27 Ways to Add More Hygge to your Life
3-minute read
Want to know how to adopt a hygge lifestyle?
Maybe it’s easier to start with… what is hygge?
Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”), a defining word to the Danish culture, by definition is “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.”
There is a reason why Denmark is consistently named one of the happiest countries in the world.*
I discovered the term “hygge” a few years ago, and as someone who lives in soft gray sweaters, could lay in the sunshine and/or by fireside all night, lights candles daily, and is obsessed with anything and everything that adds an extra layer of cozy – hygge, to me, has become all about slowing down, finding little ways to bring myself comfort (as the saying goes) – finding joy in the little things.
It makes sense that when fall hits – many of us cling onto fall scented candles, nature walks, a go-to coffee / tea order, or a favorite seasonal soup; these little moments bring us a moment of comfort (& warmth, which is especially helpful once the temperatures start dropping).
Not to mention – practicing a hygge lifestyle is phenomenal for your mental health – especially as the days start getting shorter and the “winter blues” or seasonal affective disorder can kick in.
You know how sometimes, a hug from a friend can make all the difference in how you feel? That’s what a moment of hygge can do for your mood.
Want to live a hygge lifestyle? I’m certainly no expert (nor am I danish) but I’ve found a few habits that I find myself clinging to when the temperatures drop.
27 Ways to Add More Hygge to Your Life
1. Light a candle in the morning & set an intention for the day
2. Light a candle at the end of the workday to disconnect
3. Wear the softest slippers imaginable
4. Bake cookies (& share them with friends, family, or a local fire station)
5. Keep your workspace clear of clutter
6. Invest in the comfiest socks (I’m in love with Bombas!) & the coziest slippers
7. Hold a warm cup of coffee or tea
8. Burn incense (I just bought the most delectable rose incense, Rosie, from a local shop, Wilder House in Chicago)
9. Brighten up your space with plants & take joy in watering them (personally, I recommend pothos – they stay well even if you don’t have a green thumb!)
11. Take 10 seconds to appreciate how the sun feels on your face
12. Enjoy the crunch of freshly fallen leaves in the fall
13. Curl up with a significant other, pet, or friend under a soft blanket
14. Treat yourself to a soothing face mask
15. Take 10 minutes to clean the physical space around you
16. Open the shades and let the sunlight in (there is something I find very energetically clearing about doing this every morning)
17. Burn sage and choose 1 thing to let go of for the moment
18. Light palo santo and express 1-3 things you’re grateful for
19. Sit in a comfortable spot & practice deep breathing for a few minutes
20. Take a bath
21. Donate to a charity who’s cause you support
22. Plan a night for dinner with friends & good conversation
23. Buy yourself flowers to brighten up your space
24. Buy a friend flowers
25. Make a batch of homemade soup – and savor it in a soup mug
26. Get cozy in bed with the softest pajamas ever and curl up with a good book
27. Get out of the house – bundle up & go for a walk, have a snowball fight, go sledding/ice skating/skiing, or wherever the season takes you – then come home & warm up with one of the above methods
Do you have a go-to practice that adds a little extra comfort to your life? Share in the comments below – I always love hearing how others are actively finding their little moments of joy & comfort.
*I’m a big advocate for treating yourself, and while the above list includes what some would consider indulgences, it does not come without recognition of the privilege I have to enjoy these things. Denmark also provides free education, childcare, medical care, and fair minimum wage – opportunities that are a luxury many aren’t fortunate enough to have.
Linking a few of my favorite organizations that I personally support, and I encourage you to click below if you’re interested in learning more about how you can help.
National Alliance on Mental Illness - Offers free mental healthcare and support to individuals and families affected by mental illness
My Block, My Hood, My City - Provides underprivileged youth in Chicago neighborhoods with education, mentorship & experiences
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless - Provides housing & advocates for people who are homeless or at-risk
Children’s Place - A wonderful place to adopt a family for the holidays