The Little Book of Hygge

1. Hygge: The Danish secret to happiness and well-being

"Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world and allow ourselves to let our guard down."

Defining hygge. Hygge (pronounced "hoo-ga") is a Danish concept that encompasses coziness, comfort, and contentment. It's about creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. The concept is deeply ingrained in Danish culture and is considered a defining characteristic of their national identity.

Origins and importance. Hygge originated from a Norwegian word meaning "well-being" and appeared in written Danish in the early 1800s. It has evolved into a comprehensive lifestyle approach that Danes credit for their high levels of happiness. While similar concepts exist in other cultures (like German Gemütlichkeit or Dutch gezelligheid), the Danish obsession with hygge and its integration into daily life is unique.

2. Light and atmosphere: Creating cozy spaces with candles and lamps

"No recipe for hygge is complete without candles. When Danes are asked what they most associate with hygge, an overwhelming 85 percent will mention candles."

Candles as hygge essentials. Danes burn more candles per capita than any other European country, consuming around 13 pounds of candle wax per person annually. Candles create a soft, warm light that is essential for the hygge atmosphere. Natural, unscented candles are preferred over artificial scents.

Lighting design. Beyond candles, Danes are meticulous about their lighting choices. They prefer multiple small lamps creating pools of light around a room rather than bright overhead lighting. The ideal hygge lighting has a color temperature around 1800K, similar to candlelight or a sunset. Famous Danish lighting designers like Poul Henningsen have created iconic lamps that shape and soften electric light to mimic the glow of traditional oil lamps.

3. Social connection: The heart of hygge and happiness

"We are social creatures, and the importance of this is clearly seen when one compares the satisfaction people feel in relationships with their overall satisfaction with life."

Togetherness and intimacy. Hygge is often experienced in small groups of close friends or family. It's about creating a safe, warm environment where people can relax and be themselves. The ideal hygge gathering is casual, egalitarian, and focused on genuine connection rather than impressing others.

Social impact on well-being. Strong social relationships are consistently found to be one of the best predictors of happiness and life satisfaction. Danes prioritize social connections, with 78% socializing with friends, family, or colleagues at least once a week, compared to the European average of 60%. The hygge approach to socializing – intimate, relaxed, and focused on quality time – may contribute to the strength of Danish social bonds and overall happiness.

4. Food and drink: Comfort and togetherness through simple pleasures

"Hygge is about being kind to yourself—giving yourself a treat, and giving yourself, and each other, a break from the demands of healthy living."

Comfort food and indulgence. Hygge often involves sharing food and drinks with loved ones. The focus is on comfort foods, sweets, and hot beverages like coffee or hot chocolate. While not necessarily healthy, these treats are seen as an important part of creating a cozy, indulgent atmosphere.

Slow food and togetherness. The preparation of food can be as hygge as eating it. Slow-cooked meals, homemade treats, and shared cooking experiences all contribute to the hygge experience. The emphasis is on the process and the togetherness it creates, rather than on elaborate or fancy cuisine.

• Popular hygge foods: Cakes, pastries, stews, soups, coffee, hot chocolate, mulled wine (gløgg)
• Hygge food principles: Homemade, comforting, shareable, slow-cooked

5. Home as hygge headquarters: Designing spaces for coziness

"The reason for the Danish obsession with interior design is that our homes are the hygge headquarters. Home is central to social life in Denmark."

Creating hyggekrog. A key element of a hygge home is the hyggekrog, or cozy nook. This is a comfortable space, often by a window, filled with soft textures and warm lighting. It's a place for relaxation, reading, or quiet contemplation.

Hygge design elements:

• Natural materials: Wood, ceramics, wool, leather
• Soft textures: Blankets, cushions, rugs
• Warm lighting: Candles, soft lamps
• Nature elements: Plants, natural decorations
• Vintage or handmade items: Objects with history and character

The goal is to create a space that feels warm, inviting, and personal. Simplicity and functionality are valued over luxury or showiness.

6. Hygge beyond the home: Finding comfort in nature and everyday life

"Being with other people is a key part of hygge, but as a happiness researcher, I can also testify that it might be the most important ingredient to happiness."

Outdoor hygge. While often associated with indoor coziness, hygge can be experienced outdoors as well. Activities like picnics, bonfires, or simply enjoying nature can all be hygge. The key is to create a sense of comfort and togetherness, even in outdoor settings.

Workplace hygge. Danes believe that hygge should extend to all aspects of life, including work. This might involve casual office environments, shared meals, or incorporating cozy elements into the workspace. The goal is to create a more relaxed, comfortable atmosphere that fosters better relationships and well-being at work.

Hygge activities beyond home:

• Nature walks or hikes
• Picnics in parks or beaches
• Cozy cafe visits
• Outdoor movies or concerts
• Community gardens

7. Embracing simplicity: The art of slowing down and appreciating small moments

"Hygge is humble and slow. It is choosing rustic over new, simple over posh and ambience over excitement."

Slow living. Hygge encourages a slower pace of life, focusing on quality experiences rather than quantity. It's about taking the time to enjoy simple pleasures and moments of pause in daily life.

Mindfulness and presence. Being fully present in the moment is a key aspect of hygge. This means putting away distractions like phones and focusing on the people and experiences around you. It's about savoring experiences, whether it's a cup of coffee, a conversation with a friend, or a quiet moment alone.

Hygge mindset:

• Appreciate simple pleasures
• Focus on experiences over material things
• Cultivate gratitude for everyday moments
• Embrace imperfection and authenticity

8. Seasonal hygge: Cultivating coziness throughout the year

"While you can have hygge all year round, it is during winter that it becomes not only a necessity but a survival strategy."

Winter hygge. The dark, cold Danish winters make hygge particularly important. It's a way of creating warmth and light during the gloomiest months. Winter hygge might involve cozy indoor gatherings, warm drinks, and lots of candles.

Summer hygge. While less intense, summer hygge focuses on outdoor enjoyment and social gatherings. Picnics, barbecues, and time spent in nature are all part of summer hygge.

Seasonal hygge activities:

• Winter: Movie nights, skiing trips, soup cook-offs
• Spring: Hiking, outdoor cooking, planting gardens
• Summer: Beach picnics, outdoor concerts, fruit picking
• Autumn: Mushroom foraging, bonfire nights, cozy reading

9. The five senses of hygge: Engaging all aspects of comfort

"Hygge is charged with a strong orientation and commitment toward experiencing and savoring the present moment."

Multisensory experience. Hygge engages all five senses to create a fully immersive experience of comfort and coziness.

1. Taste: Comfort foods, sweet treats, warm drinks
2. Sound: Crackling fires, soft music, gentle conversation
3. Smell: Baked goods, coffee, natural scents like wood or flowers
4. Touch: Soft textures, warm materials, handcrafted items
5. Sight: Soft lighting, natural materials, cozy spaces

By engaging all the senses, hygge creates a rich, multidimensional experience of comfort and well-being.

10. Hygge on a budget: Affordable ways to create warmth and connection

"You cannot buy the right atmosphere or a sense of togetherness. You cannot hygge if you are in a hurry or stressed out, and the art of creating intimacy cannot be bought by anything but time, interest, and engagement in the people around you."

Simplicity over luxury. Hygge is fundamentally about simplicity and appreciation, not luxury or expense. Many hygge activities and elements are free or low-cost.

Affordable hygge ideas:

• Board game nights with friends
• Homemade meals shared with loved ones
• Nature walks or picnics
• DIY projects like candle-making or baking
• Creating a cozy reading nook with existing blankets and pillows

The emphasis is on creativity, togetherness, and appreciation rather than spending money on expensive items or experiences.

11. Danish happiness: The role of hygge in national well-being

"Denmark is by no means a perfect utopia, and the country faces challenges and issues like any other country, but I do believe Denmark can be a source of inspiration for how countries can increase the quality of life of their citizens."

Hygge and social well-being. The Danish focus on hygge may contribute to their consistently high rankings in global happiness surveys. By prioritizing social connections, comfort, and simple pleasures, hygge helps create a culture of well-being and contentment.

Beyond hygge. While hygge is important, other factors contribute to Danish happiness, including:

• Strong social safety net (healthcare, education, unemployment benefits)
• High levels of trust in government and society
• Good work-life balance
• Emphasis on equality and modest living

Hygge is not a cure-all, but it represents an approach to life that prioritizes well-being, connection, and appreciation of simple pleasures – principles that can be adapted and applied in various cultural contexts to potentially improve quality of life.

Last updated: September 7, 2024