Have you ever curled up in the evening, with a warm blanket, some scented candles and maybe a hot chocolate topped with marshmallows? If so, you may have already been enjoying the Danish concept of Hygge.

Roughly pronounced ‘hugar’ (like sugar), it’s also caught the attention of people outside Scandinavia, thanks in part to books like ‘The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Living Well’ by Meik Wiking.

What does Hygge mean?

Hygge is actually not an easy word to translate, in that there is no one word that necessarily defines it. Some align it with mindfulness, while others use words like authenticity or wholeheartedness to explain it.  One favourite definition is ‘consciously cozy’.  Although it’s a modern trend in Denmark, some suggest it has its roots in a tradition dating back hundreds of years in Norway.  (The closest word to Hygge in Norwegian today, is perhaps Koselig).

Hygge can also be translated as well-being; this may be one reason the concept is often about creating a specific atmosphere involving things that make you feel warm, safe, comfortable and loved – indoors and outdoors. 

“Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things.  It is about being with the people we love.  A feeling of home.  A feeling that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world and allow ourselves to let our guard down.  You may be having an endless conversation about the small – or big – things in life or just be comfortable in each other’s silent company, or simply be by yourself enjoying a cup of tea.” – Meik Wiking

What are the benefits?

There are many reasons to engage in Hygge or living what’s called a hyggelig life. For example, practising Hygge could:

• encourage warmth, well-being and comfort, both for yourself and others
• create space to ‘be and breathe’
• help us to embrace outdoor life; we know ‘nature therapy’ can be excellent for our health;
• promote connection, intimacy and social support e.g. strengthening bonds between friends and family
• be a path to happiness – for example, the sense of cosy comfort may release the ‘feel good’ hormone oxytocin. Denmark is  described as one of the happiest countries in the world (coming second only to Finland in 2023), and some of this may be attributed to a lifestyle that includes Hygge.

What does Hygge look like?

Here are some examples of how you may enjoy a Hygge moment (or two):

• a coffee with a friend
• fairy lights and/or candles in your living space
• sitting in front of a fireplace and being present with a good book
• completing a gratitude journal
• spending time with people you love
• tending to a garden
• stroking a pet
• enjoying some home made food

You may at first think Hygge sounds self-indulgent because, in other parts of the western world, to make room for things that bring us joy may feel ‘selfish’.  But spending quality time with those we love and enjoying simple pleasures, gives us permission to “indulge” in a way that’s good for us.  (To do anything to excess, by the way, is not hyggelig.)

“Once you begin to embrace hygge, it becomes not only a style but a mindset.  It encourages you to see the world differently, not through what you acquire or achieve but through how you can appreciate and take part in the small joys of life.  As with Eastern concepts of mindfulness and meditation, hygge encourages you to stay in the present, enjoying what you have with loved ones and spending your time qualitatively not quantitively.” – Barbara Hayden, Unlock the Danish Art of Coziness and Happiness

The Importance of Connection

A wonderful thing that Hygge offers is recognising the value of play and time in the company of those we care about. This might be through playing board games, crafting something in the snow together in winter, or even inviting people round for a “pantry party” – ask those you care about to bring an ingredient from home and then cook the items together, enjoying the experience of planning and preparing food. (You may wish to co-ordinate, just to make sure it produces something edible!).

Hygge, ultimately, gives us permission to prioritise our well-being. Even if it’s not something you decide to do regularly, Hygge reminds us that it’s ok to treat yourself, especially when it’s a restorative act of self-care.

© Delphi Ellis 2023