What is Hygge? The Answer Will Make You Warm & Cozy.
This is from the Winter Wellness Series
What do you get when you combine candlelight, cozy socks, and intimate conversations? The Danish would call it hygge – and science shows it could be the antidote to modern stress.
Author Marie Tourell Soderberg describes it this way…
“Hygge is the ritual of enjoying life’s simple pleasures and making the ordinary extraordinary.”
The popularity of this Danish concept has been picking up steam worldwide. Instagram has over 6.3 million posts tagged with #hygge and related terms as of 2024. In this article, I will tell you about all the mind, body, and spiritual benefits that I believe are why it’s become so trendy.
So, what’s this cozy philosophy all about? Grab a warm drink in your favorite mug and let’s find out as we kick off our Winter Wellness series…
Understanding Hygge: More Than Just a Trend
Cozy winter rituals for the cold winter are especially close to my heart. My husband and I moved our family to a cabin in the mountains in 2020 when everything went remote. We’ve embraced the slow, seasonal, and intentional way of life since.
I’m excited to share how beneficial this traditional Danish concept can be to improve your health, inspire deep, meaningful conversations, and make your cold season more enjoyable. And how easy it is to fit into your modern life with minimal effort yet massive reward.
Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) may be trending, but nothing about it is fleeting or shallow. It is not a checklist of things to do, a shopping list of things to buy, or IG-worthy staged photo-ops. The theme we’ll keep coming back to is intentional living for holistic well-being.
This way of life has been woven into the fabric of Danish culture for generations. It came from the Norse word “hugr,” meaning comfort and consolation. During World War II, when electricity was rationed, hygge practices helped Danish communities maintain morale.
Think about the landscape of winters in Denmark… the weather is frigid, and daylight is scarce. On Winter Solstice the sun rises at 8:37 am and sets at 3:39 pm. The average temperature is 36°F (2°C). I believe they established and maintained these traditions to bring some light and joy to the darkest months.
What’s at the core of the Hygge lifestyle? Finding joy in simplicity and creating warm, intimate moments. Not surprising when you consider that humans have always sought comfort and connection – hygge simply gives us a framework for intentional living.
The Essential Elements of Hygge Living
Let’s talk about the details that can bring hygge to life. It can be hard to nail a concept of coziness down to a list of elements, so remember that this is a set of ideas and inspiration. Nothing is required or set in stone here.
At its heart, hygge is about creating an atmosphere of comfort and contentment. What soothes me may be very different than what soothes you, and that’s part of the fun of this experience.
Hygge Idea List
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Soft lighting |
Handicrafts |
Close family & friends |
Warm drinks |
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Candles |
Comforting foods |
Good books |
Fairy lights |
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Natural materials |
Music |
Board games |
Warm baths |
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Cozy blankets |
Fireplace |
Baked goods |
Comfy clothes |
You can almost picture a holiday Hallmark movie scene, right? A warm drink on a cold night. Cozied up by a roaring fire with someone special sharing a deep meaningful moments. Sweet treats and soft lighting.
Creating Hygge Moments in Your Home
I admit I fell in love with the Pinterest-perfect images and have a board dedicated to winter wellness and all things hygge. Let’s take some of those ideas and find out how you can create the hygge vibes in your own home.
Cozy Nooks
Here are a few questions to get started with a cozy corner:
- What’s your favorite area that you gravitate towards? Is it a chair, a spot by the window or the place on your couch you love?
- What is one thing you could do to make it a little more cozy? A softer blanket, better lighting or an easier place to set your drink?
- How can you make this cozy spot a part of your daily routine more often?
The Research Behind Hygge Lighting
Lighting has an huge impact on the feeling of a space. I learned about this when I got my BA in Interior Design. Hotels have funded research to learn about the effect of lighting on their guests.
Studies have shown that guests stay approximately 21% longer in hotel restaurants when the lighting is optimized for comfort rather than brightness. Warmer lighting (around 2700K-3000K) is how designers get guests to feel relaxed and spend more time in these spaces.
You can use this insider knowledge to your own advantage in your home just by replacing the bulbs in your lamps. Dimming the overhead lights and lighting a few candles can create even warmer effects.
