Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Imagine yourself in a cozy environment, wrapped in a soft blanket, curled up in a comfortable armchair. The room is dimly lit as flickering candles create a soft, beautiful atmosphere, and the only sound is the light crackle of an open fire. Outside, high in the mountains, snow is gently falling—you have nothing else to do but enjoy this moment of stillness. Can you picture it? Was it difficult? Now, slowly open your eyes, while continuing to breathe slowly and mindfully. I’ve just taken you through a short visualisation designed to help you experience hygge: the art of slowing down and embracing the warmth of the present moment.
What Exactly Is Hygge?
First of all, the word itself is originally from Old Norse, where it loosely meant “wellbeing.” However, hygge is also closely linked to the word hug—derived from hugge (meaning “to hug”), a term dating back to the 1650s. It might also stem from hygga, (“to comfort”) or hugr (“state of mind”). It’s nice to see how all these root terms still describe what hygge means today. Over time, however, it was the Danish people who started to truly embrace the concept and use it in everyday life.
A Personal Connection: My Swedish Touch
So, hygge falls into the wellness category—one of my absolute favourite topics! It describes the cozy moments and comforting feelings of daily life that bring happiness, even if just for a moment. Since I’m half Swedish, I use the Swedish word mysigt instead of hygge. I love this word so much and the cozy feeling it brings. I was brought up with this art of coziness and it is something I truly embrace because it gives me peace of mind, tranquility, and good energy. Whenever I use the word mysigt, I remind myself of everything that makes me feel grounded—it’s no wonder it spreads such feel-good vibes!
The Bond Between Hygge & the Present
At its core, hygge and mindfulness go hand in hand. I think it’s a really beautiful bond—you are training your mind to be present while immersing yourself in simple pleasures. In today’s fast-paced society, finding calm can feel challenging. But once you make the conscious choice to step back from the noise and slow down, you commit to a more mindful way of living, and you might discover mindful rituals which you otherwise would have never thought of trying.
Hygge: A Big Cuddle
Preparing something warm, such as a rich hot dark chocolate or tea, and curling up on the sofa with a feel-good book is, for instance, one of my favourite rituals—after all, hygge is like a big cuddle! Now that we are approaching the colder seasons, I can truly experience the art of hygge, both indoors and outdoors. There is something so comforting about wrapping yourself in a warm jacket, only to come back inside and light candles to make your home feel extra inviting.
Practical Ways to Bring Hygge Into Your Home
You don’t have to redecorate your entire home in order to create a hygge atmosphere. Even small changes can become beautiful as long as they make you feel good. In fact, it’s all about creating small, intentional moments of comfort and warmth:
- Unplug to Reconnect: Try putting your phone away when winding down. Instead of scrolling on social media, find calm by reading a bood, decluttering a quiet corner, or baking your favourite biscuits.
- Soft Lighting: Instead of having harsh overhead lights, replace them with warm lamps, fairy lights, or candles to give your space a gentle, soothing glow.
- Warm Drinks & Treats: Taking your time to slowly savour a soothing cup of tea can remind you to be in the present moment. Enjoy it while reading a good book, for example.
- Shared Moments: Hygge is even better when shared. Go for a cozy nature walk with a loved one, or bake a treat together with a friend at home.
- Texture & Comfort: Embrace cozy layers—from knitted sweaters to soft blankets. It’s lovely to step outdoors, feel the crisp air, and enjoy the comforting warmth of your favourite jacket.
A Hygge Conclusion
Hygge has a lot of meaning for me. It isn’t about perfection, nor expensive decor—it’s about slowing down, resetting, focusing on the good, and nourishing your soul with cozy vibes. As we approach winter, I hope you take the time to create new rituals—whether that means spending quality time with your family, sipping a cappuccino, or crafting something while listening to calming music. Embrace being in the here and now, and let a little more hygge into your life! 🙂
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