Hygge

 Several years back I picked up a book about Hygge. I was intrigued by the cute little cover and the promise that hygge is linked to happiness. 

Dictionary.com defines hygge as the feeling of coziness and contentment evoked by simple comforts, as being wrapped in a blanket, having good conversations, enjoying food, etc. After reading and studying I would define hygge as the feeling you get when you put on your favorite pants (you know the ones you would never wear outside your home but make everything in life feel right). 

The main components of creating a cozy, comfortable, hygge environment include: lighting, textiles, food, beverages, and companionship. These components while consistent can change with the seasons, the weather, and even your mood. The best way to share more about hygge is by giving examples and once you see a few you can think of examples from your own life experience. 

The ultimate winter time hygge: Sitting in the glow of the fire place, drinking hot chocolate (tea or coffee work well too), listening the click of the knitting needles while a dog sits at you feet gently snoring. 

Summer hygge: Enjoying a slow out door table with friends under the twinkle lights, candles adorn the table, the tinkling of silverware against plates is subtle beneath the murmur of conversation. The fireflies begin to glow as you pull a light cover over your sunburned shoulders and the smell of gardenia envelopes the group. 

Simple: after those two really elaborate examples here is a very simple, yet personal favorite. Friday night, worn out from work, cozy pj's, on the couch, snuggling the kids, takeout, watching movies, and the small of home popped popcorn. 

Where can you find hygge in your life? By the campfire? New Years Eve? Surrounding by plants in your greenhouse or garden? If your having trouble think of how you can consciously cultivate hygge. Light a candle, diffuse an essential oil, get a small lamp rather than bright over head lights. Think about the meals you cook and how they smell, do you ever cook a meal that just makes you feel comfortable, safe. Trying having a throw blanket readily available in the winter months or even a cozy sweater. 

Let me know the areas in your life where you find hygge by commenting. I would love to hear from you.