How to Hygge as a Mom
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It's Hygge time! Pronounced hoo-guh, it's the Danish/Norwegian tradition of being comfy/cozy and enjoying a wonderful time with loved ones, wrapped in a blanket (or blankets), and just celebrating being together.
Hygge has become popular over the last few years in the U.S. as Americans search for the happiness that seems to come so easily to Danes.
According to Very Well Mind, “Happiness researchers continually find Denmark to have some of the happiest people on Earth, which Danes attribute to the practice of hygge.”
Hygge, a Danish word defined as "a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.”
While increased happiness is a major benefit of practicing Hygge, it is not the only one. It also promotes a sense of calm, peace, and safety, which is good for our overall well-being.
You may be thinking, “But I have kids! Calm and peace aren’t exactly part of our family’s vocabulary.”
It is possible to Hygge as a mom.
Here are some tips to bring that sense of calm, peace, comfort, and coziness into your own home.
Carve Out Time and Space
As a mom, my calendar is always booked well out in advance. This makes practicing Hygge as a family difficult.
However, knowing the benefits of Hygge, I am trying to carve out time and space in my calendar and home.
This means not overly booking my calendar or maxing out my To-do lists.
It also means having spaces already prepared for relaxation.
It’s so much easier to relax on the couch and watch a movie with my daughters if the living room is clean and clutter-free. (I can’t relax with clutter. Raise your hand if you feel me.)
Not About Buying Stuff…But This Stuff Helps
It is important to understand that Hygge is not about consumerism – even though plenty of retailers will try to sell it. Hygge cannot be sold or bought. This is because it is a feeling.
Pia Edberg, the author of The Cozy Life, tells Mental Floss, "‘There are studies about how hygge in Denmark shies far away from consumerism,’ Instead of stocking up on mass-produced items, decorate your home with furniture and accents that are meaningful to you. Edberg says this could mean the items were given to you as gifts, you purchased them on your travels, or they are antiques with a rich history.”
With that being said, there are some practical things you can use that make Hygge easier. If you don’t own these items, you don’t have to spend a ton.
Lighting: Make your home feel cozy by avoiding harsh lighting. Instead, choose to use dimmers, floor lamps, or candles.
Soft Textures: The goal of Hygge is to feel comfortable and cozy, so look for textures that create these feelings. Purchase loungewear that feels soft and buttery against your skin.
Warmth: While sitting in front of a fireplace is ideal, that may not be an option for you. Instead, look for other ways to create warmth, such as thick throws or heated blankets. It is also a good idea to set up a hot beverage bar.
Be Present
Most importantly, be present.
As much as retailers will try to convince you that Hygge is about products, it is really a feeling.
And that feeling is found by being present with the people you love.
Turn off your devices and tune into one another.
