The Feeling of Hygge
Have you heard of the term Hygge? It’s a term that is defined as a mood of coziness or comfort with feelings of wellness. It’s popular especially in Denmark, which is well known as being one of the happiest countries. What you may not realize is, that it’s not based on having the most expensive and luxurious things in your house. Instead, it’s based on finding this comfortable feeling and wellness with things you already own.
That’s right, for some, it’s as simple as mindfully enjoying a hot cup of coffee with comfortable slippers on. Now, read that again. There’s a term in there that you may skip over. Mindfully. So often, as Americans, when we drink our cup of coffee, we’re also thinking about what we have to get done that day. Maybe we’re creating a to do list or we’re talking about the busy week we have or even the virus. While that’s wonderful, I’m a huge fan of multi-tasking, that’s not what helps you to reach hygge. It’s simply finding the comfort and cozy in everyday life. It’s focusing on that feeling, and just enjoying the moment. It’s acknowledging the moment.
As stated before, this term can be found in the most standard and mundane of everyday tasks, as well as in extraordinary trips and sights. There’s nothing you need to buy to start living with this lifestyle, you just have to start being more mindful and paying more attention to the present moment. If you practice yoga or meditation, you’ll find this is familiar in that both of those practices want you to focus on the then and there, focusing on the present, rather than thinking about the future or the past or rushing through a moment. This is a very similar sentiment. And just like meditation and yoga, it can help with stress and overall happiness.
Who doesn’t want a little more happiness right now? I know I certainly do, so here are some tips if you want to add more hygge to your life.
- Wear comfy clothes. This is key, because if you’re uncomfortable in your clothes, you can’t possibly feel cozy and comfy while doing anything.
- Spend time with family and friends. This may be more difficult in the pandemic, but socially distanced get togethers with masks can still occur and can make you feel closer with loved ones.
- Avoid multi-tasking. Focus on being mindful.
- Remove stressors. While we can’t remove this pandemic, just yet anyway, we can remove other stressors and work towards not stressing as much in the future.
- Connect with nature. Whether this is bringing plants into your home, as it’s getting cold in certain areas or going outside to enjoy the fresh air, make time to connect with nature and all it offers.
- Have a work life balance. That’s right, overworking yourself isn’t good for anyone, so make sure you leave work on time and you actually rest and aren’t checking email in your off time.
Again, keep in mind, this is a feeling, it’s not something that you have to buy, it’s not that you need to eat certain foods, you just need to be present and focus on the little or big things that can bring you joy and peace. For some, it’s a cozy cup of tea with some fuzzy socks while the snow falls gently outside. For others, it’s a nature walk outside in the crisp fall air. Find art in your life and you should find the feeling of hygge.