How to Live A Hygge Life

Coming from a Swedish background, when the term “hygge” (pronounced hoo-guh) started gaining popularity, I knew exactly what it meant, because I’ve been exposed to it my whole life. It’s always been the way my grandparents lived. Every time we’d visit, candles were lit, warm blankets draped just about every chair, music was playing, there was (and still is) always time for fika, and it was simply a cozy, relaxing time.

The actual translation of the Danish term is “coziness of the soul”, and that’s exactly how I feel when I make time for these practices. It’s all about allowing yourself to enjoy the moment, whether that be a quiet moment by yourself, having a conversation by the fire with the ones you love, or cooking a meal that you truly appreciate. Now that we’re fully immersed into fall, here’s how I live a hygge life:

Light it up

Put your favourite candles on, turn all other lights off. If you really want to be traditional Scandinavian, candlesticks are where it’s at. A fireplace helps create that cozy feeling too! Once you dim your atmosphere, you’ll feel an immediate difference in your mood.

Make time to read

The more time you give yourself to read, the more quiet time you have to yourself. Reading a book that you’re interested in is so good for the soul - it can inspire, teach, motivate, and can even provide a small escape from your everyday life. And being a part of a group with similar hobbies (like a book club, for example) makes you a lot happier, too.

Simplify your life, your way

If things around you are stressing you out, simplify your space. Declutter and remove the things (and people) from your life that aren’t bringing you joy or value. Your life is too short for extra stress, drama or anxiety. Coming from someone who has a pretty chaotic life, believe it or not, I actually have little to no anxiety. I believe that has a lot to do with the cozy home I’ve made for myself, my incredible support system around me, and putting the things I value most above all (to be blunt, I don’t put up with bullsh** or people that don’t value my time).

Fill your home with sentiment

There’s nothing I love more than incorporating vintage heirlooms and special thrifted pieces throughout my home, because every time I look at them, I’m reminded how much life each piece has lived, and how much life there still is left to live! Some of my favourite pieces in my home are thrifted or passed down from generations and generations of Swedish heritage.

Cook your meals with care

Slowly gather your ingredients, grab a glass of wine, put some music on, and just enjoy the process of preparing your next meal. Taking your time is a key ingredient here, even as you eat.

Share your home

In saying that, sharing a meal with someone is even better. And inviting people into your home to enjoy the home you’ve made for yourself is almost if not as satisfying as enjoying it on your own! If you’ve followed the steps above, people will feel immediately welcome, and you’re sure to have a good time. Keep the convos positive to build more on your relationships. Togetherness is important; it’s not a time to discuss issues or gossip. Incorporate monthly get togethers with friends like a book club. Mine meets every month, taking turns to host dinner parties. It really is the best!

Make time for Fika

The Swedes love fika, and I obviously do too - I grew up with it after all! Fika is a Swedish term that stands for “coffee break”. Usually taking place in the late afternoon, or even after dinner (which is why I have no problem drinking coffee at any hour of the day), it’s a time to sit down, take a breather, treat yourself to some delicious coffee with cookies or treats, and just indulge for a second. The rest of your day can wait. And yes, this is yet another mood booster.

Prioritize self care

The best way to practice hygge is if there’s no technology involved. Spend a day without your phone, laptop or TV, and see how you feel. What will you do with your time? Perhaps you’ll exercise, meditate, cook a meal, or draw a bath. Whatever it is, be present, and make time for real self care. It’s all about relaxation.

Show gratitude

Whether it’s writing a few things in your journal everyday, or taking a moment to close your eyes and realize how great you really have it, focus on the now, and be grateful that you’re still standing. Nobody’s life is easy, so remember to get out of yourself every once in a while, be grateful for your health, and be appreciative of all the love around you. It honestly makes me emotional thinking about how much love is in my life! Remember, this might be as good as it gets. Appreciate it.

Slow down

In a nutshell, just slow it down a notch. Trust me, if anyone knows what going 9182829 miles a minute feels like, I do... (what do you mean 4 dates in one weekend isn’t normal?), but just slow it down. Take a moment to breathe, and appreciate the little things, like the glimpses of sunshine that magically show up. Nothing great happens if you’re run down and exhausted.

And with that, you’re well on your way to living a hygge life. If you try any of these tips, let me know in the comments or on Instagram! I’d love to see how you hygge.

xo

Linnea