What Hygge Is and Why You Need More of It In Your Life

While we all love the colorful autumn leaves, the crisp fall air, and pumpkin-spiced everything, this time of year also brings its challenges. Midterms and papers leave us drained, the crisp fall air can turn into freezing cold wind pretty damn quick, and, worst of all, it’s pitch black by 6:00 p.m. This leaves even the most resiliant of us in desperate need of some TLC. Luckily, hygge is the perfect thing for just that.

According to Hyggehouse.com, “Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is a Danish word used to acknowledge a special feeling or moment. It can be alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary but it is always cozy, charming or special.” In other words, hygge means being appreciative of the simple things in life. In a world where bigger is better, newer is preferred, and time is money, hygge focuses on a different set of values, urging us all to stop and smell the roses—and to get comfy and cozy in the process.

Hygge is of vital importance to the cultural identity of the Danes— which makes it no wonder that, despite their long, brutal winters, Denmark is consistently ranked as one of, if not the, happiest countries in the world.

There are many easy ways to bring hygge to the Heartland. These ten hygge-approved ideas are perfect little ways to bring a splash of Danish comfort and coziness into your hectic life.

1. Light a candle. This instantly improves the ambiance of any space.  Image Credit  
2. Brighten up any room of the house with a bouquet of your favorite flowers, just ‘cause. 

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3. Wrap yourself up in your softest sweater, plenty of warm blankets, and a pair of fuzzy socks. 

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4. Warm up your insides with a hot beverage, whether it be tea, coffee, hot cocoa, or cider. Use a cute china cup to make it just a little bit special. 

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5. Bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies (or cake, or cobbler, or whatever best satisfies your sweet tooth). The important part is that it is homemade—no cheating with store-bought. And don’t be afraid to eat a couple too many… 

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6. Cook your favorite comfort food–mine is mac and cheese or a big pot of chili, but other great options include any kind of soup, mashed potatoes, or chicken pot pie! Is your stomach growling yet?  

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7. Play a boardgame with your closest friends. Break out the old Monopoly board or your Uno deck—just try not to let things get too heated. 

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8. Read your favorite book/magazine—the important thing here is to put down your phone and get lost in something that doesn’t involve a screen. 

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9. Have a movie night with friends. Personally, I think Harry Potter is the best hygge option, or any and every holiday movie. 

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10. And finally, for Hygge bonus points: do any or all of these things in the warm and dry comfort of your home on a rainy or snowy day. Thunder and lightning? Even better. 

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