Hygge: making your life simpler and cosier

There is something about this time of year, when the clocks change and the nights draw in, when you can feel a little like hibernating. Of course it's all very different at the moment when our hibernation is enforced, but you can embrace this and make your time at home feel cosier than ever.

The Danish word ‘hygge’ has become a well used term in the UK over the last couple of years but this autumn when we are again being asked to stay at home it feels particularly relevant. Making your home and life more hygge does not have to cost a lot but the benefits to your state of mind may be considerable.

What is hygge?

‘Hygge’ refers to a sense of snugness, comfort and security. It eludes to a feeling of being at home, of being safe, of being cosy. We all need to increase our sense of hygge now as autumn heads to winter, the nights draw in and our opportunities for getting out under lockdown are few.

Making our homes more hygge

Helen Russell in ‘The Year of Living Danishly’ describes the importance of the correct lighting in your home to achieve a more restful and cosy environment. Candles are an obvious choice but side lighting too can provide a softer, warmer light. Fairy lights can also give you a lift; why wait for Christmas?

Take a look at the rest of your home. Perhaps more photographs of loved ones on the wall would make you smile as you come home, or a vase full of flowers or autumn leaves would lift your spirits. House plants bring a touch of the outside in and it has been found that being around plants can make you feel more calm and relaxed.

Finding pleasure and comfort in your home surroundings is important. A 2011 study at UCL, quoted by Russell, found that looking at something beautiful stimulates dopamine in the brain, which is an important neurotransmitter to help improve your mood.

I particularly love the term ‘hygge nook.’ This refers to making a small corner of your home a special, restful spot; a retreat in which to enjoy a warm drink, a good book or your favourite music. This may be a window seat with added blankets for warmth, a favourite armchair in a softly lit corner, or even your bed with the comfort of soft pillows.

Hygge food

Hygge isn’t just about furnishings though; food is very important. Warm food that nourishes your body and soul, and gives you a sense of being cared for is very hygge. Think homemade soups, stews and curries in your favourite crockery. The pleasure of a home made cake isn’t just in the eating but in the ritual of baking, the smells and warmth of the kitchen and the memories of your past. Take time to think about the meals you are planning this week. What special treats or warming dinners can you plan? If you live on your own I would say that this sense of nurturing yourself is even more important.

A simpler life

There’s a calmness and simplicity to living in a more hygge way that provides benefits. Switch off the mobile devices and enjoy a book, a board game, a warm bath or an early night. Wrap up warm and enjoy a walk outside, observing the seasons change. Noticing and being grateful for little things is a hygge way of living that provides important benefits to your mental health. Using a notebook to record what has brought you pleasure each day is a good practice too. Slowing down, living in the moment and being grateful are all good ways to bring more hygge into your life.

Connection with others

Hygge isn’t about big parties or nights out, but connection with others is very important and that’s something that’s difficult for us all right now. Perhaps you would enjoy a quiz or craft session with friends over Zoom but if not consider what you could do to keep in touch with loved ones. Was letter writing something you used to enjoy as a way of keeping in touch? Would you rather speak on the landline than on WhatsApp? Take the opportunity to think about who you really want to stay in regular touch with and the best way to achieve this. Commit to this and make it a regular occurrence. Walking with a local friend outdoors is a great way to stay in touch, get some exercise and enjoy nature.

A hygge evening

A really good way to get a sense of hygge and comfort is to listen to a guided visualisation or meditation track under a warm blanket, taking time to switch off from all distractions. During lockdown I’m holding free online weekly ‘relax and recharge’ sessions on Sunday evenings via Zoom to give you a chance to take stock and make some time for yourself. These sessions will involve visualisations set in nature to give you a sense of wellbeing and calm. Perhaps you could build this into a special hygge evening where you create a routine to give you a real sense of cosiness and comfort at home. I look forward to welcoming you there and I wish you a more hygge winter ahead!

Further reading:

‘The Year of Living Danishly’ by Helen Russell is an uplifting read about a couple’s relocation to Denmark

‘The little book of Hygge- Danish secrets to happy living’ by Meik Wiking

‘Hygge, Lagom, and the Energy of Everyday Pleasures- The Simplicity of Cozy’ by Melissa Alvarez