What the Hygge?

Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is a word that has been around for a long time but is just starting to gain traction in the U.S. It originates from a Norwegian word that loosely translates to a sense of comfort, well-being and togetherness. It’s the cozy feeling you have when you are curled up under a blanket with a good book and cup of cocoa as the snow falls outside; or when you and your family gather around the table for a game of Uno (or better yet–Jenga with a Twist) after having shared a meal together.

The Danes are famously the happiest people on the planet (despite having terrible weather and one of the highest tax rates in the world) and one of the biggest reasons for this is the fact that hygge is a cornerstone of their way of life. This is a lesson that the rest of the world could benefit from learning.

While most things associated with hygge are things that we typically associate with fall and winter (blankets, fireplaces, fluffy slippers, warm drinks etc.) There are ways to incorporate this sense of well-being, comfort and coziness into our spring-time routines as well. Here are seven ways to practice hygge this Spring so that intentional well-being becomes a way of life–all year long.

Seven Ways to Practice Hygge in the Spring

1.) Keep the fires burning. Fire in the fireplace is a mainstay of a hygge lifestyle. Obviously, that’s great for taking off the chill during fall and winter months, but who wants a fire once the temperature starts heating up? To keep this hygge practice going during the spring and summer months, simply take the fire outside. Grab some marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate bars for s’mores and build a fire in a fire pit. Invite some friends over and enjoy the comfort of camaraderie underneath the stars.

2) Keep the candles burning but swap them out. Candles add a cozy ambiance to any setting no matter what time of year. For spring and summer though, you might want to consider swapping out the spicy or woodsy scented candles for something a little lighter. Try floral scents like gardenia or rose or fruity fragrances like lemon.

3.) Bring nature indoors. Bring in some beautiful, fresh cut flowers or click here for a tutorial on how to create your own tabletop succulent garden. Not only will having some fresh plants inside make your space feel more alive–it will also help to cleanse the air since plants are natural air purifiers.

4.) Let in some fresh air. Now that the weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer, it’s time to spend more time being active outdoors and getting some fresh air. It’s also time to let some of that fresh air in to our homes. Open the windows, let the fresh air in and allow the freshness of spring to invigorate your senses.

5.) Declutter. During the colder months we tend to hibernate which means more heavy blankets, pillows and throws. Spring time is the perfect time to pack those items away, and streamline our spaces. Few things create a sense of calm more quickly than getting rid of clutter and making room for new energy to circulate throughout our living areas.

6.) Lighten up. Everything seems heavier in the winter but in the spring, it’s time to lighten things up. Open the shades to let the light in, swap out dark, heavy fabrics for lighter knits and linens and replace warm, dark colors with lighter pastels and creams. Not only will this lighten up your decor, it’ll lighten your mood as well.

7.) Play some outdoor games. Whether it’s croquet, bocce ball or oversized yard Jenga, outdoor games can replace indoor games of cards and dominoes once the weather gets nicer. Enjoying time outside with friends and family, playing games while drinking some ice cold lemonade and sharing stories can create just as much connection as playing board games in front of a roaring fire while sipping cocoa.

Comfort, coziness and togetherness are key components of a hygge lifestyle and they are feelings that can be cultivated all year long with a little intentionality. Try these seven tips for a spring full of hygge based happiness.

Once you’ve added a little hygge to your life, keep building upon your success by taking steps to create a better mindset. These two ebooks are sure to help. Just click the image below to download your FREE copies of “365 Questions to Help You Find Your Answers” and “50 Ways to Energize Your Life”.