With the winter temperature dipping to extreme lows, it’s a great time to want to stay cozy. Hygge is the art of cozy. Hygge is the secret of the happiest people in the world. It is a way of living that comes from Nordic countries. Hygge is pronounced (hoo- gah). It is the art of creating sanctuary, enjoyment, community, and coziness in everyday living. It has been a tool that the Norse have used for centuries to survive the many months of cold and increased darkness during the winter. Instead of becoming depressed with the long dark winters, they have become some of the happiest people on earth. Hygge is also about making the effort to get out and make connections for positive mental health benefits. It’s so easy to want to stay home, but getting out of the house with family and friends is important.
Canadians also experience long, cold, and dark winters. As I write this, the temperate dips to almost minus 30 and I have seen very little sunlight today. I could use a whole lot of Hygge. So as a Canadian, how does one create Hygge and bring more happiness into our life? It begins with lifestyle choices. Hygge consists of times spent both alone and with people that you enjoy being with. It can be as simple as wearing comfy clothing and cozy socks or slippers to snuggle under a warm throw while reading a book or watching a favourite television show and enjoying a hot beverage. It includes the practice of lighting candles or lanterns to bring coziness to a room and enjoying mulled wine (called glogg) with friends. It is also the art of making homecooked meals, with the aroma of the meals wafting in the home, creating a cozy and homey experience.
Enjoying nature is part of hygge. This consists of bundling up and going outside for a walk to enjoy nature. Nature is also brought into the home by decorating with natural materials such as wood, fur or knitted throws, natural metals, plants, and branches. Fresh flowers and plants bring hygge into the home by bringing nature indoors.
Hygge is created in businesses as well, by making the interior environment and outside as inviting and cozy as possible. In restaurants and pubs, this would include burning candles or lighting lanterns, serving warm drinks, and decorating with natural materials that feel cozy. These wonderful hygge-created environments are meant to be shared with friends or family to experience shared enjoyment. Happiness is increased when you keep in touch with those you care about, so there is a social aspect to Hygge. Hygge is all about creating, and experience and feeling of coziness. Lighting candles for a simple evening meal will create hygge. It includes taking time to enjoy your coffee or tea, watching the sun rise or set, petting your dog, and all manner of simple pleasures. Hygge is finding joy in everyday work.
In several ways, we as Canadians already practice some aspects of hygge, without even knowing it had a name. Coffee row is a popular practice, as is a cup of steaming tea. Our knitted sweaters, toques, and scarves all contribute to our coziness. A lot of socialization happens at the hockey and curling rinks. We love our simmering pots of stew or chilli on cold winter weekends. Winter weekdays after work will find many curled up in front of the TV watching their favourite program or hockey game. So light that candle for supper, make plans to see family and friends and cozy up.
Comments