Photo by Stella Rose on Unsplash
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “Hygge” (pronounced “hoo-guh”) is a Danish word defined as a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being. I have always been one who loves to make a cozy environment for my family. Even when I was little, I loved making a cozy little cubby hole under my mom’s desk at work; I felt safe there. It was a secure little place where I could go on all kinds of creative adventures in my own mind. When I grew up and had kids myself, I remember making all kinds of comfy forts for them, building beds that were like little cozy caves. There’s just something special about the feeling of coziness, isn’t there? And that coziness is what ‘hygge’ is all about.
Have you ever thought about how the coziness in your house affects your relationships? Now that so many of us are stuck at home nearly 24/7, the atmosphere we create makes an even bigger difference on our mental health. I’m a big believer that a beautiful, cozy, comfortable, creative space begets conversation, connection, a desire to gather, warmth, and overall deepening of relationships. As you look around your home, how much hygge do you see? How can you add more? Do people feel invited to settle down for cocoa and a long lovely conversation? How about your partner — are there spaces for you to come together to cuddle, connect, and enjoy the warmth of your presence together?
Take a minute, take inventory, and see if you can make your home a little cozier today.
Here are some examples of Hygge in action:
Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash
Just like the nests I’d make for napping when I was little, this space has been set up for the most comfortable sort of reading, with cocoa and candles in a space covered in pillows. This is a space made intentionally for rest and relaxation.
The soft light that fills the room does wonders to lower stress. Plant life, gentle color tones, and natural wood makes this place a picture of relaxation. Can’t you just see a family gathered there, comfortably chatting about their day?
Photo by Emily Rudolph on Unsplash
Tea, books, blankets, pillows, and houseplants. Adding these and other specifically cozy articles to a space helps that space to build you and your family up when you spend time at home.
Are you inspired yet? See how you can add hygge to your own home today.
