Embracing Hygge in the winter months

Denmark consistently ranks as one of the happiest places to live in the world. Many factors contribute to this – a comprehensive welfare system, free healthcare, subsidised childcare and unemployment insurance, as well as high life expectancy, a strong sense of social support, a culture of generosity, high levels of equality and one of the shortest working weeks for employees. Not to mention the home of Lego, Carlsberg and Lurpak.

According to the World Happiness Report, happiness is closely linked to social equality and community spirit - and Denmark fairs well on both. Whilst taxes are high, Danes have a strong sense of social awareness, which then translates into good collective wellbeing.

There is also the Danish practice of Hygge that seems to offer some answers as to why Danes are so happy. Pronounced hyoo·guh the word originates from Norway (another country that ranks highly in happiness) meaning ‘wellbeing’.  Meik Wiking, from the Happiness Research Institute, however, suggests that it is less about how you pronounce hygge and more about the feeling that it invokes; and whilst there isn’t a direct translation in English, it broadly means ‘cosiness’. 

Hygge isn’t a single practice, more about creating a mood or an atmosphere.  An item of clothing or a piece of furniture can be described as hyggelig; an event or a day can be described as hyggelig; a coffee shop or a cinnamon bun can be described as hyggelig.  You can even be described as hyggespreder – a person who spreads the hygge! 

What can we learn from Hygge to help us through the winter months? 

Whilst hygge is a year-round practice in Denmark, what can we learn from our Danish counterparts and their art of hygge, that can help us through the winter months?  Let’s consider a few practice that could be used both at home and with some imagination in the workplace!

• Lighting: Lighting is important in creating a hygge atmosphere. Danes love candles. Lighting a candle can add ambience at any time of the day – on a dark morning, a rainy afternoon, or on a dark winters evening. Candles are not however the only way to create a feeling of hygge – lamps and fairy lights can just be as pleasing.  Play around with the lighting in your home day or night and see what feels right. At work, why not leave the fairy lights up beyond Christmas and create a little bit of magic at the start of the Spring term.
• Warmth: Central to hygge is a feeling of warmth and cosiness. This can be created by using throws and blankets around the home, lighting the fire or snuggling up in a big warm jumper and fluffy socks. Create little nesting areas around your home so that whichever room you are in it is easy to cosy up when needed. Think about fabrics too – wool and felt are good natural choices. It’s easy to bring some hygge warmth to work, too – leave a scarf or a cosy cardigan on the back of your chair so you can snuggle up when you are doing some desk work.  
• Food & drink:  Hygee food is pleasurable, wholesome and maybe a bit rustic. This isn’t about gourmet food or amuse-bouche – this is about homemade soup and thick slices of sourdough bread with copious amounts of butter (Lurpak of course). Sweet treats are also hygge. Think cinnamon buns, pastries and cake.  Hot chocolate and coffee are very hyggelig. Also, think about the cups and plates that you are using to add to the hygge, particularly the feel of them. We all have a favourite mug – one that is just the right weight, thickness and feels good in our hands. Chances are that mug is probably quite hygge.
• Connection:  Being with other people is very hygge. A hyggelig gathering would usually be quite small, where people come together to be in the present moment. The conversation would be harmonious rather than dramatic – discussing politics or contentious issues isn’t very hygge. Connecting with others in this way is about being your authentic self – taking off the game face and relaxing completely. The practice of connection equally translates to the workplace. There might not be much time to connect in the middle of a busy day – but intentionally setting aside some time either at lunchtime or at the end of the day to connect now and then as individuals rather than as a group of professionals can greatly benefit wellbeing. Combine it with a hygge lunch or early dinner where everyone brings a dish and put on the fairy lights for good measure. 

Being present as you experience hygge is important. If you are sat by a roaring fire, snuggled in a blanket with your eyes glued to your phone, or ruminating over past events or future worries having just demolished a large Danish pastry without even realising it – chances are you won’t feel the benefits of hygge.  To experience hygge you must be in the present moment, feeling the mood and basking in the atmosphere. If you can add to this a sense of gratitude – and feel thankful for the sense of cosiness that hygge involves, the pleasure will be heightened. 

So, what’s to lose? Why not try and add a little hygge into your life this winter? Who knows – you might even turn into a hyggespreder and continue into the spring and summer months too!