Hygge

Early October with its misty mornings, bright and mild days and longer evenings is my absolutely favourite time of year.

However, I know that means the Baltic temperatures, 4pm sunsets and icy mornings are just around the corner too. As much as I love my home I don’t like being cooped up indoors, however I do feel the Danish could teach me a thing or two about making the most of the atmosphere the winter brings. I’m reading more and more about hygge and I intend to climb aboard.

Pronounced ‘hoo-ga’, the Danish word roughly translates to the English word of ‘cosiness’ but hygge means so much more than fur throws and hot chocolate, it’s more of a mind-set. The Danes are considered to be one of the happiest nations in the world cherishing family time, friendship, conversation and togetherness. I noticed this peaceful aura about them when in Copenhagen in May this year

Enjoy The Moment

Whether it’s savouring that first cup of tea or coffee in the morning, snuggling into your scarf or sinking into a bath of bubbles after a long day, make everyday moments more meaningful. Don’t save your finest china for best, invest in few, good quality products rather than many substandard ones and cherish the moment.

Togetherness

Have friends round and enjoy healthy, hearty comfort food and have a good old natter about your favourite things. Savour the conversation and linger rather than using food purely as an opportunity to refuel.

I love the idea of a quick cuppa turning into a slow, conversational afternoon with a friend but I need to make more time for this rather than being too busy.

Get The Glow

Nobody needs to convince me about the benefits of candlelight. Hygge is the art of creating intimacy and so the soft glow of a candle is a given. Rather than just lighting a mantelpiece, take the time to light up spaces where you want others to congregate; around the table or sofa for example.

Above the dinner table consider switching bright overhead lights for dimmable sources inspiring longer meal times and more socialising.

Keep It Cosy

Cosiness can come through the layering of rugs, throws, furs and adding heaps of texture to your home. While creating spaces that encourage comfort are hyggeligt (hygge-like), hygge is more than the physical surroundings.

Enjoy Nature

Hygge isn’t all about the feeling you create inside, it’s about the outside too. Blow away the cobwebs on a long walk and bring in the outdoors to your home; line the window sills with plants and display those pinecones and acorns you pick up on your rambles. Take the time to quietly watch the earlier sunsets and embrace all that the season has to offer.

Does anyone embrace hygge? Is it just another lifestyle fad to you or can you see the many benefits? Read this new book The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wikingfrom the Happiness Research Institute of Copenhagen and find out for yourself.

I treasured a moment of hygge today, and reassured myself that I need to feel it just a bit more often. Bring on winter nights!

G ∼♥∼ G