How to Hygge
That warmth you feel when cosying up with a good book under a warm blanket on a cold day, hot chocolate in hand; or the joy of sharing good food and fellowship with friends and family; this sums up the art of hygge. To look outward and be sociable while enjoying small pleasures with those you are close to.
We can easily envision a Scandi lifestyle to include cold places, with simple styling, crisp whiteness, warm woolly jumpers and plenty of candles. For me it’s something I look forward to encapsulating every winter. The warmth of a glowing candle or two, or three even and settling under a soft blanket with the dark evenings around me, to be warm and cosy with a hot drink and a good movie or a cosy you tube video.
So why am I talking about it?
January and February are always challenging months. The dark nights , as much as I loved them before Christmas just seem to draw on and on, testing my resolve. The crisp but bright sunny days that bring brief interludes of calm contentment are few and far between and here in the southeastern corner of the UK, we seem to get dull grey and damp days more and more. A traditional vision of crisp winter is getting further and further away and as a result we need something to help break this monotony of melancholic atmosphere.
I think we all at times find this dreary undertone challenging to get through each year. The hope of spring and new beginnings still seems far away and I certainly need something to make me feel inspired or hopeful.
A hygge approach to life I’m reliably told can help. The Nordic regions have adapted to long periods of darkness and have perfected the art of living alongside this gloom, they have found many antidotes to the icy world around them. Something we can hopefully emulate here in this gloomy corner of the world. No reason we cannot replicate this way of life. To help us through the frigid obscurity of winter but also to bring more meaning and joy to our every day life. As a part of slow living we can utilise some of these techniques throughout our day to day lives, not just in Winter but at any time.
So here are some approaches to incorporating a little bit of hygge into our lives:
Enjoy the simplicity of slow living
Find ways to feel cosy
Be sociable and look outward to friends and family
Embrace the world around you and find ways to enjoy small adventures
Some of the ways that the Nordic countries incorporate this into their everyday life and ways we can too.
Cosy blankets, warm drinks and a good book- all you need for a hygge evening at home.
In the home
Keep it simple:
Incorporating hygge principles into your home can help you find joy and contentment in everyday moments, making your living space a sanctuary of warmth and simplicity. One way to incorporate hygge into your home is by focusing on simplicity. This means decluttering your space and keeping only the items that bring you joy and comfort. That simple styling , crisp whiteness and warm blankets can help create a serene environment while adding candles and good books can make your home feel inviting and cosy.
Keeping up with the Jones’s is the antithesis of hygge. Focusing on simplicity not only frees you from the constant need to consume and the pressure to stay on top of the latest trends or fashions ( which we all know will only become history sooner than we think), but it also frees up your time ( who doesn’t need less housework after all), and the mental load of clutter.
So what are the principles of hygge design in the home?
Function alongside style
Minimalist
Warm
Natural materials
A mix of old and new
Quality over quantity
Crafted with care and skill
Utilising the light around you
Inspired by natural forms
All of this culminates in a home which is characterised by a lack of pretension or ostentatiousness. One that is accessible for all to obtain, and can be created in the smallest of spaces with the smallest of budgets.
The joy of candles
The warm cosy glow of a candle can be enough to transform a dark evening into an inviting home.
Candles have a unique ability to transform any space into a warm and inviting haven. The soft, flickering light of a candle can create a sense of calm and tranquillity, making it easier to unwind and relax after a long day. The gentle glow of candles can also enhance the ambiance of a room, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.
In the context of hygge, candles play a crucial role in creating a cozy and comforting atmosphere. Lighting a few candles can instantly make a space feel more intimate and welcoming. Whether you're enjoying a quiet evening with a good book, sharing a meal with loved ones, or simply taking a moment to reflect, the presence of candles can make these experiences even more special.
The joy of candles lies in their simplicity and versatility. They can be used to set the mood for any occasion, from a romantic dinner to a relaxing bath. The act of lighting a candle can also be a mindful practice, encouraging you to slow down and savour the moment. With their soothing light and subtle fragrance, candles can help you create a sanctuary of peace and contentment in your home.
Food
Warm spiced drinks and good food to soothe the soul
Good food can incorporate many elements of a hygge lifestyle. From warming and nutritious meals , or those that have come from self-sufficiency, and providing opportunities to spend time with those you hold close, are all included in, and the epitome of hygge.
Over the next few weeks I hope to compile together some recipes that sum up hygge- warm, cosy, nutritious and great to share with others so watch this space.
In the Wild
The joy of a simple walk outside.
Many of us struggle to find the time, funds or opportunity to explore nature, to go on long hikes into the hills, or ski trips in the mountains. Social media is very good at making us feel like we are missing out and not fulfilling our hygge potential. Our busy lives however, often don't allow for such freedom on a weekly, let alone daily, basis. However, in a hygge lifestyle, nature is at the heart of the home and our daily activities. It's about finding any opportunity to connect with the natural world, both indoors and outdoors, while keeping things simple.
Urban living can make us feel distant from nature, but if we pause and look around, we can find small glimpses of it that offer even a few minutes of respite from the concrete jungle. A local park on the way home from work or during a lunch break, or a quiet churchyard surrounded by nature, can serve as little sanctuaries for introspection and peacefulness. A slow walk along the riverbank or across a local field can bring moments of calm and opportunities to meet with friends for a chat about life and love. All of this embodies the essence of hygge. Finding our creativity is key to embracing a hygge way of life. Keep it small and keep it simple, that’s a great starting point.
A slow walk through some woods can bring you closer to nature and bring about calm after a busy day
So our challenge for the rest of January and February is to find small glimpses of hygge, to incorporate into our daily lives in small doses, this could include:
· Put the kettle on for a warm brew and share it with friends or family
· Find yourself some warm snuggly knits or cosy blankets to snuggle under
· Light some candles for that glow and warmth
· Find a good book or a good film to enjoy on a dark evening
· Enjoy some comfort food- and warm drinks.
· Take a slow walk through your local park or by your local river and be mindful of the nature around you, take the opportunity to catch up with a friend you haven’t seen for a while.
