Hygge Is Good For You – and The Planet!
Hygge was Oxford Dictionaries’ 2016 word of the year and it’s one of those delightful words for which there is no direct English equivalent. One word in Danish and Norwegian, it takes multiple words to explain it in English.
Hygge (pronounced HYOO-guh) (or more simply, HOOG-uh to sort-of rhyme with sugar) comes from a Norwegian word meaning “wellbeing”. The concept is all about comfort and coziness and warmth. It’s similar to the German word gemütlichkeit.
Hygge could be a recipe for a happier life. in 2016, Denmark was shown to be the happiest country in the world according to the World Happiness Report (and that’s pretty cool, because Denmark doesn’t have great weather!). In 2017, it came an impressive second in the world.
But ecology and the environment are big considerations in Denmark, with 20% of all electricity being produced by wind power, and relatively large sales of organic produce. (Of course, I believe that happiness and concern for the environment are closely linked!).
So, let’s look in more detail at hygge, and see how you can feel happier by bringing it into your life.
Hygge Defined
I find it’s easiest to explain the concept by using specific examples of things that are hygge.
- Enjoying the good things in life with good people
- The warm glow of firelight and candles
- Sitting around a candle-lit table with friends or close family, discussing life in general
- Hearty, warm comfort food, served generously
- Soft socks, blankets, wraps and big duvets
- A total lack of pretentiousness
- Hot drinks such as mulled wine, cocoa or hot chocolate; hands wrapped around a warm mug.
It sounds like a winter concept, but in fact the Danes embrace hygge all year round, not just in their long, cold, dark winters.
Is Hygge New?
Danes have embraced hygge for years, but it’s a relatively new concept in the UK and US. Loads of books on the topic are now being published. The recent growth in Scandinavian-themed restaurants, cafes and bars in the UK is helping to export hygge – they have intimate settings, a lack of uniformity in decor and a concentration on comforting food. In the US, the wallpaper and fabric firm Hygge West offers cheery designs, and a Los Angeles bakery called Hygge sells traditional Danish pastries and treats.
Hygge is a great antidote to bad news – heightened racial tension, an unsteady political climate and climate change.
Hygge is even used on social media as a hashtag for photos of candlelit tables and relaxed conviviality.
OK, so what can YOU do to bring it into your life? Here are 6 of my favourite things – and of course, it’s no coincidence that these are also green and eco friendly things to do too!
6 Ways to Embrace Hygge
1.Take a Walk – yes, even if the weather’s bad, just wrap up. The exercise will make you feel good – but also take a moment to stop and notice things along the way – a new bud on a tree, an alternation or addition to a building, a bird’s nest, an insect you haven’t seen before, a fresh smell after rain, how someone has planted their garden, a lovely view.
2. Eat at Home – being at a pretentious restaurant is neither hygge nor green. Be cosy and comfortable at home, and relax with comfort food. For example, cook a casserole or stew. It’s easy to make (throw everything into a large pot and cook until you can’t resist the smell any more) and it lasts several meals. Small effort, very little washing-up, and an easy dinner (or several) in the future. Even better, invite friends for a casual meal. Porridge is also perfect for a great start to a cold morning.
3. Be warm. Wool or cashmere socks, sweaters, blankets, throws and towels — especially hand-made and local — are comforting, snug and warm. Light a fire – it’s much more atmospheric than air conditioning or central heating.
4. Drink gløgg (mulled wine). Served hot, gløgg is spiced wine with cinnamon sticks, cardamom, cloves, orange zest and more. Hot chocolate or cocoa or tea are all admirable substitutes. If you’re a tea drinker, take a few extra minutes and make your tea into a delightful daily ritual. Use loose-leaf tea (not tea bags) and brew the tea in a beautiful china tea pot, then pour it into a lovely fine china cup and saucer. You’ll be glad of this extra attention to yourself.
5. Invite friends around for a hygge evening. Switch off all mobile phones. Provide comfort food that’s easy to cook (so you won’t stress). Eat casually and cosily, with lots of candles in votives. Then play board games, or snuggle under some blankets and watch a scary film together.
Copenhagen, Denmark
6. Café Coziness – find a delightful café that’s simple with great atmosphere (for me, that usually means there are plenty of books around). Sit back, sip coffee and people-watch or curl up with a good book. Perfect!
Bonus
And here’s a bonus tip. Don’t go out and buy new “stuff” just because it’s supposed to be hygge. You create hygge with atmosphere, friendship and caring, not stuff.
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Have you heard of hygge? Do you think it’s a good idea? Let me know in the comments below.
Warm regards,
Editor’s Note: This article was updated with more up-to-date information
P.S. Don’t forget to download your free “Live Well, Live Green” here!
Related:
- Some fun things to do that are also green
- How to make online shopping green and ecofriendly
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Reminds me of times gone by, in colder climes. However, I do have my porridge every morning and hot chocolate nearly every night.
You’re right Sheena, hygge is very similar to old-fashioned comfort – I wonder why it went out of fashion? I think there’s probably less need for hygge in a hot climate, it’s pretty easy after all to live comfortably on a tropical island – thanks for your comment!