How to Hygge. 5 Ways to Embrace the Danish Secrets to a Happy Life!
The Danish know the secrets to living the happy life. Why haven’t Americans jumped on the bandwagon yet. We’re in desperate need of Hygge in this country. We tend to be overworked, highly stressed, we have a tendency to not put ourselves first or slow down even on vacation.
My amazing friend Dr. Erin Fiero first introduced me and my clients to Hygge during my fall weekend Pilates and wellness retreat on an amazing 100 acre farm two years ago. Tusculum Farm was the perfect setting to explain how to incorporate these secrets into your home and daily lifestyle. Since then I’ve been so intrigued to learn more and more about Hygge and it’s benefits.
So before we didin deeper. I’m sure you’re wondering what is Hygge and how the heck do youpronounce it!
What is Hygge and how do you say it!
Hygge is pronounced ‘hue-gah’ or “Hooga” There is no single English translation for Hygge, but it is often characterized as ‘togetherness’ or ‘coziness.’
It has been called everything from “the art of creating intimacy,” and “taking pleasure in from the presence of soothing things.”
It’s about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It’s also about being with people we love and a feeling of home, about feeling safe and shielded from the outside world where we can relax and let go of the things that cause stress and worry. It’s taking pleasure in the simple things in life.
Who is Hygge for and Where does it come from?
Hygge is for everyone and it first appeared in written Danish in the early 1800’s but the word is actually Norwegian. The original word in Norwegian means well-being, however hygge originates from the word “hug.” The word hugge means “to embrace.”
What you need to create Hygge.
Meik Wiking, author of “The Little Book of Hygge” states that the Hygge Manifesto includes these are the things you need.
- Atmosphere-Turn down the lights.
- Presence- Be in the now. Turn off electronics.
- Pleasure- Chocolate, cookies, candy, cakes.
- Equality- “We” over “me.” Share the tasks and the airtime.
- Gratitude-Take it all in. This might be as good as it gets.
- Harmony- It’s not about competition. We already like you. There is no need to brag about your achievements.
- Comfort-Get Comfy. Take a break. It’s all about relaxation.
- Truce-No drama.
- Togetherness-Build relationships and narratives.
- Shelter-This is your tribe. This is a place of security and peace.
5 Ways to incorporate Hygge into your home:
- Candlesare a must! If you want instant Hygge, candles are the first thing mentionedwhen creating the feel, mood and coziness to your home. Decorate with a varietyto create a warm cozy glow. Avoid ones with over powering fragrances. Also use dainty lights that warmand brighten the space.
- Createa comfortable atmosphere. Decorate with comfy chairs and furniture. Lots ofblankets and pillows.
- Make afire! A fire can change the whole dynamics of a room alone. It’s sure to giveyou instant feelings of home and warmth. Grab your blankets, cozy socks andcurl up next the hearth. Use your fireplace as your focal point for gatheringswith family and friends. Grab your favorite book or journal or include music.
- Grabsomething yummy to eat and a cup of your favorite tea, coffee or hot cocoa. Foodis one of the biggest pleasures in Hygge. Good hearty food in the company of greatpeople! Sweets and comforting foods, like stews and soup and cakes and cookiesare perfect. A warm mug of your favorite drink or wine, even popcorn orsomething “sinful is an integral component of hygge ritual,” states Wiking.
- YourPeople or tribe- finding togetherness. These are the people you want to shareyour time and space with. The ones you feel most comfortable with and love. Theones you see yourself cozying up with every day, when there is a snowstorm, torrentialrain, or a sunny blustery day.
When to Hygge.
We often think ofcoziness during the winter months. But you can practice Hygge in the summermonths too or any time of year! In the summer you can use the beach and saltwater, sunshine, gardening, reading in the shade under a tree, barbequing withfriends, go picking for strawberries or blueberries, ride your bike in a park oron the boardwalk, or be a part of nature. The ideas are endless!
Use your senses toobtain Hygge. Sight, smell, sound, feel, taste and also the sixth sense if thefeeling of safety or feeling safe, trust where you are and who you’re with tocreate the obtain complete happiness. Happiness is the whole meaning of Hygge!
So are you ready to cozy on up next to the fire with your warm blanket, candles lit, fresh pastry and a cup of tea in hand, your favorite record on in the background and your favorite book beside you? Don’t forget those warm and amazing pair of favorite socks. We’ll be cozying up with you through the rest of the winter. Leave us a comment below and let us know if you’ll be trying Hygge this winter!
Here are some other ways you can incorporate wellness into your lifestyle:
Enjoying life- Taking a Break for Total Wellness
Discovering Your Wellness Journey