Hygge in America

When we started Hygge Life in 2013, we never imagined that hygge would take the world by storm a few years later. Don't get me wrong, we were completely smitten by the Danish concept and believed in spreading the good news to our non-Dane friends and family. But this!? We are thrilled that hygge is making its way around the world and hope that it will continue to help people live healthier, happier and more fulfilling lives.

 

Hygge - the American Perspective

We compiled a list of our favorite articles on hygge that have reached the U.S. news stands in recent months. One of them being in the NY Times, which we were honored to be included in, and another story of our own that explains hygge from many Danish perspectives. 

The NY Times: Move Over Marie Kondo: Make Room for the Hygge Hordes

The New Yorker: The Year of Hygge, the Danish Obsession with Getting Cozy

The Washington Post: Five practical ways to reap the cozy rewards of 'hygge,' even if you can't pronounce it

Hygge Life: The question: "What is Hygge?" Answered by Danes

Below is an image created by Marc Rosenthal taken from the NY Times article, which we feel sums up the concept of hygge wonderfully. 

 

What's next for hygge?

Will it fade away into the past trend abyss? We don't think so. Hygge is not a trend to the Danish people, it is a lifestyle that they carry with them from birth to old age. According to Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, this lifestyle contributes to the Danish being ranked among the happiest people in the world year after year. Our hope at Hygge Life, is that we, as Americans, adopt this lifestyle and make it our own. 

So, what does hygge look like in America? Here are some ways to give hygge our own twist in the U.S. of A.  

 

Make Every Moment a Hygge Moment

• Since vacation days are few and far between in comparison to most Northern European countries, its time to make every moment outside of the office a hygge moment.

• Make extra time in the morning to enjoy. Light a candle, drink coffee from your favorite mug and take a breathe before the day begins. Or take an early morning walk with a friend and a thermos of tea.

• After work, put phones & computers away and soak it in! Focus on your companion, family, friends and yourself while away from the office. Time will slow down and be much more meaningful if you make an effort to be present. Be hygge. 

• Cook with a loved one, plan a family pajamas & game night, light candles, build a backyard fire or simply sit down to read a book. 

 

 

Hygge is Fun

• We know how to let loose and have fun in America, something that I believe is one of our strengths as a nation. Incorporate more hygge into these moments. 

• Put thought into making events you plan or attend more special. Break out the good wine, put flowers on the table, drink from your favorite glasses (not the most practical), light candles, plan a fondue or pizza making evening with friends or bike to a baseball game on a warm summer evening. These conscious special touches will make for hygge moments that create lasting joy and memories.

• Plan ahead, get excited about what's to come and then reminisce about the fun you had afterwards. Hygge is as much about the actual moment as it is the excitement leading up to it and the joyful memories you take with you.

 

 

A Daily Dose of Hygge

• Practice hygge daily. Hygge doesn't have to be a huge undertaking, it can be as simple as putting on your favorite pair of socks, lighting a candle or enjoying an extra cup of coffee. Be conscious about adding a dose of hygge, big or small, to your daily routine. 

 

 

Hygge has made its way to America, lets embrace it and make it our own.