A Note on Candle Safety
Candle light is one of the top suggestions you’ll find when look for hygge ideas. It’s easy to find them everywhere from Amazon to Bath & Body works. Since this is a post about Winter Wellness I need to bring up a fact that might be hard to hear: scented products like your favorite candle, scented wall plug-in, or melty waxes are toxic. Many experts are even going as far as to say that they are as toxic as second hand smoke.
Unscented beeswax candles are your safest choice and smell wonderful. I’ve also found some non-toxic wax melts that I’m loving and smell like a winter forest.
Hosting With Hygge In Mind
Social connection is another aspect of hygge that the Danes have mastered. Here’s a list of ideas that can make your winter gathering more easy and comfortable.
- Simple, warm foods like soup and baked bread
- A warm drink that’s easy to serve – a pot of spiced apple cider or mulled wine.
- Conversation starters to warm up the social connection
- A clean space that’s easy to move around
- Mellow music playing that allows the focus on the conversation
Try your best to keep things unfussy – hygge is about being present with others, not impressing them.
Common Misconceptions About Hygge
It’s such an appealing picture that we want to make it happen right away. But that line of thinking can get us caught in a trap of misconceptions about how to bring hygge to life.
First, hygge isn’t about achieving Pinterest-perfect interiors or buying specialized “hygge” products.
The commercialization of hygge somewhat misses the point – it’s about authenticity and connection, not being picture-perfect.
What is genuine, even when flawed, is what is real. Our deeper wisdom knows when we find it.
Another common misconception is that hygge is exclusively a winter practice. While it’s particularly wonderful during cold months, comfort and joy can be experienced year-round. Summer hygge might involve picnics in the park, gathering wildflowers, or simple nature crafts.
Hygge is often associated with minimalism, which it is not. Another great concept that can lead to more wellness, but it’s fundamentally different. They can complement each other because both practices value intentionality.
Yet hygge focuses more on creating warmth and coziness, which sometimes means embracing a bit of comfortable clutter. Who can say no to a fluffy blanket, a cute ceramic mug and twinkle lights?!
The Science-Backed Benefits of Hygge Living
Recent research has begun to validate what the Danes have known intuitively for centuries – hygge-style living is healing both physically and emotionally. Studies have shown that exposure to soft, warm lighting (a key element of hygge) can reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation. With as often as we stare at blue light screens, this gives us a welcome reprieve. So important when we’re feeling depleted and tired.
The social connection aspect of hygge can also be backed by scientist. Research in social neuroscience shows that intimate social connections, especially those formed in comfortable, relaxed settings, trigger the release of oxytocin – often called the “bonding hormone.” Yes, this strengthens relationships but it also improves overall well-being.
A 2023 study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that participants who regularly engaged in hygge-like practices reported lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to those who didn’t. Hygge creates space for mindfulness which we know makes us better humans.
Hygge as a Path to Inner Peace and Self-Connection
What I love most about hygge is the self-awareness and spiritual growth that come from slowing down and finding little joys. In our fast-paced world, hygge offers a gentle invitation to slow down and turn inward. Sitting quietly with a cup of tea somewhere comfy can be it’s own form of meditation. It’s an opportunity to connect with our inner selves.
This practice of nurturing comfort creates what I call “sacred comfort zones.” These are paces where we feel safe enough to let our guards down and explore our deeper thoughts and feelings. Journaling by candlelight feels intuitive and spiritually connecting in a way that we don’t often get in modern society. I’ve found that I have the best insights and inspiration when I’m in my hygge moments and I think you will too.
Conclusion
Are you inspired to bring some hygge to your home and life this winter? Remember hygge isn’t about impressing anyone or following strict rules – it’s about creating authentic joy and connection. Whether you’re curling up with a book and your favorite tea or gathering friends for a cozy dinner, hygge can be your guide for more warmth in life’s daily activities. The scientifically proven benefits and spiritual enlightenment of this practice make it incredibly powerful. Get started your hygge journey simply. Light a candle and enjoy a few quiet moments – you might be surprised at how naturally the rest follows!
