Hygge is a Danish word for coziness, and who doesn't need more of that in their life these days? If you're looking for a little hygge, read on and learn how you can incorporate it into your winter days.

What Is Hygge?

Before we go much further, let's learn how to pronounce this interesting word. Hygge definitely doesn't look how it's pronounced. When talking about this way of life, the proper pronunciation is "hoo-gah." So, what, exactly, is hygge? Hygge is a feeling that is created through having things around you that make you feel happy, content, and cozy. Winter is the perfect time of year to practice hygge, but you can certainly practice it year-round.

How To Practice Hygge

Hygge is more than decorating or interior design. Hygge is about what you need to feel comfortable and happy. It's about your well-being. And the Danes seem to have a good handle on that, according to the Happiness Research Institute of Copenhagen. Here are some ways to experience hygge yourself.

1. Take your time - focus on simple pleasures. Read a good book while enjoying a cup of coffee.
2. Take a break from tech - spend time playing a board game with friends instead of the newest video game.
3. Wear your jammies - or at least your yoga pants or sweats. Whatever you find most comfortable.
4. Add a pair of toasty socks - the furrier and cozier, the better.
5. Stack the sofa, chair, or bed with lots of pillows - surround yourself with comfort.
6. Snuggle under a comfy blanket - something soft and, you guessed it, cozy.
7. Candles - and more candles. Warm, glowing, flickering light is the essence of hygge.
8. Hair up - get your hair out of the way in a messy bun or under a fuzzy cap. Whatever makes you happy.
9. Munchies = comfort food - think beef stew, yeast rolls, pastries, cakes, hot cocoa, a cup of tea, a mug of coffee, popcorn, porridge... anything that feels like a hug from mom.
10. Relaxing activities - read a book, watch a movie, binge a show, pet your cat or dog, or take a walk in the woods.
11. Neutral colors - be kind to yourself and choose warm, neutral colors for your hygge experience. That doesn't mean you can't have touches of your favorite magenta or lime green, just limit them for a little while to help with the relaxation aspect of hygge.
12. Soften your lighting - by choosing warm lighting rather than cool. If you have programmable LEDs, so much the better. Program warm lighting to promote the feeling of hygge.
13. Create a nook - the ideal place to snuggle into. Fill your nook with all the pillows, blankets, and other implements of coziness you need to feel comfy.
14. Light a fire - if you have a fireplace. It's perfect for snuggling up with a blanket, a cup of tea, and a good book. Or grab a pillow and take a little snooze.
15. Decorate with mementos - fond photos of your childhood and your loved ones; artwork that brings you joy; rocks, shells, dried flowers from a vacation.
16. Add a little romance - candelabras, chandeliers, flowers, and live plants are great ways to add a little romance to your hygge space.
17. Relaxing music - tune your Spotify to something relaxing and soothing to really set the hygge vibe.

Set up your hygge space, grab a cup of your favorite CoffeeAM coffee, and curl up with a great book. Here's to being cozy this winter!