As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s natural to seek out comfort and warmth. This instinct aligns perfectly with the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”), a practice that emphasizes coziness, well-being, and simple pleasures. Hygge is about creating an atmosphere of warmth and contentment, often associated with the colder months when we retreat indoors to find solace from the chill outside.
In this post, we’ll explore how to embrace hygge during the fall season, offering practical tips to create a cozy, joyful environment in your home and life.
What is Hygge?
Hygge is more than just a word; it’s a cultural cornerstone in Denmark, a country that consistently ranks among the happiest in the world (Happiness Research Institute, 2020). While the concept of hygge can be experienced year-round, it truly shines in the fall and winter, when darker days encourage us to slow down and find comfort in the small things.
Hygge is about creating a sense of intimacy and relaxation, whether it’s spending time with loved ones, indulging in a warm cup of tea, or simply curling up with a good book. Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, explains that hygge is "about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things" (Wiking, 2016).
Creating Hygge in Your Home
One of the easiest ways to bring hygge into your life is by transforming your home into a cozy retreat. Fall is the perfect time to add warmth and comfort to your living space as the weather outside becomes colder.
Lighting: Soft, warm lighting is a key element of hygge. Danes are known for their love of candles, with studies suggesting that nearly 85% of Danes light candles at least once a week (Wiking, 2016). Candlelight creates a soothing, inviting atmosphere that encourages relaxation. You can also incorporate warm-toned string lights or lamps with soft bulbs to give your home a cozy glow.
Textures and Layers: Fall is the season for layering, both in your wardrobe and in your home décor. Plush blankets, soft pillows, and textured throws make your living space feel more inviting. According to Catrall (2024), the tactile sensation of natural fabrics can have a calming effect, reducing stress and promoting well-being.
Natural Elements: Bringing nature indoors is another way to cultivate hygge. Fall offers an abundance of natural beauty—think pumpkins, pinecones, and autumn leaves. Adding these elements to your home not only enhances its aesthetic but also is associated with increased happiness, well-being, positive affect, an can lead to a decrease in mental distress (Bratman et al., 2019).
Hygge Rituals for Fall
Beyond creating a cozy environment, hygge is about slowing down and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Here are some ways to practice hygge this fall:
Candlelit Dinners: Sharing a meal with loved ones is a quintessential hygge activity. Turn off the overhead lights, light some candles, and enjoy a warm, home-cooked meal. The focus should be on good company and savoring the moment. Research shows that communal meals can enhance feelings of connectedness and well-being (Dunbar, 2017).
Reading by the Fire: One of the simplest ways to embrace hygge is to carve out time for quiet reflection or relaxation. Curling up with a good book by the fireplace or under a cozy blanket can be a peaceful way to unwind. According to research carried out by Mindlab International at the Univeristy of Sussex, reading for only 6 minutes can reduce stress levels by 68% (Lewis, 2009).
Comfort Foods: Fall is the season of comfort foods, and hygge embraces the idea of nourishing the body and soul. Foods like hearty stews, baked goods, and warm drinks like hot chocolate or mulled cider can be incredibly satisfying on a cool autumn day. These foods not only provide physical nourishment but also evoke feelings of warmth and comfort (Allen, 2024).
Spending Time Outdoors: While hygge is often associated with indoor activities, it also encourages spending time in nature. A brisk walk in the crisp autumn air, surrounded by the vibrant colors of changing leaves, can be rejuvenating. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood (Berman et al., 2012). Afterward, you can come back inside to warm up with a hot drink, bringing the outside world into your hygge practice.
Hygge and Well-Being
The essence of hygge is about mindfulness and being present in the moment. It encourages us to slow down, savor life’s small pleasures, and foster meaningful connections with others. In a world that often feels rushed and chaotic, hygge offers a way to create balance and peace.
Research has shown that practices similar to hygge, such as mindfulness and gratitude, can have a positive impact on mental health. Mindfulness practices like hygge can lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being (Hölzel et al., 2011). By embracing hygge, you can cultivate a sense of calm and contentment as the year winds down.
Conclusion
As the season shifts and fall settles in, take the opportunity to embrace the coziness and warmth of hygge. By creating a cozy home environment, indulging in simple pleasures, and taking time to slow down, you can experience greater well-being and joy throughout the autumn months. Whether it’s lighting candles, wrapping yourself in a blanket, or enjoying a home-cooked meal with friends, hygge invites you to find comfort and happiness in the everyday moments of life.
References
Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2012). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science, 19(12), 1207-1212. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02225.x
Dunbar, R. I. M. (2017). Breaking bread: The functions of social eating. Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology, 3(3), 198-211. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40750-017-0061-4
Allen, J. (2024, September 23). Pass the soup! Why we crave hearty food in the fall. The Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/pass-the-soup-why-we-crave-hearty-food-in-the-fall/
Hölzel, B. K., Lazar, S. W., Gard, T., Schuman-Olivier, Z., Vago, D. R., & Ott, U. (2011). How does mindfulness meditation work? Proposing mechanisms of action from a conceptual and neural perspective. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 6(6), 537-559. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691611419671
Happiness Research Institute. (2020). World happiness report. https://worldhappiness.report
Catrall, A. (2024, July 30). The fabric of well-being: How linen and other natural materials influence your mood and mental health. Painted Brain. https://paintedbrain.org/blog/mental-health/the-fabric-of-well-being-how-linen-and-other-natural-materials-influence-your-mood-and-mental-health#:~:text=Sensory%20Comfort%20and%20Emotional%20Stability,experiencing%20moments%20of%20emotional%20turbulence.
Lewis, D. (2009). Galaxy Stress Research, Mindlab International, Sussex University, UK.
Bratman, G. N., Anderson, C. B., Berman, M G., Cochran, B., de Vries, S., Flanders, J., Folke, C., Frumkin, H., Gross, J. J., Hartig, T., Kahn, P. H., Kuo, M., Lawler, J. J., Levin, P. H., Lindahl, T., Meyer-Lindenberg, A., Mitchell, R., Ouyang,, Z., Roe, J., Scarlett, L, Smith, J. R., van den Bosh, M., Wheeler, B W., White, M P., Sheng, H., & Daily, G. C.(2019). Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective. Science Advances 5(7). 1-14. https://www.science.org/doi/epdf/10.1126/sciadv.aax0903
Wiking, M. (2016). The little book of hygge: Danish secrets to happy living. Penguin Life.
Comments