11 Ways to Embrace the Hygge Lifestyle This Season

Have you heard a lot about hygge in recent years, but still aren't exactly sure what it means or entails? Well, have you ever had a wonderful night sitting by the fire with a glass of cocoa, enjoying the company of your partner, your family, or just yourself, and thought, "This is the life?" That, my friend, is hygge. Have you woken up on a chilly morning, lit a candle, wrapped yourself in a blanket, and read a book? Hygge again. Escaped a stormy night by enjoying a hot dinner with friends? That's hygge, baby.

Hygge, pronounced "HOO-gah," is a Scandinavian way of life that celebrates coziness, shared meals, and companionable interactions with loved ones. Emphasizing warmth, kinship, and an appreciation for the little things, hygge is a perspective on life that started in Denmark and has contributed to the nation's high happiness ratings (it ranked #2 in the world in 2020). Now, Americans are turning to hygge as a way to find happiness within.

Many see hygge as an excellent form of self-care, especially during seasons when weather-related depression runs high. By embracing the indoors and taking plenty of time to treat yourself to little luxuries, hygge is an ideal way to combat seasonal affective disorder.

While high season for hygge is winter, the Danish tourism board assures us that it can be experienced year round. If you want to hygge-ify your home, here are some ways to incorporate the peaceful Nordic lifestyle into your own everyday habits.

01

Wrap up in the coziest knit blanket you can find, and make sure there are plenty around your house.

02

Have an outdoor adventure โ€” hygge is all about appreciating the world around you.

03

Have cozy nights at home with good food, deep conversation, and comfortable companionship.

04

Enjoy drinks that warm you from the inside, like hot chocolate (with extra marshmallows).

05

Hang string lights to create a cozy, welcoming mood in your home.

06

Cozy up seating areas with plenty of pillows.

08

Bake holiday treats for your loved ones by candlelight.

09

Take a midday break for a sweet treat and a cup of something toasty, like tea.

10

Place lanterns or candles in your windows to emanate warmth to your neighbors.

11

Slip on a pair of comfortable socks when you're spending the day indoors.