First of all, what it is it?

Hygge (pronounced HOO-gah) is a philosophy that originated in Scandinavia. There is a dispute about which country can claim it, and apparently about which countries are actually a part of Scandinavia (Finland isn’t, apparently, who knew?) and as fascinated as I am about etymology, we are going to leave that for another day. Suffice it to say, it is native to Scandinavian and Scandinavian adjacent countries and it is a word without an exact English translation. It has been loosely translated into “a cozy lifestyle”, but that is a very loose translation based on my understanding.

Nevertheless, the Scandis are happy bunch and I feel as though we could learn a lot from them about how to live a cozy, simplified life. The Scandis don’t live in McMansions so they have learned to adapt to small surroundings and maximizing space and comfort. They are minimalistic and often very family focused and progressive. They are proof that you don’t need a lot of “stuff” to be happy.

There is definitely a trend toward minimalism now (and don’t worry, you know my OCD ass will deliver ya’ll some content about adapting the KonMari method to an American life) and the Scandis lead the way. I recently found out that I am part Swedish and it answered so many questions about why I am drawn toward their culture and have particularly embraced hygge.

Let’s think about Scandinavia for a moment. What images do you conjure up? For me, I think of cold weather, breathtaking fjords, Nordic sweaters, gnomes, Hans Christian Andersen, simplicity and attractive, smiling people. Maybe I think about IKEA and their meatballs, too. Don’t judge me. Ya’ll know I like to eat and bargain shop. With that in mind, we will breakdown the hygge lifestyle into some simple, moving parts.

Elements

Hygge is all about warmth, simplicity, being present, coziness and relaxation. The Scandis believe relaxation is a right, not a privilege so they perfected it.

Warmth- Blankets, candles and warm beverages galore!  In winters near the arctic circle, you have to find warmth and light anywhere you can get it.  Warmth and coziness go hand in hand. They strive to be cozy and warm throughout the long, dark winters.

Relaxation- When you are cozy, you are more likely to be relaxed, but it is more than that. They believe that living with less and remaining present in the world around you leads to relaxation and ultimately, happiness. In Sweden, fika, a mid-day coffee break, is basically mandatory. People can fika alone or together, but it is a time to relax with a hot coffee or tea and a snack to unwind and savor food. *  This really struck a chord with me. As you know, I am obsessed with coffee and tea. Taking breaks, tuning into yourself and unplugging are paramount. There are days (usually Sundays in Summer) when whole towns will shut down and the people will go on vacation or just sit in their damn houses and live their best damn lives.

Being present- The Scandis unplug a lot. They read a lot. They turn off their phones or TVs and relax in front of a fire with a book. They know that too much of a good thing is still bad. They live very moderately and simply.

Simplicity- Again, the Scandis don’t live in McMansions. If they live in a city, their apartments rival the shoebox-sized apartments in NYC. They don’t have room for clutter and other nonsense. They make the best of what’s around. The standard of living is high, but so is the rent and the food. They don’t drink a lot of alcohol because it is so expensive and they often cook for themselves. If they do eat out, they savor their food, company and the atmosphere.

Six Step Guide to Incorporate Hygge in Your Life

Blankets.

Candles.

Hot beverages.

Minimalism/ Living with Less

Unplugging and being present

Get Warm and Cozy

I love a good throw blanket and pillow, so for me, more is more. It is better to invest in a few good quality throws and a place to store them. When it comes to furniture, it is definitely function over form, but they keep it simple with clean lines so it looks nice. Couches typically do double duty as a place to sit and lie down. I actually have a bed pillow on our couch in case I, my husband, kids or dog want a comfy rest or to cuddle up on the couch in front of the fire.

If you have a fireplace, use it. Buy as many candles as you can get away with without going overboard. I would recommend 1-3 per room (except kids’ rooms. Use common sense.) The glow from the candle and fire provide a lovely ambience and warmth that promote relaxation.

• Invest in cozy pajamas and bedding.
  

Are these pajamas fashionable? I couldn’t care less. Are they flattering on my complexion? Probably not. But once I put on these pajamas, I am in the damn zone! Get a pair of pajamas that are strictly for comfort and relaxation. Not pajamas that you wear for your significant other or ones that came out of a glossy catalog. No one has to think these pajamas are cute or sexy. I am talking pajamas that serve one purpose and one purpose only: to help you be cozy. If you are coziest in a night shirt and a hat that looks like Ebenezer Scrooge’s, you do you!

