What the heck is hygge? When this word first popped up on my radar, I didn’t know (1) how to pronounce it, (2) what it was, (3) how people use it, or (4) why I should fill my life with it. But I do know this – I had to find out as much as I could about hygge and why I needed it in my life.
The first thing I discovered about this word is that it is Danish, and it is pronounced “HOO-ga”. Hygge is not actually a “thing”, but it’s a feeling of contentment or well-being. It is a Danish ritual of enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
Then I found a link to Skagen {yes, the company that makes watches and other wearables} and got a better idea of what “hygge” was from Skagen’s point of view. They not only celebrate all things hygge-related, but they want to spread happiness+hygge around the world. “Though there are many ways to describe hygge, we see it simply as the Danish ritual of enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Friends. Family. Graciousness. Contentment. Good feelings. A warm glow. Certainly, hygge is intrinsic to the Danish lifestyle, but this feeling of well-being, so deeply satisfying and cozy, is something we all experience, each in our own way.”
Now doesn’t that sound nice?
Hygge is championed by Meik Wiking, CEO of Happiness Research Institute and author of The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living. According to Wiking, “hygge is humble and slow.” Apparently there are no rules to hygge, but Wiking did include a manifesto in his book that can serve as a guideline for people who want to incorporate more hygge in their life. And Wiking, who is Danish, should know about happiness, especially since Denmark is often named the world’s happiest country.
The hygge manifesto really looks simple, and easy to follow, not to mention inexpensive. Wiking says, “There is nothing fancy, expensive, or luxurious about a pair of ugly woolen hygge socks—and that is a vital feature of hygge. It’s about appreciating the simple pleasures in life and can be achieved on a shoestring budget.” If you’re still not sure if the hygge lifestyle is for you, I encourage you to take this seven day challenge and try to fill your life with hygge.
I could totally seeing myself hyggeling during these next few months, because I’m all about cozy and comfort. I could fill my life with hygge. Could you see yourself doing this seven-day hygge challenge? So who’s with me? Who’s going to take the hygge challenge?
And just remember, “Hygge was never meant to be translated. It was meant to be felt.”
Yours Truly,
Vanessa
