Hygge: Embracing Cosy Danish Traditions this Winter

What is Hygge?

Pronounced “hoo-ga,” this Danish concept cannot be translated to one single word but encompasses a feeling of cosy contentment and wellbeing through enjoying the simple things in life.

If you’ve ever enjoyed reading a book indoors on a rainy Sunday or a cup of hot chocolate on a snow day, you’ve experienced hygge without even knowing it. Hygge is such an important part of being Danish that it is considered “a defining feature of our cultural identity and an integral part of the national DNA,” according to Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen.

So how can we embrace all things cosy and hygge this season? Before we share our top tips, take some time to get comfortable on your sofa or in a comfy seat, maybe wrap a blanket around your shoulders or pour yourself a nice hot brew. Feeling cosy? You’re more hyggelig already…

1. Candles: If you ask a Danish person, they’re likely to tell you that candles are the most important part of creating a hyggelig atmosphere at home. Danes burn 13 pounds of candle wax a year per capita – more than any other country in the world. So turn off that unflattering overhead lamp and light some candles. Looking for some new candles? Take a look at the NEOM candles and get 15% via the hero Health Store.

2. Get together: spend quality time with family and friends. Togetherness is a hallmark of hygge and many other hygge principles and activities are based on this idea. However, hygge socialising isn’t about throwing a big party. Instead, it’s about choosing the company of a few very close friends or family members in an environment of comfort, trust and security.

3. Homemade sweets, comfort food, and hot drinks: What you eat is also essential to creating those cosy vibes. While restaurants can certainly have a hygge atmosphere (think candles on the table and a fireplace in the back), spending tons of money on an expensive meal isn’t the point. It’s more about comfort and familiarity – take a look at the hero Meals section for some hygge recipe inspiration, or if you want someone else to do the cooking for you how about 20% off Balance Meals via the hero Health Store.

4. Disconnect to reconnect: You cannot get hyggelig while checking your phone. Hygge is all about disconnecting and being in the present. Turn off your email and social media for a weekend. Hygge life is simple and slow and 100% offline.

5. Our top hygge tip: to be truly hygge, just remember to appreciate the simple things that bring joy to your life. It is about savouring the right here and now without imagining being somewhere else. Bringing your awareness to the present moment and practising gratitude is as hygge as it gets – for more support, take a look at the hero Wellness Library.