Why we all need a ‘Hygge’

Guilty Mother - 25 Nov 16

I don’t know if it’s just me, but if feels like everyone keeps mentioning the buzz word of the moment ‘hygge’; the Danish word, pronounced “hoo-ga”. It’s a lovely word which translates into English as ‘cosiness” and to be honest, it makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside just thinking about it.

So why are we talking about it? Well, as the British nights draw in and the wind cold whistles around our ears, the Danes are encouraging us to embrace cosiness. They should know, they do ‘cosy’ better than any nation I can think of.

Danish people are apparently very good at being happy and cosy at the same time, but don’t take it from me, Denmark is regularly voted one of the happiest countries in the world. So could this recognition of ‘hygge’ moments contribute to the high levels of contentment? It may do. Studies show that there is a clear link between gratitude and wellbeing. But another important thing to remember, when it comes to understanding hygge; is is all about experiences rather than ‘stuff’.

So what is hugge and how do we get it? Think a cosy home filled with natural materials like wood and leather, lamps artfully positioned to create soothing pools of light. Cashmere socks and a hot mug of tea (or a gin for that matter), next to a roaring open fire which crackles in the background and…you’ve probably reached your “hugge’ point.

Eating mince pies under a duvet, yep, that could also pass as hugge too. What about getting a group of friends together for a meal, with dimmed lighting or it might just be some time alone with a good book. Yep, these are all hugge moments too.

According to an article I read on the BBC news website, it stated that the UK had seen a growth in Scandinavian themed restaurants, cafes and bars to make customers feel more relaxed and “at home” with wholesome comfort food. Personally, I have no idea where these places are, but they some great.

But don’t get me wrong, hugge isn’t just about winter. In fact, it’s not really seasonal at all. Hugge is anytime, but the important consideration was that it was ‘you time’; giving you a moment to be kinder to yourself. Sure. We all crave abit more time for ourselves. As parents, we run around all over the place chasing our tail and when it comes to downtime, we often ‘go out’. So could staying in be the new going out?

When it comes to hugge, perhaps we were looking in the wrong place. Hugge was around us all the time – we just didn’t see it. So, when I sit down and ignore my husband whilst I pick up that book I bought six months ago I said to him “sorry. I just need a hugge moment”. He rolled his eyes and proceeded to put on sky sports which completely ruined my moment.

Oh well. I still like the idea of hygge. Now, where did I put those cashmere socks…

Guilty Mother

Guilty Mother is an honest and (sometimes funny) blog for mums who feel guilty about juggling work, kids and home-life. Here's to feeling less guilty!

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