How to Practice Hygge

Hygge (hue-gah) is a Danish concept representing a level of comfortability and feeling of content with the simple things in life. It is also described as the coziness of the soul.^[1] Hygge is an easy and free way to let your mind go free and savor the little things. By designing a comfortable relaxation space and taking care of your mind and body, you can start the hygge lifestyle yourself.

EditSteps

EditDesigning a Comforting Space

Remove clutter from your home. Having a cleaner space will also help clear your mind throughout the day. Find clever storage solutions that are out of sight, like closed shelves or hidden containers. Keep the items you love and get rid of anything that may only be taking up space.^[2]
- Making your bed every morning is a great way to make a bedroom seem less cluttered.
- Clean your home at least once a week. Split different chores and organize different rooms each day of the week so it does not become overwhelming.
- Before purchasing something, ask yourself if you’re going to use it more than once. If the answer is no, it will only become clutter in your home.
Create a cozy nook to relax if you have extra space. Part of hygge is finding a space in your home that you can relax in every day. Find a quiet space next to a window where you can sit with a coffee, tea, or book for an afternoon to unwind.^[3]
- Fill the area with blankets and pillows for added levels of comfort and coziness.
- Keep a book rack near your nook so you have easy access to your favorite reading materials.
Light candles around the room to use as natural lighting. Candlelight is soothing as well gives your space a less artificial feeling. The soft light of multiple candles is enough to light a relaxing room..^[4]
- Use natural-scented candles, like pine or cinnamon, to give your space a relaxing and cozy feeling.
- Electric votive candles make a safer and easier replacement if you do not have multiple candles.
- Lamps in the corners of rooms rather than overhead lights can be enough to invoke hygge.
Keep fluffy blankets in the room. A big blanket can offer visual accents to your room as well as add comfort. Even when you’re not under the blanket, you’ll feel like there’s more warmth in the room that you would’ve before.^[5]
- Keep a basket of blankets made from different materials to have a wide selection to choose from.
Decorate your home with plants and natural decor. Houseplants and natural wood can help keep you relaxed. Imagine as bringing the serenity of the outdoors inside your home. For example, you could fill a bowl with branches and pinecones and use it as a centerpiece.^[6]
- Find practical room accessories like fur blankets to add a different texture to the room.
- Avoid using plastic or glass materials. Try to find decor made of metal or wood to make the feeling of the room cohesive.
- Dry pinecones and branches that you find outside to decorate your space without spending a dime!

EditDoing Hygge Activities

Drink warm drinks from your favorite mug. Hot drinks, like tea or hot chocolate, give you a warm feeling inside that will help relax your body. Drink through it slowly and enjoy the flavor and moment for as long as you can.^[7]
- Take the time during your day to savor the process of brewing tea or coffee. Think of it as a daily ritual that makes you comfortable.^[8]
Read a book in a cozy chair. Keep a selection of your favorite books on a shelf next to your relaxing chair or nook. Find an area near a window or fireplace so you have a place to unwind. Give yourself a place to put your feet up and wrap yourself in a blanket.^[9]
- If you can read from natural light rather than keeping an overhead lamp on, opt for reading near a window or by candlelight.
- If reading isn’t your thing, cuddle up in the chair and enjoy your favorite movie or TV show.
Take up a new hobby or resume an old one. Making handmade crafts gives you a chance to slow down and appreciate the things you make. If you’re able to, start the projects in your relaxing nook so you’re comfortable while you’re learning.^[10]
- Knitting is slow and rhythmic, making it a great activity to learn if you want to practice hygge.
- Other hygge activities can be painting, quilting, or making a collage for a scrapbook. Ultimately, find an activity that is calming and relaxing for you.
Eat hearty meals of comfort food. A happy stomach makes a happy mind. Now is the time to indulge in sweets or meal that fills you up. Pick a family recipe that you have fond memories of and cook it.^[11]
- Make a meal from scratch! Not only will you warm your tummy with delicious food, but you’ll feel warm knowing you made it yourself.
Perform household tasks with joy. Putting off tasks that need to be done will only make you anxious to do them later. Give yourself time to relax by doing them right away. Get absorbed in the task and find the details that make you happy. For example, watch the soap bubbles as you do dishes to relax.^[12]
- Turn your chores into a game and reward yourself with a cup of coffee or tea or sweets afterward.

EditTaking Care of Yourself

Build a self-care “emergency” kit. Fill a container with candles, your favorite hot drink, a book you enjoy, and a big blanket. If you have a rough day at work, come home and open your kit to wind down and ease into relaxation.^[13]
- The items in your kit could be whatever helps you relax. If crafting helps, fill your box with craft materials. Puzzles and games can also help you slow down and make you calmer.
Take a relaxing bath. Sometimes at the end of the day, the best way to relax is a hot bubble bath. Keep the lights low and keep a few candles in the bathroom for extra ambiance. Soak in the tub until you feel a deep sense of calm.^[14]
- If you can, read a book while laying in the tub for additional ease of mind.
- Epsom salts help relieve aches and pains on top of being aromatherapeutic. Use a eucalyptus or lavender scented Epsom in your bath for total comfort.
Wear comfortable clothes like sweatpants and loose shirts. One of the most important aspects of hygge is feeling warm and cozy. Wear clothes that are too big for you that store heat or thick wool socks that make walking a comfort.^[15]
- If you live in an area too warm to bundle up, wear loose-fitting clothes so you can relax without feeling restricted.
Slow down and avoid rushing. A main concept of hygge is taking the time to focus on the ‘now’ rather than what will happen in the future. If you take an extra 10 minutes when you’re relaxing, you’ll savor the moments and melt the stresses away.^[16]
- Wake up earlier to enjoy time drinking coffee or doing a crossword in your nook.
- Eat your food slower to enjoy the flavor and spend more time with your delicious meal.