Looking for ways to get hygge this winter? Hygge is a Danish word (pronounced “hoo-gah”) that has no direct translation in English but could be explained as a way of life that revolves around coziness. It‘s all about self-care, enjoying the good things in life and creating a warm atmosphere every chance you get. Although you can hygge during summer, winter is the perfect time to get hygge. We‘re talking candles, a warm fireplace, hot drinks, and staying in when it‘s snowing. It‘s all about finding joy in everyday life and being present. Read on to learn how to get hygge this winter.
1. Make Your Home Cozy
Most of us spend more time inside during winter, so why not make your space as cozy as it can be? Bring some tranquility to your home and keep clutter to a minimum. Rearrange your furniture, dim the lights, light some candles, or add some throw pillows and big blankets. You can even create a special hygge corner! If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, this is the perfect opportunity to light it. If you don‘t have that luxury, you can watch a fireplace video on your TV instead. It‘s actually quite cozy!
2. Spread the Love
Spending quality time with the people you love is one of the best feelings in the world. Invite your family and friends for dinner, cook something together, drink, listen to music and talk. Just keep the food simple, something delicious but easy!
3. Make Some Healthy Soup
There‘s just something about hot soup in winter, it‘s so hygge! It warms you from the inside out. I love making food that is good for your soul and your body. This traditional Icelandic soup is both healthy and tasty, perfect for winter. And this curried lentil soup recipe is quick and comforting.
4. Catch up on Reading
Although it‘s very cozy to spend time with friends, hygge can also be achieved alone. Actually, cuddling under a blanket with a nice book is one of the coziest scenarios I can imagine. I‘m sure you have a few unfinished books on your nightstand that deserve your attention now. Add some hot chocolate and you‘ve got a recipe for success.
5. Splurge on Skincare
Winter can wreak havoc on your skin – the cold weather and merciless wind are a recipe for disaster. However, there is hope. Investing in quality skincare products can make all the difference. The Age-Defying Value Set provides deeply nourishing hydration and helps reduce redness. If your skin is particularly dry, I recommend the Ultra-Hydration Value Set.
6. Try a Hot Drink
Coffee, hot chocolate, warm milk, tea. Whatever floats your boat! My chai tea recipe is delicious, it contains cinnamon, cloves and cardamom so it tastes and smells like gingerbread cookies. Also, it‘s healthy because all the spices in it are anti-inflammatory and strengthen the immune system. Win-win!
7. Spend Some Time Outside
Although hygge revolves around coziness, that doesn‘t mean you have to stay inside all day long. Balance is the key to a good life. Go outside (remember to dress appropriately for the weather) and connect with nature with all your senses: listen to the birds, notice the clouds, smell the crisp winter air. You can go on a winter picnic, stargaze, or build a snowfort. Let your imagination run wild! Afterward, you can award yourself with a warm cup of cocoa.
8. Meditate Daily
Meditating for only 10 minutes can change your whole day, as the benefits don‘t end when your session ends. You can even use the hygge corner you created to meditate! Taking care of your mental health is particularly important in winter when the days are short and the temperatures are low. Click if you‘re interested in a FREE 40 days mindfulness course. I can highly recommend this course, I’ve done it myself and many of my patients too with good results!
9. Treat Yourself With a Spa Day
Your skin needs more love during winter, so a spa day can be the perfect way to pamper yourself. Going to a spa can be quite expensive, so an at-home spa day can be a more enticing option. And you don‘t even have to leave the house! It can be as simple or complicated as you want. Here are some ideas:
- Take a bath (I recommend turning the lights off and surrounding yourself with candles)
- Play some relaxing music
- Drink herbal tea
- Give yourself a body massage
- Pamper yourself with my Full Body Treatment, it softens, heals and hydrates deeply
10. Put Your Phone Down
Technology is intertwined into every aspect of our lives. Of course, it‘s designed to make our lives easier, but constantly being connected can cause stress. Give yourself a break every now and then and disconnect. Aim for an hour per day where you turn off your computer and don‘t use your phone at all. This will help you be more present, which is crucial to hygge. You can also designate a special screen-free room in your home, where all kinds of distracting technology is forbidden.
The main purpose of hygge is helping you feel present and enjoy the little things in life with the people your love. At the end of the day it doesn‘t matter how you do it, as long as it brings you that feeling of well-being.
About the Author
Anna Rósa is a medical herbalist and author of the bestselling book Icelandic Herbs and Their Medicinal Uses. She’s the CEO and founder of Anna Rósa Skincare and a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists in UK. It’s the oldest herbalist institute in the world, founded in 1894.
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