How to practice hygge and celebrate life's simple pleasures
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Did you know that snuggling up with a warm blanket and a book is a mindfulness practice? The Danish concept of hygge invites you to boost your mental health by getting cozy.
Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”) is a Danish word that refers to a feeling of creating a cozy space for yourself where you can relax and feel comfortable, often in a quiet corner and during a peaceful time. Although there’s no direct translation for hygge, it's meant to encourage you to find happiness in the simple things. That might be enjoying the company of friends or family, a quiet moment alone, or just feeling settled, comfy, and happy. It’s doing something that feels nurturing and creates contentment or feelings of warmth.
Hygge is about creating an atmosphere and an experience for you to simply feel good. It's not about spending money or making grand plans, but noticing and enjoying the positive and nurturing people, environments, and experiences you already have around you.
What is the hygge lifestyle?
Hygge, as a philosophy, is about finding comfort in the everyday. The hygge lifestyle is built on the foundation of relaxation, indulgence in life’s simple pleasures, and gratitude. Hygge is where the soft glow of candlelight is embraced instead of the harshness of overhead lights, or where a warm blanket and a good book are more important than the buzz of technology.
Hygge is all about feeling good inside. Imagine being in your comfiest pajamas, sipping a warm drink, with no rush to do anything. You’re happy with the present moment and happy to be yourself within it. That’s the hygge vibe.
Hygge has no barriers
Hygge knows no borders—it's a universal invitation to slow down and appreciate life's simplicities. Hygge can be adapted to every culture and in every climate—whether you're sipping fruit juice under the sun or cocoa by the fireplace. It’s not about where you are, but how you feel—comfortable, content, and connected.
Whether you’re wrapped in a warm blanket or simply enjoying a quiet moment, practicing self-care is a vital component of hygge that you can bring into your life, no matter your location in the world.
The main connection between hygge and mindfulness
Hygge and mindfulness share a similar essence: simply enjoying and relishing in the present moment. Mindfulness is when you pay full attention to what's happening right now. You notice your thoughts, feelings, and the world around you. Creating a life that incorporates hygge may also be a great way to incorporate mindfulness into your day. Your hygge time can coincide with your mindfulness practices, creating a little haven of comfort.
When your surroundings are calm and cozy, it's easier for your mind to relax. That's when you can truly notice how the warm tea feels as you take a sip, or indulge in the comfort of intentional silence. When you're mindful in a hygge setting, it can work wonders for your mental wellness. You’re able to calm down, smile more, and truly appreciate where you are in life. It’s a good feeling—a great feeling, even.
10 ways to practice hygge
Practicing hygge is where you create feelings of happiness, peace, and contentment. It shouldn’t feel complicated. Simply taking time to appreciate the ordinary can make it feel extraordinary.
1. Set up your cozy corner
Choose a spot in your home where comfort is the priority—pile up the cushions, drape a soft blanket, and let this space be your go-to place for relaxing. Depending on how much space you have, this could be a separate room from the rest of your house, or a corner of your home dedicated to relaxation.
💙 You can further enhance the comfy vibes with a soothing soundscape like Cozy Cabin.
2. Choose low light if possible
Harsh, bright light can be stimulating and energizing. When practicing hygge, opt for low light. If you’re able, opt for candlelight. If you can’t have an open flame in your space, choose a lamp with a dimmer, or a lamp that creates soft, relaxing lighting and ease into relaxation.
3. Savor your favorite comfort food
Cook something that makes you feel good, like a big bowl of soup with warm bread or your favorite cookies for dessert. You can invite friends or family to share in the meal, or you can enjoy the treat by yourself.
💙 There’s more to comfort food than simply enjoying the flavors. Check out our Mindful Eating series to learn more about eating mindfully.
4. Take a break from screens
Give yourself time away from your phone, computer, and TV. Instead, opt for reading, writing, journaling, drawing, or just sitting and reflecting on your day.
💙 Learn more about how to detox from social media with our Social Media and Screen Addiction masterclass.
5. Value time with others
Spend time with people you care about. Laugh, do something fun together, or enjoy a nice talk. Whether with loved ones or in your own company, practice valuing these moments without distractions.
💙 Looking for a guided meditation that supports friendships? Press play on Meaningful Practice for Meaningful Friendship.
6. Be here now
Embrace activities that keep your mind in the present, such as breathing exercises, meditating, or mindfulness exercises and even tuning into music in a mindful way.
💙 Jeff Warren’s 30-day Mindfulness for Beginners series is a great way to get started on your mindfulness journey.
7. Get outside
Nature is the original setting for hygge. Step out and breathe in some fresh air. Feel the sun or the wind on your face, and take a moment to be part of the great outdoors. If the weather or your home aren’t conducive to going outside, indulge in nature soundscapes.
💙 Listening to some peaceful nature sounds like High Sierra Lake can help you transport yourself into nature without ever stepping outside.
8. Indulge in a book
Pick up a book you love and get lost in its pages. Let the story take you to another place while you're snug under a blanket. Bonus: Reading fiction can boost emotional intelligence and empathy for others and even yourself.
💙 Reading isn’t for everyone. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys having stories read to them, start one of our Sleep Stories like My Heart in the Highlands.
9. Listen to calming music
Put on some tunes that help you relax. Let the music fill the room and see how it changes the way you feel. This could be peaceful instrumental music, classical music, or just some of your favorite songs.
💙 For some extra musical relaxation, check out Hygge Suite Op. 1.
10. Treat yourself kindly
Do something nice for yourself. It could be using your favorite lotion, enjoying a warm bath, or just sitting quietly with a cup of tea. Indulging in self-care rituals can help you cherish and honor yourself, increasing your feelings of wellbeing.
How to practice hygge FAQs
What are the ten rules of hygge?
Hygge doesn’t have strict rules, but it does have guidelines to help you feel cozy and happy. Follow these tips to help you get started.
Keep things simple.
Value the time you have with people you care about.
Find your special, cozy spot.
Enjoy the here and now.
Turn down the bright lights and enjoy low light or candlelight.
Take a break from the digital world by switching off screens and devices.
Relish activities that make you feel relaxed and at home.
Get outside and connect with nature.
Make sure to do nice things for yourself regularly.
Lastly, remember to appreciate the little things that make everyday life special.
How do I bring hygge into my life?
Bringing hygge into your life is like making your favorite space even better. Start by thinking about what makes you feel relaxed and cozy. Maybe it's lighting a scented candle, wrapping up in a soft blanket, or cooking a meal to share with friends. Find ways to create moments where you can slow down, relax, and be kind to yourself. You can also bring hygge to your life by spending time doing things you enjoy, like reading a book or having a nice chat with a friend over tea.
What is the English equivalent of hygge?
The idea of hygge comes from Danish culture, and there's no exact English word that matches it. The closest concept might be coziness or comfort, but hygge is more than that—it's a whole approach to living that involves enjoying the present and appreciating the simple things. When you practice hygge, you create a warm atmosphere where you can feel good about life.
What type of activities does hygge involve?
Hygge activities are those that make you feel comforted and content. This could be anything from sitting by a fire with a good book, having a picnic with loved ones, or enjoying a home-cooked meal. It can even be simply taking time to be with your thoughts. Hygge is about engaging practices that feed your soul and make your world a little bit cozier. So, whether it's sipping hot chocolate, bundling up for a walk on a crisp day, or playing a board game with friends, if it makes you feel good, it's hygge.
Calm your mind. Change your life.
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