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Mental Health

Embracing Hygge: How the Danish Art of Coziness Can Improve Your Mental Health

by Laura Clipson
Published 20/11/2024
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The concept of “Hygge” is Danish in origin and a huge part of their culture, but the word has slowly been cropping up elsewhere; it was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2017, and it seems you can’t go far without seeing it mentioned on social media or used in advertisements.

So, what is Hygge?

Hygge (pronounced ‘hoo-ga’), which directly translates to ‘well-being’, is a word used to describe anything that evokes feelings of comfort and contentment. The concept involves taking the time to celebrate the small things in life. It’s commonly associated with winter, but can be applied to activities year-round.

How Can I Embrace Hygge?

Create a Cosy Atmosphere
Warm, ambient lighting is a must when it comes to creating a ‘hygge’ atmosphere. Think dim lights such as lighting a lamp instead of the overhead light, candles, a cosy fireplace and string lights. This helps to create a sense of peace and warmth, helping you to unwind.

Embrace Comfort Food/Drinks
How often have you made a cup of tea only for it to go cold, or eaten a meal without really paying attention to the taste? Take some time to savour a hot cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate, cook your favourite meal or treat yourself to your favourite snack, roll up your sleeves and do some baking, so you can enjoy something fresh from the oven.

Layer Up
Create a sense of warmth and comfort with soft, comfortable blankets, thick socks, cosy jumpers, and woolly cardigans. Unrestrictive clothing that you can easily relax and unwind while wearing, with the dual benefit of keeping you nice and toasty during the colder months.
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Spend Time with Loved Ones
Hygge also encourages gathering with your loved ones. Host a game night, invite friends or family over for dinner, have a movie night - the possibilities are endless. In the warmer months you can gather outside for a picnic or head to the beach.

Get Outside
While the concept of hygge is associated with cosiness and spending time indoors, you can still enjoy these feelings outside. Wrap up warm in your big winter coat and boots, hat, scarf and gloves, and head for a walk in nature.

Practice Mindfulness
Appreciate and be grateful for the small things, like a warm blanket, a quiet evening, a delicious meal, in order to help cultivate a positive mindset and make day-to-day moments feel more meaningful.

Limit Screen Time
Spend more time reading, journaling, working on puzzles, playing board games - anything that doesn’t involve a screen. This creates a more calm environment, reducing stress which can in turn improve sleep.

Hygge can help to combat feelings of stress and depression that may crop up, especially at this time of year. Hygge encourages you to embrace cosiness and simplicity, grounding yourself in comforting routines that help to boost well-being and mental health.

Thank you for reading.

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