All About Hygge — THE EDGE

The hygge lifestyle, pronounced hoo-ga, is not a new phenomenon. This Danish and Norwegian tradition has gained major popularity across the world and has been adopted by all types of people. Scandinavians are consistently known to be the happiest people in the world, and their concept of hygge, which does not have a direct translation to English, may be one of the reasons why. To put it simply, hygge is a mindset for appreciating the simple things in life to feel content in the present moment. When I studied abroad for a semester in Copenhagen, Denmark, I had the opportunity to learn about hygge and found myself constantly surrounded by it. As college students living in an environment of stress and busyness, this practice can be a helpful way to slow down and enjoy our time on campus. Hygge is a way of living that can be interpreted in many ways, and it is not just about being cozy, so read along to find out how to embrace it yourself!

One of the most well-known aspects of the hygge lifestyle is creating a comfortable living environment. Scandinavians love to cultivate a cozy space to relax in by lighting candles, snuggling up in fuzzy blankets and enjoying a warm drink in a big mug. The act of making time to enjoy simple pleasures that bring you happiness is essential to practicing hygge. Contrary to popular belief, hygge is not just for the cold and dark seasons of the year; it can be practiced at any time. It is all about finding joy in the little things every day, such as making a delicious coffee, reading a good book or sitting in the sun. It is also important to find time to slow down and relax. Focusing on the present moment and finding gratitude in the everyday can help you feel more grounded and become happier.

Another part of the Scandinavian lifestyle that is lesser-known includes spending quality time with loved ones and friends. Hygge is also about informally spending time with others without much planning, preferably at home, a quiet place or in nature. Sitting down with people you care about in this way is relaxing and gives you a space to truly appreciate your time together. There are endless ways to practice hygge with others, but some ideas are sharing a meal, enjoying a coffee together, watching a movie, playing games and talking about life. All that matters is that you are enjoying the things you love with the people you love! We hope that you incorporate hygge into your own life because so much joy and happiness can be found in appreciating the little things in life.

Show us what hygge looks like to you by tagging @theedgemag!