Discover the Meaning of Hygge Just in Time for the Coziest Season of the Year

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As the coziest seasons approach, it’s important to remember how to achieve inner harmony and avoid overstimulation. Mindfulness and meditation are vital tools for self-introspection, but you may need more. Discover the meaning of hygge and achieve peak calmness.

The True Meaning of Hygge

Hygge’s closest English translation is coziness, but there’s a more complex meaning underneath it. The Danish word is about cultivating a warm atmosphere and enjoying life with great people. It could be the secret to why Denmark is topping the World Happiness Report 2024, second only to Finland.

The term became more popular in the United States around 2016, even though very few knew how to pronounce it correctly—“hyooga,” if anyone’s interested. That said, its origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It insinuates being sheltered from the outside world,” alluding to the importance of realizing the small joys of life. 

How to Achieve Hygge

After discovering the meaning of hygge, the next step is to adopt it into your lifestyle. Consider what brings you joy and implement it into your life. Here are a few suggestions.

1. Eat Comfort Food

Very few things compare to a warm bowl of your favorite meal while it gets cold outdoors. Beef stew is lovely when you use a nice bottle of red wine and balsamic vinegar. Lasagna and chicken pot pie soup are also excellent hearty additions.

Indulge in a comfort drink during the afternoon. A hot cup of joe with just the right amount of milk and sugar is delicious. You can also have tea with honey or hot chocolate with marshmallows for a sweeter treat. 

2. Wear Something Cozy

Cozy clothing can hug you and get you into the spirit of hygge. Pullover sweaters can keep you warm and comfy while keeping you stylish if you go outdoors. They pair well with all kinds of bottoms, from skirts to pants. 

That said, these cardigans are still ideal for an indoor self-day. Wear them with your comfiest shorts and put on your favorite silly socks. Throw on a blanket and lounge on the couch for the rest of the day. 

3. Use Hygge Decor

Ever heard of a hyggekrog? It’s a comfortable nook where you can sit and think about life. The living room is often a great spot, but you can also find a windowsill or corner. Place the beanbags and just sit contently. 

Add decor to make the space more comfortable. Throw pillows and a blanket with a woolen texture make the perfect space to sink into. You can match the colors to winter and add seasonal items, from a little pine tree to a lovely snow globe. 

Lighting is also very important. Warm, orange lights are easier on the eyes and create a more relaxing atmosphere. Small lamps strategically placed throughout the room can achieve this. Candles, especially when scented, are also beautiful in the evenings. 

4. Spend Time With Loved Ones

Hygge heavily emphasizes how a warm ambience is best achieved in the company of other people. Set aside quality time with your friends and family. Remember to focus on intimate gatherings to relish one another’s presence. Here are suggestions on the activities during these cozy seasons:

• Indoor movie marathon: Have a movie marathon where you and your loved ones can just take contact and forget the rest of the world outside. You can pick a movie series you’ve never watched, but there’s something so comforting about rewatching your favorites and chattering with your people.

• Game night: Let the banter begin as you bust out the board games. They say titles like Uno and Monopoly may ruin friendships, but they provide adrenaline and laughs at the end of the day. You can also try out video game titles— Mario Kart is a classic, though you can also try Pico Park or Jackbox. 

• Sip and Paint: If you want to focus on just chilling and conversing with one another, get the canvas and art supplies out along with a bottle of wine. You can enjoy the liquor and just take your time in creating a painting. To add more spice, prepare a little fish bowl of questions to ask one another throughout the sip and paint. 

5. Do Something You Like

Hygge’s meaning lies in how important it is to enjoy life’s tiny pleasures. Make time in your schedule to just do an activity you might have been putting off during the busier times of the year. For example, bring a book from your to-read list and get cozy on the couch. Buy beautiful yarn and start a crochet project. 

6. Clock Out and Play Music

One thing that usually prevents people from relaxing is being time-conscious. People are pressured to rush somewhere and do work. Remember to clock out and remove your watch every once in a while. Blast your favorite music on the speakers and dance to the beat. You need to focus and enjoy the present as it happens. 

7. Take a Bike Ride

While hygge focuses on staying indoors, there are small joys outside. Take a slow bike ride and just enjoy the scenery and sounds of the great outdoors. Remember that cyclists must have a white headlight and rear red reflector to stay visible, especially during these times of the year when the nights come faster. 

8. Make a Scrap Book

As the holidays approach and gatherings are set to happen, you’re bound to make many memories. Make a point to capture them in photos and make a scrapbook. Write entries about what happened during the day. This activity will make you appreciate the little moments you cultivate with your loved ones.

Internalize Hygge’s Meaning

The meaning of hygge is less straightforward than you think, but its essence is still as significant as ever. Internalize and apply this to your lifestyle for more fulfillment. Cherish your loved ones and the experiences you partake in this season and every single one after.