The Importance of Hygge

What is hygge, and why is it important?

Hygge is a Danish word to describe a multitude of pleasant feelings, it can mean many things to many people. Hygge for me, may differ from hygge for you, but the ultimate goal is the same for everyone, to immerse yourself in a moment of pleasure, and to appreciate that moment.

Can I tell you how to hygge in a nutshell, not really, but I'll do my best to explain what it means to me. Hygge, pronounced hoo-gah, is often described as a feeling of cozy contentment. This is can be associated with many outlets, such as; the feeling of deep camaraderie while spending time with family and friends, the feeling you get while reading a good book by candlelight, or quietly savouring a hot cup of tea. It can be felt while taking a stroll in nature, felt when creating art, and felt when enveloped in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Hygge is associated with a slower pace of life, and reflects upon the importance of treasuring the little things. Hygge recaptures feelings that may otherwise be lost. Notably, hygge reminds us to not let life slip by without noticing the presence of happiness.

I'm not Danish, or an expert in the field, but since discovering hygge this past winter I knew immediately that this was a lifestyle I could embrace. It doesn't require money, it doesn't require expensive equipment, you only need yourself, and the ability to acknowledge moments of contentment. We all to some extent hygge, what I think we lack in, is taking a moment to internalize the little pleasures life gifts us. Hygge is a state of mind.

It would take more than one blog post to fully explore hygge. Luckily there are plenty of books and resources dedicated to this topic, which I will write more on in future posts, but today I will leave it at this.

Hygge is free, hygge is easy, and hygge soothes the mind, body, and soul. Go find your hygge.

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