Hygge
What is hygge? You must have seen or heard of it by now, Hygge. Small, cute books popping up in book shops and supermarkets bound with a simplistic Scandinavian style cover or maybe people using the hashtag #hygge on their posts on instagram of fluffy blankets and candles. You might have an idea about what it is but lets delve into a little more detail about Hygge and why it’s becoming a sensation.
Pronounced Hoo-gah it derives from the Danish way of life, it’s slowly becoming the next big thing in the UK and it’s easy to see why. People are finally discovering a way to escape the hustle and bustle of their daily lives and breathe for a moment and have a name for it. As I’ve gotten older it’s become more apparent and important for me and my friends to be able to just curl up with a blanket and some good food and just be – and not feel guilty about it.
I’ve always admired the Scandinavian style and way of thinking. Coming from an interior design background this played a big part in influencing my designs. Clean, crisp, sharp lines that are simple and elegant but are timeless. The Danes are probably my most envied culture. Being creative and polished is rooted their DNA and without effort they just ooze classiness and beauty. Something us Brits have to try a little harder with for sure.
Defining Hygge
Depending on who you ask this answer will vary massively. Some Danish folk don’t think it can be defined or translated. For me? I’ve tried to sum it up in a few words. It’s all about that moment, the contentment, comfort and connection. Being in that moment, defining the moment and being aware of the moment. Making memories in the warmth with an aura of friendship and security. Drifting through a nostalgic moment. Everyone will have their own version of hygge. I have two favourite hyggelig moments. One is alone, with a cup of tea, a blanket, my homemade candles burning in the peace and quiet with my thoughts and my notebook or a book and the other is when I’m with Mr M, snuggled up with the biggest of blankets and the cat for cuddles, talking, watching box sets and just being.
Take every feel good sense to its maximum heightened state and that is what we’re aiming for. The sounds, the tastes the smell, the feeling and the view combine the best of the best and embrace the hygge. Often it’s the simplest of things that appeal the most to reach a hyggelig state.
Defining your moments – top tips for getting your Hygge on:
At the very top of the list is the obvious – candles. The Danish love a candle, or two, or ten. Everyday when I get home from work I light my homemade candles, and an incense stick. This has become a routine over the last year. The burning of a wood wick candle is quite possibly one of the most relaxing noises you could listen to.
Food, take your feel good food and eat it by candlelight. The chocolate, the thick chunky soup with warm crusty bread and cheese that sticks to the spoon, the gummy bears or penny sweets that transport you back to your childhood. Hygge is all about pleasuring the senses.
Turn off your devices. This one is quite controversial, some people might feel most hyggelig when scrolling through their phone; the connection with the outside world while still being secure and safe inside. It’s all about being present in the moment. Embracing and enjoying with or without your devices attached to you.
Make sure you’re comfortable. Get the duvet down off the bed, find the biggest and softest cushions, pull over a snuggly blanket or your favourite dressing gown teamed with the fluffiest of slippers.
If you’re practicing your hygge with other people, enjoy the conversation with no drama, no arguments. Connect and reminisce over past adventures or start planning new adventures together. Hygge is so each to achieve and it’s really comforting and healing for the soul especially in the winter when the nights are darker and the weather is colder.
Top Hygge book recommendations:
The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Living Well
This was the first Hygge book that I picked up when trying to find out what all of the fuss was about! Small, informative, full of quotes and stats to back up the findings. Well worth a read!
The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well (Penguin Life)
This is possibly the most instagrammed book around! Given to me as a Secret Santa gift, it’s full of beautiful illustrations and tips about how you can bring Hygge into all aspects of your life from clothing to food.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your favourite people, snuggle down with your favourite food and embrace the hygge!
