Why Autumn is the Perfect Time for Hygge
If you search “Hygge” into Google Images, what you’ll find are a multitude of pictures of fuzzy socks by a campfire, steaming cups of coffee, or a cozy arrangement of throw pillows and fluffy blankets—the epitome of cozying up for fall. Hygge, pronounced “hoo-guh”, is a word originating from Denmark and Norway which describes the feeling of coziness, comfort, and general feelings of wellness. Hygge has been around for centuries, practiced by many Danish and Norwegian people. For many, Hygge is more than a feeling—it’s a lifestyle.
While exploring the great wide sea of Hygge content on the internet, I found a description of the word that gave me a spark of inspiration: “Hygge is used when acknowledging a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary as cozy, charming or special”. (hyggehouse.com)
Hygge was created to be a way to get through the long, dark winters in Scandinavia, and has been proven to uplift a person's mood and encourage a more mindful quality of life. So what if you’re a student living in a dorm and not in the rolling hills of the Denmark countryside? Don’t worry, there are still ways to incorporate Hygge into your everyday life! Besides, who doesn’t want a more content and present lifestyle? There’s no better time to start cozying up than during the time of year where the weather picks up the slightest bit of chill hinting towards a long, cold winter.
I don’t know about you, but to me, a perfect fall day consists of hot apple cider, cinnamon spiced candles, and some fuzzy socks, all of which can be categorized as Hygge. While a sense of Hygge can be different for everyone, here are some autumnal-themed ideas to spice up your cozy rituals:
Long walks in the cold with a hot drink. Bundle up in a chunky knit sweater, and sip on a toasty drink while enjoying the chilly fall weather.
Try luminating your room with candles and fairy lights instead of harsh overhead lighting to warm up the room.
Stack up your bed or sofa with throw pillows and blankets galore.
Bake something sweet, then share it with your friends.
Binge watch cozy/Halloween movies.
Try slow-brewing French press coffee or tea. There’s something about going through the ritual of placing coffee grounds with boiling water and letting it soak instead of simply pressing a button on a Keurig that makes coffee time feel much more special and mindful.