20 Ways to Celebrate International Hygge Day!

February 28, 2023 is international hygge day! What better time than now to revive the trend of hygge and celebrate all that it stands for.

Hygge is a Danish lifestyle trend that encourages us to slow down, cherish the present moment, and appreciate life’s simple pleasures.

From snuggling under cozy blankets with a hot cup of tea to gathering around a fireplace with friends, there are so many ways to embrace hygge.

Here are some ideas for how you can enjoy hygge on international hygge day this year!

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What is hygge?

Hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah") is a Danish concept that embodies a sense of cozy contentment and well-being. It's all about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home, and enjoying the simple pleasures in life with friends and family.

The concept of hygge really took off with a Danish book by author Meik Wiking and the book titled The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living.

Hygge celebrates taking the time to enjoy life’s little moments and creating a sense of comfort that you can share with others.

When you think about how to incorporate hygge into your life, start by taking a look at the things that make you feel most comfortable and content.

Sometimes hygge is all about certain objects, but it can also be about emotions, feelings, and experiences.

Something as simple as a cup of tea can bring about hygge vibes, or it could be a night out with friends that evokes a sense of warmth and contentment.

There are many ways to make your home feel hygge but in this post I'm focusing on 20 ideas to practice hygge this International hygge day.

20 easy ways to practice hygge

There's now a new book that shares tips on how to make your home more hygge: My Hygge Home: How to Make Home Your Happy Place by Meik Wiking.

But now let's get on to the actual 20 ways you can practice hygge!

1. Light candles and dim the lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

2. Make a fire in the fireplace or wood stove and curl up with a cozy blanket.

3. Enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee while reading a book or magazine.

4. Take a long bath with essential oils or bubble baths.

5. Host a dinner party with friends and family and focus on enjoying each other's company.

6. Spend time outdoors, taking a walk in nature or skiing on the mountain.

7. Listen to music or podcasts that make you feel good.

8. Make a homemade meal and enjoy it with loved ones.

9. Try knitting or crocheting, it is a great way to relax and unwind.

10. Create a cozy corner in your home with a comfortable chair or couch and a warm blanket.

11. Take a break from technology and spend some time in silence.

12. Indulge in a self-care day, doing activities that you enjoy, like yoga or spa treatments.

13. Have a spa night at home, with a face mask, candles, and relaxing music.

14. Try a new recipe, cook or bake with friends or family.

15. Organize a game night with loved ones, playing board games or cards.

16. Take a nap in the middle of the day to rest and recharge.

17. Get a warm and comfortable pajamas to wear at home.

18. Decorate your home with natural elements like flowers, plants or branches.

19. Take a trip to a cabin in the woods or to a cozy bed and breakfast.

20. Enjoy a cozy night in with a good movie or TV show, and popcorn or hot chocolate.

What are the benefits of hygge?

Practicing hygge can have many benefits for both your physical and mental well-being. Some of the benefits of hygge include:

1. Increased feelings of happiness and contentment: By focusing on the present moment and enjoying simple pleasures, hygge can help you feel more content and satisfied with your life.

2. Reduced stress and anxiety: By creating a warm and inviting atmosphere and taking time to relax and unwind, hygge can help reduce stress and anxiety.

3. Improved relationships: By spending time with friends and family and focusing on enjoying each other's company, hygge can help improve relationships and strengthen bonds.

4. Increased sense of belonging: By creating a sense of community and belonging, hygge can help you feel more connected to others.

5. Improved sleep: By creating a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere, hygge can help improve sleep and reduce insomnia.

6. Greater appreciation for the simple things in life: By taking time to appreciate the simple things in life, hygge can help you appreciate the beauty in everyday moments.

7. Better self-care: By taking time for self-care and indulging in activities that make you feel good, hygge can help improve overall well-being.

8. A better way to cope with the darkness and coldness of winter: By embracing the darkness and coldness of winter, hygge can help you cope with the shorter days and longer nights.

Hygge is not only about the atmosphere or the things you do, but also about the mindset of being present and mindful. As you practice hygge, you may find that you are more relaxed, less stressed, and more content with your life.

What's the origin of hygge?

The origins of hygge can be traced back to the 19th century, when the Danes began to embrace a simpler, more rural lifestyle.

At this time, the Danes spent a lot of time indoors due to the harsh winters, and they began to focus on creating warm and inviting spaces to make up for the lack of sunlight.

This led to the development of the concept of hygge, which emphasized the importance of creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere in the home.

In the 20th century, hygge continued to evolve as a central aspect of Danish culture. The Danes began to focus on the importance of enjoying the simple things in life, and they began to appreciate the small moments of happiness that came from spending time with friends and family.

The concept of hygge also began to be associated with the idea of "hyggekrog", which is a cozy corner or nook in the home where one can relax and unwind.

In recent years, hygge has gained international popularity, with many people around the world looking to adopt the Danish way of life.

The concept has been used in interior design, fashion, and lifestyle products, and it has been featured in books and magazines.

However, the true essence of hygge is not about buying things or creating a certain look, but about the mindset and the way of being that is at the core of Danish culture.

Final thoughts

Incorporating hygge into your daily routine can help you feel more content and relaxed, and can also help you to appreciate the simple things in life.

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a quiet night at home, make sure to focus on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, and enjoying the company of loved ones.