How to Hygge: 5 Ways to Practice the Danish Art of Coziness
Hygge is a cornerstone of Danish life that has become a popular lifestyle trend.
When it’s cold outside, sometimes all you want to do is stay inside, wear your coziest sweats, and seek respite from the world. Did you know that there’s an actual term for that? Introducing Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga), a Danish philosophy that centers around being cozy and comfortable.
Whether it’s lighting a candle, putting on socks and an oversized sweater, gathering around the fireplace, or cuddling up with a cup of cocoa—there are a multitude of ways that one can incorporate Hygge into his or her lifestyle, and the beauty is that it can be customized for each person.
According to Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, Hygge is the reason why Danes are the happiest people in the world. “Hygge is about an atmosphere,” he says. “It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe.”
For more information on Hygge, check out The Little Book of Hygge. Here, we share five ways to practice Hygge in your home for ultimate comfort and leisure:
Light candles.
Bath & Body Works Hot Cocoa & Cream 3-Wick Candle ($10)
Atmosphere is an important aspect of Hygge, and soft lighting helps to create a relaxing ambiance, whether at the dinner table, in the bath tub, or your bedroom. Candles help fill a space with warmth and comfort, and they also make great decorations, enhancing any room even when they’re not lit. We’re fans of the Bath & Body Works Hot Cocoa & Cream 3-Wick Candle, which smells just a fresh cup of decadent milk chocolate, fresh steamed milk and mini marshmallows.
Enjoy a warm, soothing drink.
Teami Relax Tea Blend ($29.99)
One of the best ways to unwind and relax the mind and body is with a warm and soothing cup of cocoa, coffee, or tea. Not a fan of caffeine? Teami Relax is a delicious caffeine-free tea blend that supports the sleep cycle and contains lavender flower, chamomile, lemon grass, orange peel, and Valerian root extract, making it the perfect bedtime drink.
Wrap yourself in soft fabrics.
The Hollywood Silk Solution Silk Pillowcase ($45)
Texture is a big part of Hygge, and a great way to enhance your coziness and comfort levels is by surrounding yourself with soft fabrics such as fluffy pillows, fleece blankets, shag rugs, and silk. Sleeping on silk has additional beauty benefits that included reduced tugging on delicate facial skin, reduced sleep creases, reduced frizz, and extending the life of your blowout. The Hollywood Silk Solution is a pillowcase made of the highest fibre Mulberry Silk Topside, is machine washable, and comes in pink, caramel and white.
Indulge in pleasant aromas.
Everyone Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser ($34.99)
Relaxing scents and indulgent fragrances help to evoke a warm and comforting environment. This compact, whisper-quiet Everyone Aromatherapy Diffuser is the perfect accent to any home, office, or even your car. Fill it with water and add a few drops of an essential oil to make any room smell amazing. Choose from a constant stream of vapor of 30-second bursts, and set a color mood by selecting a warm white light, rotating calm colors, a single color that suits your mood—or simply leave the light off.
Get your beauty sleep.
Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon ($80)
Hygge is all about rest and relaxation, and of course, beauty sleep. Transform skin overnight with Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon, a revitalizing treatment gel-cream that optimizes skin recovery and makes it appear more visibly radiant when you wake up. Nourishing ingredients include tamarind seed extract, French lavender essential oil with sandalwood and patchouli, Persian silk tree extract, and Wu-Zhu-Yu extract.
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk