Hygge is a lifestyle trend that's growing quickly. It's now being considered as the key to finding happiness by stepping back from the fast lane and learning to find pleasure in the simple things in life.
The Secret to Happiness
What's the key to being Happy? It's something we all strive for everyday, but are we missing the point? Lucky for us, we have some dedicated people out there who do this for a job. The Happiness Research Institute (Yup. This is a real thing) is the think tank behind answering this exact question. Their single goal is the explore what makes Humans happy. They are based in Denmark because Denmark is consistently ranked as the happiest Nation in the World.
Their Secret? The Happiness Institute believes it comes down to something they call 'Hygge'. And they have put it all together in a little book Called: The little Book of Hygge (this is the hardcover version, because reading a book online totally negates the whole point of Hygge).
What is Hygge?
The word 'Hygge' originates from a Norwegian word meaning 'Well being'. It's both a Verb (something you do) and a Noun (something you feel, see, hear and taste). Hygge is about finding pleasure and contentment in the moment and intentionally creating and cultivating a unique, cosy environment that calms you and those around you. It's like surrounding yourself with a Hug.
7 Ways to Cultivate Hygge in your Home
Creating an environment of Hygge in your Home is not complicated. In fact, it's the opposite of complicated. Here are 7 Simple Things you can do to invite peace and contentment into your home ever day.
1. Light Some Candles
Take the brightness down a notch. Turn off all the lights, lights some candles and enjoy the sense of calm you get from the change in atmosphere generated by these living lights. Follow the Danish tradition and choose scent free, organic candles.
2. Be Present
Turn off technology. Forget work for a moment and focus on what you are doing. Whether it's cooking dinner, bathing or doing homework with the kids. Just be there. Be present.
3. Togetherness
Hygge is about being with those you love. Friends, family or even your cat. That emotion of closeness to another being comforts and consoles us. Establish a togetherness habit in your home. Dinner time, Weekly Game night or simply a pre bedtime family chat in a cozied up lounge.
4. Comfort
Create an environment of cosy in your home. Woolen blankets, Hot water bottles, open fires. What makes you feel Peaceful? In our House, the beginning of Winter is our time to Hygge. Life slows down a bit. Nights get longer. The Air gets colder. We light a wood fire in our little BBQ on the deck, snuggle under a blanket and drink huge mugs of hot chocolate out of enamel cups (I don't know why, but these just feel right).
5. Pleasure
Allow yourself to feel Pleasure. Spoil yourself with a decadent dessert or an extra serve of your favorite dish. Read a book, Go to bed early. Run a hot bubble bath. Have a glass of wine. Push aside the guilt you may be feeling and say 'Yes' to the moment.
6. Slow
Slow it down. Cross some items off your to do list. Free up your time to focus on some Hygge inducing activities.
7. Food
Eating is a ritual that brings us together every day. Afternoon tea parties, Baking with your kids, slow cooked meals, rustic pies, classic casseroles. Slow it down. Turn off the TV, set the table and make it a moment that matters.
