So you want to bring more hygge (hoo-ga) into your life? Well, thankfully it’s much more simple than you think! This post is going to share with you easy and effective ways to bring more hygge into your life, so you can slow down, reconnect with family and friends and be as happy as the Danes!
Before we jump into the list, let’s go over what hygge is! There is no way to translate hygge it’s not something you can buy and it’s not a trend.
Hygge is a way of life, it’s about connecting, slowing down, and enjoying the beauty and pleasure in the smallest things in life. It’s about being so content in the moment that everything in life feels cozy, loving, and homely. No matter if your shoveling snow in the pitch black, or cooking dinner for the family.
Hygge is a lifestyle, so it comes as no surprise that the happiest countries in the world are usually from Scandinavian countries!
While it may not be possible to pack your bags and move to Europe, there are things you can do to make your life more hygge!
So let’s jump right in!
1: Keep Daily Life Simple
These days we are busier than ever and juggling so many tasks at once, even in the kitchen! with instant access to thousands of unique and creative recipes that we “just have to try” it’s easy to get distracted planning and prepping all those tempting recipes.
Keep things simple by cooking easy simple meals that don’t require tons of prep and planning. Make a delicious soup or stew, or even just some roasted veggies and steamed fish.
Put some music on, and really be in the moment as you prep your food, chat with family members or if they are busy, put on some relaxing background music and enjoy the time creating a delish, simple, dish!
2: Get Outdoors and Connect With Nature
It might sound so easy and simple yet it’s one of the best ways to really be in the moment. Not only will you connect with nature, but being outdoors will boost your health mentally and physically.
Going on a family walk or just taking the dog for a walk gives you the opportunity to look at nature, the changing seasons, to stop and smell the roses, and to just slow down and be present.
In the colder months grab your woolly hat, scarf, and gloves put on a super cozy coat, and get outdoors! Plus, that feeling of getting back home after a walk in the cold, kicking off your shoes in your warm house, and drinking a cup of hot chocolate feels amazing!!
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In the warmer months, smell the freshly cut grass, look at the trees blossoming and enjoy the warmth of the sun on your face. When you return home, sit outside with a good book, and a refreshing drink!
3: Spend Time with Family and Friends
Have a laugh with friends, play a board game with the family, or just have a good chat. Spending time with family and friends and being present in the moment without looking at screens is hygge at its finest.
4: Play Games
Put away the electronic games and get out the deck of cards or a fun board game. The laughs, the conversations, and just the fun of the game are a great way to hygge!
5: Switch Off Artificial Lighting
Nothing destroys hygge faster than having your home brightly lit up like a convenience store at 10 pm. Switch off the artificial lighting and light some candles, light the fireplace and enjoy the warming glows of the natural light.
Not only is this totally hygge but you will most likely sleep better from less exposure to blue lighting which affects your melatonin levels making it hard for you to sleep.
Choose candles without scents, as heavily scented candles are loaded with toxins that are harmful to your health. Choose unscented candles made from pure soy or beeswax, and if you really want scented candles choose ones scented with essential oils only!
6: Bring Nature Indoors
Having a house full of plastic and scented air fresheners is not hygge at all!
Decorate your home with natural things like natural flooring, logs for the fireplace, and a solid wood table. If you can’t change large things don’t worry, bring more hygge into your home with freshly cut flowers, potted plants, and choosing natural items when possible!
7: Relax and Read
Curl up with your favorite blanket, grab a hot chocolate, put on some fluffy socks, and grab yourself a great book! And because hygge is all about that cozy warming content feeling, grab yourself a yummy treat as well. 😉
8: Switch Off Devices
Turn the phone on mute, put away the tablets, and just be present. Even if you start by switching them off for 1 hour a day at first and work your way up to more hours, you’ll soon realize how much time they drain from us. Use the non-device time to take up a new hobby, read a book, or just spend time with those you love.
9: Sit by a fire
If you’re really wanting to enjoy hygge get the fire going! There really isn’t anything more hygge than sitting in front of a crackling fire, warm fuzzy socks on, and drinking a hot chocolate while having a laugh, or a good chat with friends or family.
10: Bake
Making and kneading your own bread forces you to focus on the moment and the kneading action can also be very therapeutic, but it’s the smell of bread baking in the oven that is glorious and really makes your home feel homely and cozy (totally hygge)!
Is there anything more comforting than eating a slice of freshly baked bread with butter that’s still warm from the oven?
11: Play Comforting Background Music
Whether you’re cleaning the dishes or doing some punch needle art, play comforting and relaxing music in the background. It’s a great way to really slow down and hygge in the moment, regardless of what you are doing!
