 16th out of 146 countries on the happiness scale. The data comes from the Gallup World Poll, which scores countries across factors such as gross domestic product per capita, social support, life expectancy, freedom to make choices, generosity and perceptions of corruption.
And while the U.S. has moved up in the world in the happiness ranks, coming in at number 19 last year, we still have a long way to go. The NBC “Stress in America” poll that was published earlier this year found that a majority of U.S. adults have been pushed to unprecedented levels of stress. Two years of a pandemic coupled with financial troubles, impending war and rising costs of everyday items such as gas and groceries mean that it is no wonder that we are all seeking ways to alleviate the tension that exists in our daily lives. And, with fall upon us, what better time to slow things down and tune in to our needs. There are several ways to get into hygge. Here are just a few.
Get social
Spending quality time with friends is an excellent way to alleviate stress and improve our overall happiness. The key to making it a hygge occasion is to keep it to just a few friends rather than a large party. Connection with close friends and those we love in a comfortable environment provides the hallmark trait of true hygge. Most Danes believe that meeting with just three or four people on a weekly basis is the best way to maintain a hygge lifestyle. Whether it’s meeting for coffee on a Saturday afternoon or a regularly scheduled dinner, the consistency keeps us connected with our friends and family and in the hygge mentality.
Good food and drink
A good hygge food experience is warm and comforting. This practice can be enjoyed at home or at your favorite restaurant. The idea is to create an intimate, casual and slow experience. Home-cooked, however, will always be more hygge than store-bought. Hearty chili and lasagna, warm rolls and bread and steaming bowls of soup are great for fall and offer a cozy feel. For dessert, think cookies, pastries and warm, deep-dish apple pie.
Hygge drinks tend to be served warm. Mulled wine and spiked hot apple cider are wonderful on a chilly night. Tea and hot chocolate are good too, but the Danes’ favorite hygge drink is hot coffee. According to “The Little Book of Hygge,” the Danes are the fourth-biggest coffee drinkers in the world. Treat yourself to your favorite warm coffee drink, and you will be well on your hygge way.
Get outside and disconnect
Although most things hygge tend to be inside, a trip outdoors can also be considered a part of the hygge lifestyle. When we step outside and disconnect from cell phones, email and all other distractions, we are able to regain balance in the world. Spending time in nature is one of the best ways to relieve stress and improve your mood.
Whether you rent a cabin for the weekend or take a long hike in the woods, it is a great place to soak up the hygge. If you live in a city, go visit a public park to get closer to nature. Walk or take a bike to work to enjoy the outdoors. Merely being outside will greatly boost your hygge.
Get into the season
Fall and winter are great times of year to embrace hygge. As temperatures start to drop outside, gathering inside around a cozy fire with family and friends, watching movies and sharing good food are all great ways to enjoy hygge. Wrap up in big cozy sweater and enjoy walking through the local farmer’s market. Take the family for a hike in the mountains. Go ice skating and enjoy a big mug of hot chocolate. There are so many winter and fall activities that bring out the hygge.
Hygge is about creating everyday happiness with good friends and family, enjoying the moment, and surrounding yourself with all things comfortable and cozy. Join the hygge movement and find what works for you!
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Photo courtesy Pixabay/Monikas_Wunderwelt
Barbara Bauer is a Georgia-based blogger obsessed with inspiring others in the pursuit of self-development. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, drinking way too much coffee, and speaking with a British accent whenever possible.
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