Deep in a Canadian winter, now is as good a time as ever to dive into the Danish world of hygge. If curling up under a blanket with a warm drink to escape the worries of both today and tomorrow (not to mention the freezing blizzards outside) sounds good to you. Read on.
Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”), is a Danish word, directly translating to “enjoy” or “cozy”, but representing a larger cultural practice of comfort and relaxation. The word comes from the same Norwegian root term from which English-speakers got the word “hug”, and in many ways they are the same. Think of hygge like a spiritual hug from your whole environment, where everything is warm and comforting.
Hygge is found in crackling fires, freshly baked bread, steaming mugs of tea and coffee, the soft purr of a cat sleeping on your lap, and the company and laughter of your family and friends. Hygge is informal and intimate, meeting together with no agenda other than relaxation and a reprieve. Practicing hygge encourages us to slow down and feel content with the little world around us as we mindfully connect with the comforts of daily living.
Hygge and Health
In a culture that values constant productivity, we never seem to get a break! If you find yourself envying the hibernating bears, you are not alone and your desires are not unfounded; scientific research in recent years has discovered common hormonal shifts following the seasons that suggest that humans are adapted for different behaviours in the winter compared to other seasons. Maintaining a consistent work-focus through the darkest and coldest months isn’t natural, and may be contributing to negative health outcomes like seasonal depression, decreased immunity, and changes in weight.
This is where hygge can help. Hygge can increase happiness, emotional wellbeing, physical wellbeing, and social connections - it’s no wonder why Denmark is considered one of the happiest countries on Earth! The culprit is stress, and it affects all aspects of our lives and health, with chronic stress being the most damaging. Hygge breaks the stress-cycle, moving our focus from what ‘needs to be done’ to ourselves and what we love. Hygge is self-care through simple actions, treating yourself to creature comforts, warm friendships, and moments of contented silence. It is in these small actions that we remember our own needs and unique humanity, stepping away from being a tool for productivity into being, once again, ourselves.
Live a Little Life Hyggelig (hoo-ga-lee)
Integrating hygge into your everyday life and routines can be easier than you might think. The largest shift when engaging with a wellness-focused lifestyle is a mental one, as you learn to view your own life with a lens of grounded gratitude, finding joy in the little things as well as the large. While the word ‘hygge’ can be used as a verb or noun, perhaps the best use of the word is as its corresponding adjective, ‘hyggelig’; hygge is not some new or outside thing because any simple thing can be hyggelig. Mindfully surround yourself with things that you find to be hyggelig - a favourite TV show, a hearty soup, a best friend - and in your active appreciation of the importance of indulgence in your life, you may find yourself becoming more in touch with your own heart.
At Cafézia, our favourite hyggelig activity is a moment spent in the ritual of coffee. More specifically, we love coffee that is shared with friends and coffee that is enjoyed alone. We love the cozy warmth from a mug in your hand and the blooming heat in your chest as it fills the body with peace and intention. We love the smooth taste it brings to your mouth and the smile it brings to your lips. When we practice hygge, we learn to truly appreciate these everyday delights, and every moment of simple joy comes together to create a happy, hyggelig life.
Looking to host a hyggelig gathering? Let us know! We may have a coffee to add to the meaningful occasion.