The Happiness of Hygge
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Earlier this summer, I read a book called The Little Book Of Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah, I think). It’s about hygge, obviously, which is basically the concept of comfort, or the feeling of warm and cozy (um, LOVE).
The book went in depth into foods, celebrations, home decor, and how hygge was a way of life in Denmark. The Danes literally live their lives according to feeling comfortable, warm and at peace. They ensure their family gatherings are about everyone feeling welcome and equal, and they will literally not go to a certain event or restaurant if the atmosphere isn’t cozy and comfortable enough. It’s not lost on me that Denmark consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world. I can’t prove anything, but hey, it's worth looking into.
While reading this book, I came to a realization. I was made for hygge. As a social introvert who loves cooler weather and low-key social gatherings, I love the idea of hygge.
Hygge is warm sweaters, candles and a good book on a rainy night. It is warm low lights, deep wooden furniture, and a cozy blanket. It is sweets and breads, sipping warm beverages and spending time with loved ones. It’s preparing a meal side by side or just sitting together watching a crackling fire.
Like, these are all of my favorite things. I belong in Denmark. See ya later, Delaware.
Kidding. Kind of.
I don't know about you, but I'm picking up a strong correlation between the hygge vibes and a certain human's favorite season, which just so happens to be rapidly approaching.
It's me. I'm a certain human. And if you don't know this already, I love fall. Like, a lot. So much, that I've written quite a few posts about it already, and yes, this year's fall posts are definitely in the works. Don't you worry about that.
So yes, I hopped on board the hygge train, and I may never hop off. We shall see.
Anyway, right about the time I was reading this book, I started my new job, and was not only adjusting to a new career, but also a whole new schedule.
Just to be clear, this is my first 9-5 job. I love it, but it was still an adjustment.
I realized pretty quickly that if I wanted to have some "down time" or time for self-care, I would need to make it a priority, and plan it. Otherwise, I would just get caught up in all the things I had on my to-do list.
Which I did. For a couple weeks.
After that, things started piling up, and I took less and less time for myself to recharge.
So one day, I just decided to have a hygge night. I had just finished a certain book about being comforted and relaxed, and enjoying the simple things, so I tried it out for myself.
I put my hygge playlist on softly in the background, lit some candles, brewed a cup of tea, and curled up on my couch with my favorite blanket and read a book.
It was perfect.
It’s official. I absolutely love hygge.
For someone like me, who has a hard time putting the to-do list aside, it was a game changer to solely focus on whatever would make me feel the most comfy and cozy, and to do that thing.
Isn’t it basically just a chill night at home?
Yes, it is. But if the extra vibes make the experience that much more relaxing to me, I’m going to go all in. Because it’s my time, and if I make a point to have a hygge night, you better believe ya girl is doing hygge night. With all the bells and whistles.
Ever since then, I have hygge night as often as humanly possible. If I can be in my comfy clothes by 8pm, I'm on the couch with a book or some Netflix on and at least one candle lit. Maybe 2.
It's a little chunk of time for me to unwind, relax, and be the little warm and cozy person I am.
In the future, I’m going to try to incorporate more hygge into my life when I can. Because I really do think the Danes are on to something.
For example, when they have a family dinner, they never let one person host and prepare the whole meal. Instead, they will all bring ingredients to their side dishes and prepare the meal together. It’s quality time + less stress for everyone involved.
Doesn't that just sound delightful?
Not that I’m 100% jumping on the bandwagon and moving to Denmark tomorrow, but I think that we could learn a thing or two from them. We can learn to prioritize the simple things that bring joy. We can focus less on appearances and more on our loved ones. We can spend less time worrying about the details, and more time being fully present with loved ones. We can learn that bigger is not always better, and that sometimes all one needs is a quiet, peaceful evening at home. We can embrace our own imperfections and show up as ourselves, and nothing more. We can find happiness in the little things, flaws and all.
And at the end of the day, we can curl up in the coziest spot on the couch, light a candle and revel in the simple joy of a perfect cup of tea.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
If you want my hygge playlist, you can find it on Spotify here, or Apple Music here.
Elliot's slowly hopping on the hygge train, but his version of a hygge playlist is a little different, and you can find it on Spotify here, or Apple Music here.