What Is Hygge and How Do I Do It?

About Tori Thurmond

Tori Thurmond combines her creative writing background with her marketing experience in her role as the Content Specialist at Brookdale. When she's not writing, she's probably spending time with her two cats or knitting.

a cat sitting on a blanket beside a cup of tea, a book, a basket, and a candle

Hygge: what does it mean? How do you say it? And, most importantly, what is it? Hygge—pronounced “hooga”— is a Danish word used to describe a feeling of coziness, but its meaning is a little more nuanced than just being cozy. Here are the details about the practice and why you should consider embracing hygge this year.

What is hygge?

Although the concept of hygge became popular in the States about 10 years ago, the word dates back to around 1800 as it’s used now, but different versions can be traced back to the Middle Ages. The Danes have made hygge what it is today. Denmark is consistently ranked one of the top three happiest countries in the world, and hygge could contribute to that high ranking. It’s difficult to nail down an exact definition of hygge; some consider it a state of mind, others consider it a lifestyle, but at its core, hygge is about creating a sense of comfortability where you can relax, usually with old friends and family, and lean into the little pleasures of life.

Winter is the most popular season for hygge. Instead of wishing away the cold and wet winter, hygge is about curling up inside, making a hearty meal or pouring a drink and sharing it with your favorite people. However, hygge can be accomplished no matter the season. To create hygge in the warmer months, grab a picnic blanket, your favorite snacks and a book you love to enjoy an afternoon in the park.

How do you accomplish hygge?

The good news is that all you need for hygge is a place you feel comfortable in and people to discuss life with. Invite your favorite people over to share a meal together, sit around and craft together or simply use the time to intentionally catch up and just be together. Meik Wiking, the author of The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living, says, “Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience rather than things.” So just do your best to create a comforting environment where you can come together with people you love, and you’ll be well on your way to experiencing hygge.

If you do want to boost your environment’s hygge factor, dig up that cozy blanket, a quilt that’s been in your family for generations would be even better, light a fire or some candles or simply switch your bright white lightbulbs for ones with a warmer hue.

Why should I practice hygge?

Not only is hygge enjoyable, but it can also be good for your health. Here’s how:

1. Can help reduce stress

Spending time in nature and living life at a slower pace are hygge-like activities that can reduce stress levels. Hygge doesn’t only take place in your living room curled up by the fire, but can take place in nature too. Make your wintertime walks cozy by bundling up in your handmade scarf and your favorite coat or cool down your summer evening walks with a glass of your favorite summer mocktail. Go on a walk with a friend to boost the hygge factor, or if you’re by yourself, try to pay extra attention to your surroundings and really appreciate the nature around you.

But if it’s too cold or too hot to get outside, embracing “slow living” as a way to lean into hygge could also help you reduce stress levels and blood pressure. It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, but carve out some time to curl up with your favorite cozy hobby or to sip a warm beverage while looking out the window.

2. Boosts connection with others

Hygge can be experienced by yourself, but typically, a part of hygge is spending “informal time together with family or close friends.” Nurturing friendships can increase your sense of belonging and purpose, help you through difficult times, and even help you avoid habits that aren’t healthy, like not being active enough. Social connection can even help you live longer. In fact, research shows that social isolation has been shown to increase the risk for premature death by 29%. Leaving time for yourself is great, but make sure you invite loved ones, new and old, to experience hygge together.

3. Encourages self-care

Self-care doesn’t have to involve going for fancy beauty treatments or treating yourself to a shopping spree, although that’s certainly one way to do it! Self-care can simply mean having a hygge-filled evening spent at home doing something you love with people you love. Dr. Caroline Perjessy, president of the Association for Humanistic Counseling, states, “As we cultivate our self-care practices with ourselves, we become more grounded and purposeful in our activities and behaviors, honoring our finite resources, energy and priorities.” Intentional self-care can improve your physical, psychological and emotional health. A comforting self-care night in can help you experience hygge in no time.

For more content to help you enjoy the little things, check out 10 Books to Help You Practice Gratitude, Is Friendship the New Romance? and Why You Should Start Dopamine Dressing.