What is Hygge?
Have you ever longed for a life that feels more peaceful, cozy, and joyfully simple? Well, friends, let’s talk about hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”)—a Danish concept that revolves around warmth, well-being, and embracing life’s simple pleasures. Hygge isn’t just an aesthetic (despite what social media may tell you)—it’s a feeling, a mindset, and a lifestyle that prioritizes comfort, presence, and connection.
As we cozy up in these colder months, let’s explore how we can cultivate hygge in our everyday lives!
How Hygge Helps Us Thrive
At Chasing Brighter, we’re always looking for ways to live our best midlife. And guess what? Hygge aligns beautifully with our self-care and wellness goals! Embracing hygge can help us:
✅ Reduce stress through a cozy environment
✅ Slow down and truly be present
✅ Strengthen connections with loved ones
✅ Bring more joy and gratitude into daily life
If you’re ready to create a life that feels more nurturing and intentional, keep reading—we’re sharing simple ways to infuse hygge into your home, routine, and relationships.
Creating a Cozy Atmosphere
A hygge-inspired home is warm, inviting, and soothing. Here’s how to create that cozy ambiance:
- Soft lighting: Swap out harsh overhead lights for warm lamps, fairy lights, or candles.
- Textures galore: Cozy up your space with plush blankets, soft pillows, and knit throws.
- Declutter for calm: A peaceful space starts with a clutter-free environment. (Need help? Check out our decluttering episode for tips!)
Hygge is About Togetherness
Hygge isn’t just about being alone with a cup of tea (though that’s lovely too!). It’s also about meaningful connections.
- Share leisurely meals with family (think candlelit dinners, charcuterie boards, or slow Sunday breakfasts).
- Create phone-free time for real conversations.
- Have cozy nights in with movies, puzzles, or board games (our current favorite? Battleship and Connect Four).
Simple Pleasures & Mindfulness
Hygge is all about savoring the moment—without distractions.
- Enjoy a warm drink in silence before scrolling your phone.
- Read a book that brings you joy (we’re currently obsessed with Kindle Unlimited’s billionaire romance section—don’t judge!).
- Try a new winter craft, like crocheting or journaling.
Comforting Rituals for Everyday Joy
Think about small rituals that bring you comfort. Maybe it’s:
☕ Afternoon tea with a favorite snack
🕯️ Lighting candles to create a soothing ambiance
🍲 Cooking hearty soups that warm the soul (our recent favorite? Butternut squash soup!)
Hygge isn’t about doing more—it’s about enjoying what’s already there.
Overcoming Obstacles to Hygge
We get it—life is busy! But incorporating hygge doesn’t have to be complicated.
🚫 No time? Start with just five minutes—light a candle, snuggle under a blanket, and breathe.
🧹 Too much clutter? Pick one small area to declutter (our decluttering experts can help!).
😰 Feeling overwhelmed? Give yourself permission to slow down. Sometimes, that’s the biggest act of self-care.
Your Hygge Challenge!
We challenge you to try one small hygge habit this week—whether it’s lighting a candle, having a tech-free dinner, or savoring a quiet cup of tea. Let us know how it goes!
For more inspiration, check out our past episodes on self-care, wellness, and decluttering.
✨ Want to go deeper? Our paid subscriber service called Thrive Tribe gets you ad-free episodes, bonus content, and exclusive wellness tips! ✨
Let’s embrace hygge together and chase brighter, cozier days ahead!