Hygge: Danish Coziness
Perhaps you've seen the term hygge (pronounced hue-guh) in social media lately and wonder what it means? Country Living describes hygge as a Danish concept that "encompasses a feeling of cozy contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life". What better time of the year to practice this concept than the holiday season which leaves many feeling stressed, exhausted and grumpy?
When broken down, hygge is really a conscious effort to slow down and be present. You can experience this cozy contentment with family or friends, or alone. There's nothing to buy and nothing specific to do. Hygge House explains the concept "By creating simple rituals without effort {such as brewing real tea with a little china cup every evening to stopping at the flower shop every week} the Danes see both the domestic and personal life as an art form and not every drudgery to get away from. They incorporate hygge into their daily life so it becomes a natural extension rather than a forced and stressful event."
How can you incorporate hygge into your daily life? Will you start with the example of drinking coffee from china cups in the morning? Perhaps you'll stash plush blankets around your home and relax with a good book. The most important factors to emphasize are simplicity and presence. What will you do this holiday season to practice hygge?
