Life & Fun

10 Essentials on How to Hygge (Living Cozy)

by Jess on September 14, 2017 // This post may contain affiliate links.

The 10 essentials of how to hygge (cozy living) your whole life, also known as The Hygge Manifesto. Perfect for cold winter months.

Contents show

What is Hygge?

You may have heard of the Danish secret to happy living: hygge. Or perhaps you haven’t, and I’m about to help blow your mind.

While the word could be a Danish dance equivalent to The Dougie, it’s pronounced Hoo-Ga. Don’t fret, though; I had no idea how to say this fascinating word until I picked up a copy of The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living. Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, wrote it. If I’m not open to advice on how to live a cozy, happy life from someone like that, then I don’t know who I could take it from.

10 Essentials on How to Hygge

Let’s look into the 10 essentials of how to hygge your whole life, also known as The Hygge Manifesto:

1. Atmosphere

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Turn down the lights. Use candles. Yes, candles. Many Americans get a little freaked out by burning candles all day, especially in rooms we’re not using, but it creates such a cozy warmth in the space; how can you not? Placing small lamps throughout the room to create tiny caves of light is an incredible way to hygge your living space.

2. Presence

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Be here now. Turn off the phones. While you can hygge by yourself, hygge mostly happens in small groups of close friends or family. Take a small trip or retreat. Carve out time with your close friends at least once a week.

3. Pleasure

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Hygge is about being kind to yourself and giving yourself a treat. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or fancy; simply sharing a bowl of popcorn is hyggeligt. Examples: cake, pastries, baked goods, hot drinks like mulled wine, hot chocolate, tea, or coffee. The longer a dish takes to cook, the more hyggeligt it is.

4. Equality

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“We” over “me”. Share the tasks and the airtime.

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5. Gratitude

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Take it in. This might be as good as it gets. Like a warm cup of soup, gratitude warms us from the inside out.

6. Harmony

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It’s not a competition. We already like you, so there is no need to brag about your achievements.

7. Comfort

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Get comfy. Take a break. It’s all about relaxation. I’m not mad that casual is key in the practice of hygge. Staples of dressing like a hygge-loving Dane are stylish, thickly wrapped scarves, black sweaters and cardigans, layers, woolen socks, and casual hair.