Instant Hygge In The Home

To fully understand the concept of hygge and creating cosiness within the home we must first understand the contrast of being outside of the home. Let's liken the concept of hygge to the sensation one feels when they remove their bra after a long day. Every woman understands that feeling and yet that feeling would be impossible if she had not already worn her bra all day long. One cannot simply wake up in the nude and recreate this feeling falsely, the lady must spend her day confined to her underwired jail cell that is today's lingerie, to be able to birth this sensation upon removal. Hygge in the home is the same. 

There are many ways to create this feeling within the home but one of the easiest ways is to go outside. It is not uncommon for Scandinavians to be outdoors in all weathers. They dress practically and appropriately which lifts their spirits somewhat when they are in more unpleasant weathers but the beauty of it all is that they get to return home. They finally pedal to the top of the hill and see their apartment calling to them. Out of breath, with rosy cheeks and running noses, they bring in their bicycles, remove their muddied boots and walk into their warm, cosy sanctuaries. Somewhere to sit and relax, somewhere to warm up and wash. If you do not go outside during miserable weather you literally prevent yourself experiencing all that true hygge has to offer. 

In Denmark, if you were to only go outdoors during good weather you would be limited to a few sporadic days in June and July. How would you work or exercise? Less outdoors means less exercise and less exercise means ill health. There is nothing hygge about feeling unwell and not enjoying or appreciating the warmth in your life because you experience no contrast. Without the pain of labour there can be no birth, without the unpleasantness of nature at times there can be no hygge. 

Many westerners enjoy whatever seems easiest in the moment, and who can blame them? The reality is however, if you continue to always do what is easiest you will be left with little joy. Joy is a reward that comes as a consequence of effort. Lazy people are rarely content because they have no contrast of discontent. This is not to say we should all go outside as soon as possible and get frost bite so that when returning to our homes we can be grateful for the warmth, but it does suggest that we shouldn't expect some hygge without a little effort. 

Even popping outside to the shop, post office or even to walk to dog can make a big difference. The sensation of cosiness and joy you will be embraced with returning to your front door has nothing to do with how strenuous or lengthy the outdoor activity was but more to do with the rituals you experience upon entering your grotto. After a chilly walk with the dog you must return home and remove your muddy boots, two pairs of wet socks and more than likely the trousers you wore that are now wet at the bottoms too. This means putting on nice clean socks and something comfortable for your bottom half. Normally pyjama bottoms or loose fitted work out pants. Instant hygge! 

Think of going out in miserable weather as part of the ritual. When you make coffee you have a ritual, you must gather and prep before all systems are go and you get to drink. Hygge isn't always about spending money on items for your home because trust me, if you spend enough time with your decor, amazing as it might be; you will become bored and dissatisfied with it eventually when it fails to give you some hygge. The best way to instant hygge is to put on your warmest autumn clothes and go outside, even if for only five minutes!



Freja