Hygge: Self-care this winter.

Something that seems to be everywhere at the moment is Hygge. It’s all over Pinterest, and in all honesty I’m so glad I discovered it.

Hygge, pronounced ‘hoo-gah’, is a Danish word and concept with no formal English translation. Most commonly it is a term used to describe something as being cosy, warm or homely. That is not the only definition though. Perhaps the best way to describe it is with a feeling:

You’ve just arrived home from a cold walk in the brisk winter air. The fire is lit, and you’re wearing your thickest, warmest socks. In your hands, a warm soothing cup of tea (or whichever hot drink you prefer). You sit quietly by the warmth of the fire, sipping your drink, listening to the embers.

Do you feel it? Because I sure do!

Since discovering Hygge, and reading ‘The Little Book of Hygge’ by Meik Wiking, I have become obsessed. Everything needs to be hyggelit, every moment is not it’s best if it’s hygge.

I also feel that Hygge could have great self-care qualities. The Danes are reported to be the happiest people on the planet so it makes sense right!

With winter fast approaching I thought it was a great time to share some tips for a healthy Hygge winter!

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My 6 Top Tips for Hyggelit Self-Care

Lighting

Lighting is very important for Hygge, soft lighting in particular. So turn off your harsh overhead bulbs and invest in some lamps and lots and lots of candles.

Did you know that Danes use more candles per person than anywhere else in the world? I didn’t either, but candles are so important to Hygge, it’s almost impossible to have a Hyggelit time without them.

And if, like me, you have no fireplace available then candles are a great way to get a similar effect. There’s nothing more relaxing than sitting by candle light, so feel free to go candle crazy!

(Just make sure you air out your room afterwards though, as I’ve recently learned that they do let off quite harmful gases!)

Warmth

Cosiness and warmth kind of go hand in hand, and so does Hygge. Being warm is really important – which is why Hygge is mostly associated with the colder seasons of the year, when we are all trying to warm up!

It’s not impossible to create Hygge in the warmer months, but it is definitely easier to cultivate when you’re surrounded by snuggly things (not so easy when it’s boiling outside).

Soft blankets, thick socks and woolly jumpers are essential. Wrap up in the flickering light of the many candles you’ve lit, and enjoy a moment of stillness and calm. It can be very good for your soul!

Beverages

Hot drinks have voted the number one important thing when trying to get a feeling of Hygge.

Coffee was the most popular, but you can still create the same effect regardless of which hot beverage you opt for. You could even have a warm blackcurrant squash if you wanted (which is very nice by the way).

There’s something so relaxing about sitting with a hot drink in your hands, sipping it slowly. I love how it makes me feel. It warms you right to your core. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, warm water, whatever your poison warm it up and snuggle down with it.

Hobbies

Baking and cooking is strongly associated with Hygge, particularly the smells they create and leave lingering around your home.

It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. Slow cooking a meal is a great way to create a Hygge environment with minimum effort, and leave a warm and satisfying aroma to keep you calm.

If you’re not really feeling up to cooking (which is often the case for me) there are other hobbies that you can do.

Reading or writing are both very Hygge activities, especially if you have a Hyggekrog* to sit in while you do it. Writing with pen and paper is considered very Hygge, but you can still use a laptop or computer if it’s easier. Blogging, journaling, planning, it’s all hygge!

*A hyggekrog is a nook in the kitchen or living room where you can sit and have a hyggelig time. It’s usually full of cushions and cosy blankets, a great spot for reading or relaxing!

Friends

Hygge can be created alone, but a big part of it involves socialising with friends. If you’re anything like me you’ll be thinking ‘hold the phone, socialising is stressful and tiring, how is this going to help me?’

It’s a valid question.

Hygge socialising is not the same as many of the things you would do with your friends normally. Hygge together time is all about enjoying the moment and quiet time. You can read together, sit by the fire together, and just relax in your cosy things. It’s all about low maintenance, low energy togetherness, which is why it’s so good for people with very little energy.

You don’t even need to leave your house. Light those candles (are you sensing a theme here?) and get your Hygge on!

Final thoughts: Why choose hygge?

Hygge is so good for your heart and soul, and for your body too. It takes very little effort and makes you feel amazing. As I write this I’m sat in my comfiest clothing, with my favourite blanket, lit by a single lamp, and it’s fantastic.

It’s also perfect for anyone with a chronic illness as it requires no energy at all. Save your spoons for another time.

There’s a reason the Danish are the happiest people on the planet, now hand me a candle and let’s get Hygge!

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If you liked this one you may also like my ideas for self care when you have low energy.