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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!)

10.  Sleep with a weighted blanket

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