HYGGE: change your perspective

Can you remember moments from your life that were pure bliss? Moments that convinced you that this right here, this is why we’re on this earth?

Did you think of big moments like your engagement, or seeing a landscape in an exotic country? What if you could feel like this more often? What if your morning coffee became a ritual of peace?

Things that remind us about life’s joy don’t have to come in the big moments. Through practicing hygge, you can see the beauty in life every day. The best part is it’s not complicated at all — quite the opposite in fact!

Hygge is a focus on the beauty in simplicity. It’s setting aside the hectic business we so often experience in the modern world, and finding joy in small moments. It’s savoring a glass of your favorite wine with an old friend. It’s stepping into your garden in a still moment and listening to the snow melt into tiny streams, signaling the beginning of spring.

Hygge is stopping to take in the small, simple moments and appreciating them for the bursts of calm, peace and joy they bring to us every day. You don’t need to change your life to practice hygge, you just need to change your perspective.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

What is Hygge?

Bridging the cultural gap

Hygge may call to you for lots of reasons

Get started

The Commercialization of hygge

Not just a lifestyle trend

HYGGE YOUR MIND

Mindfulness

Consciously Slow down

Practice being positive

Practice being grateful

Meditation

HYGGE YOUR SPACE

Your town

Home

Office

Shopping

Fire

Food

Update your lounge wear

MAKING NOT SO HYGGE MOMENTS HYGGE

Outside

Hygge by the Ocean:

Rainy Days

Off-season

HYGGE IN ALL SEASONS

Winter

The Christmas season

Spring: new beginnings, hope, wonder

Summer: warmth in the air, lush greenery, relaxed atmosphere

Fall: hot cider, pumpkins, plaid and your favorite socks

HYGGE YOUR LIFE (TIME)

Make time for hobbies

Remember to create

Hygge in the big moments

HYGGE FOR THE TRAVELER

SHARING HYGGE WITH YOUR LOVED ONES

Family & friends: build a sense of community

Choosing relationships carefully

Improve the quality of your interactions with family and friends

Be forgiving

No controversy in hygge moments

HYGGE ON YOUR OWN

Coziness in different times of the day

Love the simple things

Manage your tech — embrace the benefits of unplugging

All the other tech

A smack upside the head for workaholics, perfectionists and self-proclaimed type A’s.

Taking care of yourself: exercising and eating well

Related concepts: lagom and minimalism

CONCLUSION

Emma Janson

Books