This Danish Practice Could Be Your Key to a Happier Life

Imagine yourself curled up in a soft blanket in front of a fire, wearing fuzzy socks, drinking your favorite warm drink, and spending time with your favorite person in the world. That feeling you’re experiencing is hygge.

What’s that, you ask? Pronounced hue-guh, this Danish word is defined as “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.”

The country of Denmark has difficult winters with freezing temperatures and few hours of sunlight, and yet, the UN World Happiness Report indicates that Danish people are some of the happiest in the world. How do they do it? Hygge.

We here in America always seem to be on the go, often leaving relaxation and quality time at the bottom of the to-do list. It seems we could all stand to incorporate a little more hygge into our lives.

Hygge doesn’t have to take a long time. It can be done with others or alone, outside or inside, in public or at home. It’s all about what gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling.

Here are a few easy ways to hygge today!

1. Focus on the little things in life that bring you joy– going to your favorite coffee shop, practicing a quiet morning ritual, putting on cozy socks after a long day at work. Then, choose to slow down, enjoy the moment, and focus on gratitude.
2. Invest in a relationship by spending intentional time with someone you love. Read together, take a walk, play games, have a conversation. With the right people, anything is fun.
3. Indulge in a comfort food. Haven’t you ever heard the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach? We all have that one comfort food that we can never pass up. Eat a food that makes you happy every day, whether it’s healthy or not. Happy tummy = happy life.

No matter what, just remember that every day has something to be enjoyed. However you decide to hygge, we hope it brings you joy and warmth in the midst of this cold winter!