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Hygge: How to practice whilst self isolating...

How to practice Hygge? What is Hygge? and how it can make us happier:

By J.MPublished 4 years ago 3 min read
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Hygge: How to practice whilst self isolating...
Photo by Stella Rose on Unsplash

I was introduced to Hygge last Christmas, when the nights were icily cold, and the sky was dipped in shadowy darkness.

I thoroughly read the 'little book of Hygge' and spent hours drinking milky coffee's and feeling cosy amongst cushions.

Hygge was something that felt familiar, it was something that I adored the idea of practising.Which Is why I believe that it's the perfect thing to practice during self isolation.

But what is Hygge?

According to the 'little book of Hygge', 'Hygge is about atmosphere and an experience rather than things'.

In other words it is a 'feeling' a way of being in the present, an art of creating intimacy.

'It is about being with the people we love' (only in terms of socially distancing), 'A feeling of home'.

Denmark consistently ranks one of the most happiest countries in the world, in the 2019 world happiness report, Denmark came second from first, and this report also included the averages of 2018-2016.

Between 2018 and 2019 dozens of media clustered around the idea of Denmark having high happiness levels in the report, the 'little book of Hygge' states that 'the link between Hygge and Well-being or Happiness may be no coincidence'

How do I practice Hygge whilst socially distancing?

Interestingly Hygge was created because , Danes were trying to 'survive boredom, cold, dark, and sameness (according to website Hyggehouse) This sounds especially like social distancing and self isolation.

Light

When asking the Danish what they associate most with Hygge, the idea of light and candles is the first thing that pops up in most individual's heads. 85% usually mention candles.

The Danes use around 6 kilos of candle wax a year, most of these are unscented, because according to the 'Little book of Hygge' Denmark ranks top in Europe to buy organic and natural products.

But light doesn't have to be about candles, as candles can be dangerous. Lamps and other lighting pieces are also part of Hygge.

I believe that we shouldn't go buy candles in bulk after deciding to practice the feeling of Hygge, instead we should rather rely on the lighting that we already have.

A great way to spice up your lampshade, is to DIY lights, create star fairy lights using card and fairy lights, simply cut stars and put the fairy lights individually through each star.

Togetherness

Hygge does not necessarily rely on social contact, but one important aspect of it, is relationships. Relationships in our case, are ones which are socially distanced, we can have a Hyggelig (Hygge-like) evening over Zoom or with the people in our household (Based on Uk).

57% of Danes said that they would prefer to do a Hyggelig day/evening with 3–4 people, which is perfect when it comes to households.

Less people said alone, but that doesn't necessarily mean that we can't do Hygge alone, in fact it is most likely extremely important to have some type of routine if you are living alone. And a Hyggelig evening is a great way to make a day special.

Baking

In the little book of Hygge, Cake, pastries and sweets are seen as large parts of Hygge, more so any cooking which is DIY.

Baking for example is a great hobby to learn during this Pandemic, find an old cookbook or search the internet for baked pastries etc.

But Cooking doesn't have to be all about the sweet stuff, because it's also important to stay healthy. So cooking stews with lots of veg, is very Hyggeligt (Hygge like), salads and soughdough breads.

By Food Photographer | Jennifer Pallian on Unsplash

Coffee, tea and warmth

86% of Danes associate hot drinks with Hygge, this could be hot coffee, brewed tea, mulled wine, or even warm milk.

A nook

One thing which will make your home more Hyggelig, is a Nook or a Hyggekrog. This could be a makeshift window sill, corner, desk etc. Filled with Hyggeligt items and cushions.

Bored games

Bored games are Hyggeligt, and a lovely way to be in the present whilst having fun, so sit and spend time with the people in your household (not outside), and play some bored games. You could even have a bored games night, with hot drinks, cushions and crackling fire ambience on the TV.

Grattitude

Hygge is linked to Grattitude, and to practice this why not write 3 things you are grateful for every day in a journal or notebook.

Other ways to practice Hygge…

  • Books, keep you in the present and are cosy and Hyggeligt.
  • Spend time off your phone, and practice doing something else.
  • Plants and greenery - do some gardening and grow some plants.
  • Thankyou for reading, if you liked this article give a clap.

    -Jessica M

    happiness
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    About the Creator

    J.M

    The life of a student with Borderline Personality Disorder who fosters cats.

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