What exactly is Hygge?
The Danish word “hygge” has exploded in popularity around the world, despite being difficult to explain and even harder to pronounce. It essentially translates to “comfort,” although it has a far broader meaning.
So, what exactly is hygge? Continue reading to find out!
Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word that refers to a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere that promotes emotions of well-being and contentment. Hygge (“hooga”) is difficult to pronounce and even more difficult to understand. In its most basic form, hygge entails creating a welcoming environment and sharing pleasant times with nice people. Hygge is the pleasant glow of candlelight. Hygge can also be defined as snuggling up with a loved one to watch a movie. And nothing says hygge like gathering with friends and family to talk about the big and small things in life. Perhaps hygge explains why Danes are among the world’s happiest people.
Hygge was invented by Danes in order to combat boredom, cold, darkness, and monotony. They used the indefinable sensation of hygge to find ways to celebrate, acknowledge, and break up the routine and harsh. With so many cold, dark days ahead, the simple act of lighting a candle and sipping a cup of coffee could make a significant impact on one’s mood.
It literally only takes awareness, a certain amount of slowness, and the ability to not only be there but to acknowledge and enjoy it. That’s why so many people reduce hygge to a “feeling” if you don’t feel hygge, you’re probably not using the word correctly.
“An art of establishing intimacy” is another description of hygge (either with yourself, friends, and your home). While there is no one English phrase or clear description for hygge, words like a charm, happiness, ‘contentment,’ security, familiarity, comfort, reassurance, kinship, and simplicity can all be used interchangeably to express the concept.
Hygge is more than simply a reason to stay in and renovate. Humans nowadays are thirsty for anything that gives the feel-good chemical serotonin, such as friendship, human touch, and embraces, and Hygge could be a method to feel happy during an otherwise gloomy and chilly season. Hygge promotes screen-free activities like reading a book, playing games, or simply conversing with friends, all of which may have a longer-term good impact on your well-being. Hygge is frequently associated with relaxed time spent with family or close friends. Typically, the environment is at home or another peaceful spot, such as a picnic in the summer. If there are children present, it usually entails sharing a meal with wine or beer, or hot chocolate, and a dish of candies. There is no plan in place. You may rejoice in the minor pleasures of life, or you may address more serious issues. It’s a chance to relax and take things slowly.
Also read: How to Be Calm in A Stressful Situation?
Hygge, like self-care, can take many forms for various people. There’s no wrong way to do it, whether it’s wrapping your freshly exfoliated skin in a velvety robe, foregoing plans to slip into cloud-like slippers, or reading a romance novel while soaking in a donut-bath-bomb-infused soak. As a result, there’s no wrong method to give it. After all, everyone might benefit from a generous helping of hygge these days, especially because we’re spending more time at home than ever before. I all, when you’re cuddled under the weight of a luxurious down duvet, those long, chilly winter evenings won’t seem so horrible. And who knows what might happen? Your gift could expose a friend to a new, life-changing method of achieving hygge.
It’s a collection of simple gifts that will help you spread love and joy while also adding a little hygge to your life.
These gifts include nice blankets and comfy clothes, warm drinks and excellent homemade sweets, good books, natural elements, and a pleasant environment of candles and gentle music, among other things. All are best enjoyed without technology while conversing (and possibly playing a board game) with individuals you care about.
1. Comfortable Sweatshirt
Give a super-soft, hand-printed Stay Cozy sweatshirt, as a gift that makes you want to stay in at home. A loose, long-sleeved, collarless pullover with close-fitting or elastic cuffs and often a drawstring at the waist that will keep you warm. Sweatshirt have grown quite popular in recent years due to their versatility and ability to be worn in a variety of styles. They are not only warm in the colder months, but they are also trendy. Hooded sweatshirts make a person appear appealing as well.
2. Box of Self-Care
Self-care boxes are designed to improve your mood, encourage healthy habits, and remind you to take time for yourself. These boxes can be filled with products that will help you improve your self-care time, such as cozy socks for curling up with a nice book, luxurious bath salts for at-home pampering, and puzzles. A self-care kit can make self-care more manageable. You’ll get everything you need to wind down, feel cozy, and recharge your mind with this self-care box, which includes everything you need to wind down, feel warm and comfortable, and recharge your mind. Handmade products such as a soy candle, lip and body salve, a scrunchie, and more are included. What’s better? You can include a sweet message to show your friend how much you care.
3. Coffee and Tea Maker
Warming up begins with a hot beverage. But going outside in these frigid temperatures to wait in line at Starbucks? No. Thank you very much. Rather than squandering your hard-earned cash on store-bought coffee, put it to good use by purchasing this sleek and easy coffee maker.
Just because hygge conjures up ideas of sitting in front of fire doesn’t imply you have to do so all of the time. It’s all about doing things that make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Start appreciating those handmade sips if playing barista is your preferred me-time.
4. Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets are intended to ease tension and promote relaxation. They accomplish this by applying pressure to the body. For increased weight, these blankets are packed with glass beads or plastic pellets. To add to their heaviness, some have additional layers of fabric. The weighted blanket, the wellness craze that never goes away. The buzz is understandable, given the claimed benefits of calming you down and lulling you to sleep. And there’s no better time to join the weighted-blanket bandwagon than on a chilly winter night.
5. Scrapbook or Photo Album
A photographic album, often known as a photo album, is a book containing a collection of photographic prints gathered by an individual or family. We all enjoy being reminded of joyful memories, and photo books are a great way to do just that with your loved ones. Print your images and make easy albums to keep your memories alive. Give them to individuals you care about and spend winter days indoors with them remembering everyday moments, family celebrations, and trip excursions.
While hygge isn’t simply about having these elements in your home, after all, the fundamental component of hygge is feeling present and spending quality time with yourself or your loved ones it is about feeling present and spending quality time with yourself or your loved ones.
