Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is a significant part of the Scandanavian culture. It plays a major role in ranking the Scandinavians as the happiest people in the world! It is a word that has no direct translation in the English language. So, what exactly is Hygge? Hygge means cozy. Hygge means comfortable. Hygge means happiness. Hygge means warm. Hygge means content.
But Hygge can't really be summarized in one word or even in one sentence. Hygge is the ritual of enjoying life's simple pleasures. Hygge makes the ordinary more meaningful and beautiful. Hygge is the feeling of intimacy, warmth and contentment in any given moment. Hygge is spending quality, peaceful time in a calm environment. Hygge is being warm toward yourself and others. As Americans are in the deliberate and constant pursuit of happiness, is it no wonder that we have no direct translation of Hygge?
Hygge is exactly what we need right now to surge through the rest of winter! It's not too late to create your Hygge and spread warmth and coziness to your family and friends! Start by making a list of the things you like (or maybe even love) about winter, and this will begin creating your Hygge.
At RT+ we came up with our own list of things we love about winter:
Cozy sweaters
Jeans
Boots
Flannel pj's
Wool coats and soft scarves
Cinnamon scented candles
Warm soup
Spicy chili
Heated car seats
A fire in the fireplace
Bird watching
Soft blankets
Now create your Hygge from the list of things you love!
Get outside
Embrace this brisk winter air, the beauty of nature, and maybe catch a fresh, falling snowflake. Observe the birds and the squirrels in their natural setting. Take a peek at your surroundings through the eyes of winter. Once the leaves have fallen from the trees, nature is exposed and there is so much more to see. Add in your favorite warm coat and scarf, take a deep breath and enjoy the Hygge.
Enjoy the seasonal food
Spend a chilly afternoon making a scrumptious batch of chili or soup. Let the taste and smells warm you from the inside out and enjoy the Hygge.
Embrace family and friend connections
Plan a visit with an out-of-town family member or invite your neighbors over to share your homemade soup. Slow down, unplug, catch up, live in the moment, and enjoy the Hygge.
Find a fun seasonal activity
Bundle up and head outside for a walk or a run in the fresh, falling snow. This leaves you inside a real-life snow globe. Just keep moving, and enjoy the Hygge.
Add some fire
Whether you burn a candle in your kitchen or light a fire in the fireplace, the warmth and light of the flame adds a coziness and sense of warmth. Snuggle up with a blanket and enjoy the Hygge.
Show some love to yourself
Go for a mani/pedi. Get a new haircut. Or take a long, warm bubble bath. Take time for this special treat and enjoy the Hygge.
Hygge is a feeling. A mindset. A way of life. It's easy to add Hygge into your life while improving your wellbeing and contentment. Enjoy the Hygge!