According to Oxford Dictionaries, Hygge, pronounced “hoo-guh”, is a Danish word defined as “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being”. The original word can be traced to the Middle Ages word “hugga”, which roughly means to be guarded against the outside world. Within the abstractness of this concept, beauty is found in the way that it whimsically promotes a mindset of gratitude and neighborly warmth. In the fast-paced culture we Americans are immersed in, here are some ways that you can tap into a Dane-inspired, cozy lifestyle this fall!
- Avoid Multitasking
While I am the most guilty of this habit, multitasking should be avoided when trying to practice a hygge lifestyle. The nature of multitasking is to rush to complete a to-do list, but a hygge mindset calls for a standard of being present, even when completing mundane functions. Practicing a present mind during boring things gives way and trains one’s brain to be present during meaningful moments.
- Curate Your Space
In order to fully immerse into hygge, you must create a cozy space for yourself mentally and tangibly. Therefore, it’s important to commit to curating a space that fosters wellness as well as sensory pleasure. Practical ways to incorporate this are finding candles that encompass comforting smells, adding fairy lights to your space, investing in a comfy blanket, and committing to a decently clean space so that your mind has the space to unwind. Additionally, investing in a cozy PJ set & socks will definitely add to your hygge this autumn!
- Plan Quality Time with Friends & Family
In the stress of upcoming midterms, find a time when you can take a few hours to have a genuine conversation with a friend or family member. Perhaps this looks like organizing a Friendsgiving, trying that pumpkin patch you’ve been stalking online, or embracing a harvest full moon with a friend. The most important thing is that this time is mindful, genuine, and not rushed by the ushering of culture.
There are endless other ways to embrace hygge because it is a lifestyle, not an agenda. Nonetheless, starting with these three intentional practices will set you on a mindfulness journey all pointing back to gratitude. Overall, hygge is about renewing our minds to find joy in the simplistic & slow things of life. Hygge on y’all!
Thanks & Hook ‘em :)