The Danish Art of Hygge

In the midst of the January blues, the need for self-care has never been stronger, so we’re taking inspiration from the Danish art of Hygge... your weekend is about to get cosy! 

What is Hygge?

Hygge (pronounced hue-guh not hoo-gah) is the Danish word, used to acknowledge a feeling or moment that is cosy and special. It’s a feeling or experience that provides a warm atmosphere and a general sense of wellbeing, such as enjoying a delicious dinner with good people, relaxing in the glow of a candle, or sipping a cup of tea wrapped up in a blanket in front of the fire. In Denmark, doctors regularly prescribing “tea and hygge” instead of paracetamol and ibuprofen!

With the country often said to be one of the happiest in the world, us Brits should be taking note - getting enough hygge could be just the ticket to curing those January blues. 

How to Get More Hygge In Your Life

Rituals

Take gratitude and pleasure in normal, daily tasks, making them into enjoyable rituals - even if it’s as simple as taking the time in the morning to brew and savour a proper cup of coffee (rather than throwing it down your neck at 7am)! Making daily tasks into an art form like this can be a great way to incorporate a little more hygge into your daily life, instead of trying to force it with awkwardly staged activities. 

Lighting

We all know how much a bit of warm, ambient lighting can instantly make you feel better, especially in comparison to those blinding white office lights. Altering the lighting at home to make a room feel more relaxed and warm is a great way to give yourself a feeling of hygge after a long, stressful day... it’s time to light some candles and dim the lights!

Spend Quality Time with Good Friends

Many of us tend to be less sociable in January, suddenly becoming focused on hitting the gym, saving some pennies or avoiding the pub as we try to make it through Dry Jan! However, spending quality time with good friends is exactly what hygge is all about. Plan a cosy evening in with friends and appreciate how great it feels to be around good people. Throw a relaxed, candle-lit dinner party, enjoy a glass of wine in front of the fire, or even just invite someone round for an afternoon cuppa and a slice of cake – those warm, fuzzy feelings will be the perfect antidote to any unwanted sadness!