Hygge – what is it?

Hygge is more than a lifestyle choice. It is a state of being. Although much is written about hygge is terms of how it applies to the things you have in your home, it is about much more than this and it is certainly uncommercial. Hygge is about quality not quantity and about enjoying what you have rather than consuming more.

Hygge is also about being in the moment and recognising the specialness in that moment. In that regard it has strong links to mindfulness, in that a certain amount of awareness and consciousness is necessary to be able to fully apply hygge principles to your life.

Whilst a key element of Hygge is togetherness, you can Hygge alone. At its core Hygge is anything that gives you a sense of contentment, cosiness and wellbeing and it can be achieved in many ways.

One thing Hygge is not about, is frugality. Minimalism is based on this concept, but Hygge is about simple, mindful and appreciative living. It has deep cultural roots having been part of the Danish psyche for about 200 years and, whilst other nations have similar concepts, the Danes have really taken hygge to their hearts. You might even say it’s in their DNA.

The ease with which Denmark can live so fully by Hygge principles is attributed by some to the fact that the country’s infrastructure takes care of all their basic needs, but I think there is more to it than that. The appearance of the word Hygge in Danish literature in the 1800s and its extension within the language from a noun into other forms, would suggest something deeper. Linked to this it’s interesting to note the potential for cultures that don’t have a word to describe the feeling and principles of Hygge, to undervalue and deprioritise wellbeing.

Hygge can be applied to specific areas of life e.g. relationships, parenting, work, home etc. and in each of these areas certain aspects may be more prominent than in others. However, the full benefits of Hygge are best enjoyed when viewed more holistically – as mentioned earlier – as an all-encompassing state of being.

Hygge has been around a very long time, but it has never been more relevant and remains a highly effective antidote to the stresses of modern living e.g.  technology overload, social isolation and anxiety. It focuses squarely on the fundamental needs of human beings which are increasingly not being met.