My bed is my place of rest. I make sure it is as comfortable as possible. On our first anniversary, my husband and I invested in a memory foam mattress and memory foam pillows. Yes, they were pricey, but they were worth every penny! Even during my worst bouts of insomnia, I was glad we bought them.  They were definitely worth the splurge to keep us nice and comfy.

I also LOVE some sheets. I have way too many for a typical person in a typical, middle-classed home, but I detest getting rid of them. I get really attached and even when I stop using them as much, I still try and find places to store them just in case. I buy the best ones I can afford (I usually find really good deals at Costco of all places!), the higher thread count, the better. I also believe in layering a bed with sheets, blankets and pillows. One guide I use is this:

Quality sheets (and yes, I use the flat sheet. Don’t @ me. )
Sheet blanket or Berkshire type blanket, depending on the weather
Bedspread, seasonal
– between seasons, the lighter one underneath the heavier one, the heavier one turned down lower to be used if needed
Throw blanket
Two King Size pillows or Euro pillows with shams
2 Head pillows

1-2 decorative throw pillows (don’t go too crazy)

1 neck roll pillow

• Read More Books

And actual books, not on a device. The day after Christmas every year, the Danes take a day off to do nothing but read books all day. Or that is the legend anyway. They give a lot of books as gifts and then sit around and read them, likely in cozy pajamas holding a warm beverage. It definitely hearkens back to a simpler time and shows their commitment to relaxation. There is only so much work one can get done before they need rest or fall into burn out. So rest, damn it! Read actual books with pages you can turn and covers that you can hold and smell. Remember those? You bought them at places like Walden Books and Barnes & Noble? The 90s are back, so head to your local book store or even Amazon and get some real books like we had in the 90s.

• Prioritize Relaxation
  This may come as a shock to some of you, but you can’t pour from an empty pitcher. You can’t burn your candle at both ends. Whatever cliché you want to insert here you can, but you can’t. It is a fact that we don’t do what we don’t prioritize, so make the time. Schedule it. Write it on your calendar. I would recommend that at least have a day a week that you take some “you” time. Meditate. Drink a hot beverage. Read a book. Get a pedicure. Take a bubble bath. Whatever makes you feel relaxed, just do it. You can even adhere to a relaxing ritual (see my blog post on how.) Just do something to relax as much as you can.

• Unplug
  I am the first to admit that watching some TV before bed helps me to unwind. I can’t help it. I was born an American. I don’t do this every night though. If I am in a show hole or reading a good book, I may skip it, but watching TV before bed isn’t hygge. Instead, try embracing hygge traditions and turn off the TV. Don’t look at your phone 2 hours before bed unless it is an emergency or to set the alarm. Read or do some other quiet activity. Just enjoy the coziness you have created for yourself.
  
  
• Declutter and Minimalize

You know what isn’t relaxing? Clutter! We are all guilty of this: letting the clutter pile up a little too much. Even Marie Kondo admitted once that there is one space in her garage that is just the shit-she-hadn’t-felt-like-dealing-with-yet station. (Not a direct quote.) If Marie Kondo can be guilty, you’ve gotta give yourself some leash. That said, at some point the clutter will start to get you. It will eat away at you telling you that you need to clean and keeping you awake at night because your room is in a state of disarray. (Just me?)

You really will lighten your load when you lighten your clutter. Imagine for a moment looking around and just seeing cleanliness and products you actually need and use and not random, impulse purchases masquerading as decoration. Wouldn’t that be peaceful? Wouldn’t that be calm?

Make the edit.

Like I said before, a KonMari Method Tailored Toward Americans blog is coming soon. In the meantime, start making edits. If you are putting away your Christmas decorations, start there. Which Christmas decorations are duplicates or haven’t been used in years? Donate them. If you have Winter where you live, edit your Winter clothes and outerwear. If it doesn’t fit or you can’t remember the last time you wore it, either donate it or find it another home somewhere that you don’t have to look at it all day every day. It lightens your emotional as well as physical load.

I hope these 6 tips can help you achieve a cozier, calmer, more fulfilling lifestyle. If you try it, let me know in the comments below!