HYGGE MEANING & 5 WAYS TO COZY UP YOUR LIFE THIS WINTER

Perhaps you’ve heard the word but wondered about the hygge meaning? Or further still, how — or why — you should find ways to incorporate it into your life. 

Winter is at our doorstep and with it can come feelings of loneliness, isolation, and solitude. Things that once bloomed with life and vibrancy now lie dormant. The world loses color and warmth. The sun which gives us literal happiness in the form of serotonin hides behind a grey veil. The last couple of years have been harder than most, due to the state of chaos and change in our world. 

Happily, there are things we can do to embrace winter on our own terms. Make it a point to delight in, instead of dread, the slowing down of things. Take in what makes us happy, and leave what brings on feelings of sadness. Essentially, embrace the hygge meaning and allow winter to be a time of uplifting reflection. 

HYGGE MEANING

Hygge, (pronounced HUE-gah) is a quality of coziness. It’s a danish word and Scandinavian sentiment of inviting warmth and comfort into your life, both into your abode and into your lifestyle. It is not decor choices but rather a feeling of contentment and intimacy. Everyone could use a little hygge in their lives. 

In Scandinavia and other extreme northern parts of the world, winter is a time of little light. Instead of hibernating and waiting for the light to come through, the people in this part of the world have embraced the full meaning of hygge. They make it a point to bring light in. This can be by bringing things that light your soul or literal light in the form of the warm glow of candles. 

There are endless ways to bring light into your life during the grey winter. I’ve included 5 ideas to get you started. 

 

#1 CREATE LUXURIOUS ROUTINES

The first thing you can do will likely require no new equipment — create luxurious routines. What I mean by that is to take something simple, such as making coffee in the morning and making it into a beautiful routine. In the case of coffee, step up your game. Add some cinnamon or cardamom (or both!) and froth your milk. Make it just a little extra and a little special. Use a special mug that you have been saving for special occasions. That occasion is here! Now is the time. 

Routines to Consider:

• A new morning routine (write in a gratitude journal)
• A new afternoon slump-buster routine (bundle up and go for a walk!)
• Luxurious coffee making routine
• An evening winding down routine
• Bedtime rituals
• Beauty regiments

#2 CREATE A HYGGE BEDROOM

Let’s face it, we spend a lot of time in our bedrooms. Even if we only sleep there, that’s at least a third of our lives! Make it a cozy haven that you enjoy being in. Not that you want to spend all of your time there, but when you do feel like curling up with a comfort read, you’ll want to feel welcomed and embraced. The bedroom is the perfect place to start.

Must-Haves for a Hygge Bedroom

• Warm, soft light (candles, anyone?)
• Soft, textured blankets and throws
• Layered bedding
• Neutral Colors (Not a rule! Use what you find soothing)
• A decluttered space

#3 CREATE HYGGE LIVING SPACE

Hopefully, we have a place in our home that is not our bedroom, creating a hygge environment, somewhere cozy where we want to spend our time, is probably the most important part of creating a haven out of your home. Remember the breadth of the hygge meaning is a feeling, and different people have different ideas of coziness and comfort. Create a space that represents your own hygge. 

Must-Haves for a Hygge Living Space

• Natural touches
• Warm, natural lighting
• Touches that bring to mind a happy place or time
• Light a fire
• Scented candles

#4 CREATE SPECIAL MOMENTS

Hygge is nostalgia. It is a sense of safety and security. It is warm feelings. The nice thing is that sometimes this just happens naturally, and the whole point of hygge is that it should. It should be easy and natural. However, when we are in the depths of winter and feelings of isolation take over, there are times we must work for it. 

Making Your Hygge:

• Host an intimate dinner party (candle-lit of course!)
• Bring a special (homemade or otherwise) cake to a friend and sit and chat
• Meet friends for coffee
• Plan a crafting night
• Participate in (or start!) a book club
• Cuddle your pets

#5 LET NATURE IN

No matter where we live in the world we have the gift of nature and this beautiful world of ours. Even if you live in a city, there are trees, the beautiful sky, the sun, and the moon. Is it even possible to be stressed when looking at a beautiful sunrise? During winter you must make nature a priority — your soul will thank you.  

Ways to Bring in Nature:

• Go for a walk
• Take a drive down a scenic road
• Nordic sports (snowshoe, cross country ski, etc.)
• Bring in flowers or even found twigs or branches
• Open curtain/blinds and windows if possible
• Stop and smell the roses (or any available plant!)

Hygge is caring for oneself. If we are to be the caregivers and nurturers that we pride ourselves in being, we must first care for ourselves. During the winter months and the isolation of our world as it is, it is more important than ever. Fully take in the hygge meaning and all it entails — comfort, security, and happiness in things big and small. 

What do you do to let the light in during winter? Do you embrace the hygge meaning? Please share in the comments!

 

Leigh Smith is the founder of Leigh Smith Copy. She is a lover of all things beautiful, including our mother earth and the perfect coffee mug.

Leigh writes beauty & lifestyle with an affinity for conscious brands.

She currently lives in Ohio by way of Florida, Vermont, Califonia (twice!), and Kentucky.

You can find her on the trails of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Or you check out her work at leighsmithcopy.com. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

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