Hygge. Been loving HYgge for quite a few years now, and where Hygge means HUG, it is about getting a HUG from life and from the home. But first you should get the idea of 'embracing and hugging' back to 'life' the small details which make it up. Love this on Hygge for spring

There’s a reason that Denmark was named “happiest place in the world.” When asked what they owe this title, the response is: “hygge.”

So what is hygge? You may have heard about the hype recently, but in case you have not, hygge is defined as: “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.”

Original image courtesy of Alex Seinet

Hygge is a state of contentment and simplicity many people in America never come to know. But we can take the advice of the Danes and experience hygge in our lives!

When searching for ways to bring hygge into your life, it’s easy to feel bombarded by “wintery” style decor of cozy blankets, sheepskin rugs, mugs full of a warm drink, candles, and cozy slippers. But with spring’s arrival and summer to follow, how do we bring contentment, simplicity, and aliveness into our homes and our lives all year round?

Here are 5 tips:

1. Let the light in.

Natural light is healing and beautiful. Don’t keep the drapes drawn or the doors closed. Invest in a screen door, and open the curtains. Better yet, open the windows! Embracing natural light makes everyone feel warmer and more comfortable. There’s something calming about the sun’s rays.

2. Don’t skip the spring cleaning!

This doesn’t mean to clean around the clutter. Instead, get rid of it! You don’t have to be a complete minimalist, but if you are surrounded by hoards of clutter, you will never feel content. Clean out your home and only allow necessities and items that bring positivity to stay inside your space.

3. Create a welcoming outdoor space.

Do you have a front porch or a back patio that could use some TLC? Take some time this summer to set up an area outside as a community space when you have guests or an area for you to wind down and relax. Keep the definition of hygge in mind when you create the space. Consider dim lighting, calming colors, and minimal decor.

4. It’s all about the plants.

Display fresh flowers or plant a garden. Spring is such an exciting time in nature. Everything comes back to life and, in a sense, so do we! By displaying fresh flowers or spending time working in the garden, you can intentionally experience hygge.

5. Get outdoors!

I hope you’ve been practicing hygge this winter by being cozied up with a good book and a soft blanket, but now it’s time to get outdoors! Take a walk, pick those fresh flowers to bring back home, marvel at the budding plants all around you! There is so much to see and experience outside that is sure to positively benefit your well-being and give you the contentment you’ve been looking for.

It’s important to know that hygge is an experience and the tips above will only encourage hygge when paired with intentionality and appreciating the present moment.

To learn more about hygge visit: The Hygge House