The American lifestyle is known for being fast-paced, all-work-and-no-play, and greatly lacking in vacation days. We could learn a thing or two from the Danish people, who boast of being the "happiest people in the world." They make "hygge" (pronounced "hooga"), the concept of being cozy, of resting, of slowing down and enjoying the little things with those you love, a pronounced part of their culture.
Here are 12 ways you can incorporate this Danish way of life into your winter and claim your right to rest.
1. Comfort Food
Fall and winter are the seasons of soups, freshly baked sweets, and other warm, comforting foods. These meals and treats can hug our bellies and our souls, creating the warmth of hygge. If you can create or share these foods together with a loved one, even better. Good food brings good community, a balm to our tired minds.
Want to make those delicious cookies in the picture? Get the recipe for these Chewy Vegan Chai-Spiced Cookies over at Rainbow Plant Life!
2. Convienience Meals
Convenience meals often are demonized in our culture, but sometimes the act of preparing a meal and cleaning up afterwards causes enormous stress. Stress around food is worse for your body than anything you could ever eat. It's perfectly ok to work to make food preparation and clean-up easy and simple. One-pot meals, pre-chopped veggies, and other tactics that help us spend less time in the kitchen are sometimes the kindest and coziest option.
Here, food writers share 15 of their EASIEST go-to comfort food recipes.
3. Dim the Lights
We often associate coziness and winter with candles. Candles are an amazing way to create an atmosphere of hygge, but you can do this even if you don't have a candle on hand. Turn off your overhead lights and opt for just a lamp, or, better yet, hang up some yellow Christmas lights that you can use year-round for when too much light is over-stimulating.
4. Snuggle Up with a Good Book
If you're a reader, I know that I'm preaching to the choir here. You already know the complete bliss of burrowing under a blanket with a captivating page-turner. If you haven't read a book in a while, I invite you to slow down, put the screens aside, and pick up even just a middle-reader (think Harry Potter level). Get as comfy and cozy as possible, and lose yourself in another world.
5. Comfort Decorating
This means transforming your space into a place that brings you peace. This doesn't mean spending a lot of money. It's a thrifted piece of art on your wall that you love, that plant you picked up at Trader Joe's, a fluffy blanket on the sofa, framing pictures of the ones you love. It's creating your own sanctuary for when the nights are cold and the days are dreary.
6. Winter Walks
I know, I know, it's cold outside! But what could be more cozy than bundling up in your favorite scarf and hat and mittens and sweater and stepping out into the magic of winter? It's not always magical, but getting outside, even when it is cold, and walking in nature will do wonders for your mood. Make it fun with the softest winter gear, and soon the winter blues will be behind you.
7. Naps
You have a divine right to rest. Read that again. Our culture frowns upon rest, but we cannot be productive without it. So, grab your warmest, snuggliest blanket and socks, curl up on the sofa, and take a long winter's nap.
8. Game Nights
While hygge can be practiced alone, in Danish culture, it means to come together. It means spending time in connection. Meeting and sharing hot cocoa over a board game is a great way to do this! But be flexible and switch to a movie if the mood strikes, because this isn't about planning or agendas, it's about quality time.
Don't forget you can often borrow games and puzzles right at your local library!
9. Hot Baths
If you are lucky enough to have access to a sauna or a hot tub, this is a great option, but most people can take a simple, piping hot bath. Make your bath as cozy as possible. Turn on some relaxing music. Use a bath bomb, bubble bath, or bath salts. And don't forget to dim the lights!
10. Soft Things
This can be anything from soft clothes to soft blankets, fuzzy socks to throw pillows, or even (and my most favorite yet) your dog's velvet ears or your cat's fluffy tummy. In our harsh world, let's do whatever we can to make our lives just a little bit softer.
11. Your Local Coffee Shop
Hygge can also be found in our local coffee shops and bakeries. The hot beverages and fresh baked goods, the cozy vibes, the invitation to just relax and enjoy, and even meeting up with a friend...it's all hygge.
12. Relationship
Ultimately, hygge is about sheltering together and connecting. Winter encourages this. As we seek warmth from the weather, we also can find comfort in the worn-in sweater of old friendships, or by wrapping ourselves up in new connections. Hygge means that we cluster around the fire, young and old alike, laughing and basking in the positive atmosphere of our relationships. Relationships are healing.
As the days get shorter and the nights grow colder and longer, remember this list and come back to the cozy embrace of hygge!
Sources: NPR, The New Yorker, Denmark.dk
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