15 Ways to Try Out Hygge

Why not give yourself a little Hygge?

Pronounced “hoo-ga”, Hygge is a Danish concept emphasizing comfort, simplicity, togetherness, unplugging from technology, and soulful living. Denmark, according to various studies is home to some happy people so let’s check out what they are doing!

Here are 15 ways you can practice Hygge!

1.  Sip Something Comforting

Not many of us are often without our coffee or latte but how often do you really sit and savor it and be in the moment?

2.  Get Outdoors

This can be tricky depending on the season, but it’s good to get outside, get some fresh air, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you.

3.  Write Your Thoughts

The Hygge way of life involves reflecting and jotting down your thoughts, memories, or simply what you’re grateful for that day. Writing truly allows you to be in the moment, focused on one thing. Writing can mean different things to each of us, some of us may like to write pages and others write lists, whatever works for YOU!

4.  Visit Friends and Family

The Danish maintain close relationships which make them happier people. In this day in age, I know this is a challenge. Why step out of your house when you can send emails, texts, or social media “likes” right? But often we only create true support from personal relationships that are face to face. Plan a small gathering or game night or just meet for coffee.

5.  Embrace Seasonal Food

This one may be my favorite. What is your favorite winter/spring/fall/summer food? Soups, bread, fruits and treats oh my! Try something new or old and enjoy it! For me, fall and winter foods and goodies are my favorites! Pumpkin Pie anyone?

6.  Listen to Music

Music has a magical way of lifting your mood and often transporting you. Create your perfect playlists for varying moods or situations, relax, belt it out, or dance around!

7.  Invest in Comfy, Cozy Clothes

Ever try those extra thick socks that look like a sweater on the outside but are the softest fur on the inside? It like putting your feet into warm clouds of heaven. Or for warmer weather, light, soft, loose-fitting clothing.

8.  Play Board Games/Host a Game Night

Some of my laughing-‘til -I-cried moments have been around game nights. It’s quite satisfying after a nice walk with our significant other to sip some hot chocolate, by a fire, and kick their butt at a board game! My favorite is Clue or Scruples.

9.  Bring the Outdoors In

Brighten up your home with fresh flowers full of color or a plant, they not only add color but help clean your air as well. I’m always amazed at how buying flowers, putting them on my table, and seeing them in the morning or when I get home from work, makes me smile and perks up my mood.

10.  Create a Calm and Cozy Home

Those who live this lifestyle choose to surround themselves with things they love to make their home a source of comfort and simplicity, which means no clutter! Fill your home with what recharges and inspires you.

11.  Bake Something Delicious!

This can be as simple or as complicated as you like! Grab some premade cookie dough or whip up a decadent dessert you have been wanting to try.

12.  Unplug

I know it’s a difficult one to wrap our heads around because our devices often feel like appendages, I mean we NEED our arms and legs right? But those who are truly living the Hygge lifestyle attempt to unplug for a certain time frame each day. Try this for a week and then notice (and this is important) how it feels and how you feel at the end of the week.

13.  Spend time Reading

This can vary from person to person. Personally, I love curling up with a good book (I still check out books from the library and here is my current favorite!), but others may enjoy reading short articles or blogs or even magazines, whatever you find interesting and relaxing.

14.  Movie Nights and Popcorn

While we may already do this, we may miss the yummy treat and unplug-to-be-in-the-moment part of this. Many of us don’t even fully watch movies and shows when at home anymore, we are usually simultaneously doing chores, or on our phones!

15.  Appreciate the Little Things

Hygge increases happiness and mood because it encourages us to slow down and appreciate the little things. When a single leaf floats across your window, the way the wind moves the trees, the sound of the rain, or a piping hot bowl of homemade soup. These things make us feel alive and at peace when we are in the moment to appreciate them.

Try one or more of these and get back to me! What do you think? What is your favorite?