What ever in the world is hygge, you might ask. Or alternatively: hygge again? haven’t we already heard enough of that? Or: oooh, I love hygge, give me all of it!

So, you might have heard about hygge, since it seems to be a very trendy concept these days. In case you haven’t, hygge is a Danish cultural concept that cannot be fully translated to other languages, but it largely consists of certain feelings of coziness, contentment and togetherness. Anything simple, natural, down to earth and homemade is considered hygge, along with all activities that enhance feelings of coziness and belonging. Autumn and winter tend to be the high seasons for hygge, so here are some tips on how to hygge on A/W 2017!

Mushroom foraging

Go hunting for mushrooms in the forest! There’s no activity more autumnal than picking mushrooms, plus it’s extremely hygge because you end up foraging your own food. Healthy, organic, vegetarian and free! Using mushrooms you can make sauces, pies, pasta, you name it. (Just be sure to pick the right kind of mushrooms as getting poisoned is not very hygge.)

Reading books

It’s the time to bundle up under your blankets and read the books you’ve always wanted to. Better yet, you can gather up a group of friends and set up a little book club where you read a book every few weeks or a month (or whatever time frame you prefer). Organizing evenings to eat something and discuss literature can’t get any more hygge!

Stargazing

The evenings are getting dark so what would be a better cozy activity than gathering up a group of friends or family on a clear night and go outside the sphere of city lights to watch the starry sky and spot some star formations. The sky and the amount of stars can be really unbelievable when far away enough from the human lights that disturb the show.

Knitting

If you’re like me and don’t know how to knit, the autumn and winter evenings are a great time to learn! Woolen socks, mittens, scarves and beanies are all super hygge, and making them yourself is even more so. This is also the season when you actually get to wear them!

Roasted chestnuts

Autumn is chestnut season. Unluckily, chestnut trees do not grow in Finland, so you’ll have to get yours from the grocery store instead of just picking them. Snacking on roasted chestnuts topped with some butter and salt is super tasty, simple and very hygge!

Playing board games

Gathering up with family or friends to play board games (or why not card games) is as hygge as it gets. Whichever game you prefer, whether it be Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Ticket to Ride or Cards Against Humanity, games create a lovely feeling of togetherness and is a nice pastime – with a flair of tradition that makes it even more hygge.

Twinkle lights

Decorate your bedroom and the outer side of your house or apartment with twinkle lights or string lights to make the atmosphere cozier. These lights don’t cost much at all and they definitely add an atmospheric feel to your home when the days get darker. Adding some candles to the mix is even better!

Exploring autumn in the nature

Go for walks in the woods (or whatever natural environment you prefer) to examine the changes the seasons bring. An awareness like this makes your day more mindful and may make you more connected to the seasonal changes instead of resisting them. And what more, the forest, according to studies, is a strong anti-stress medicine which has a calming effect and furthermore, lowers your blood pressure and pulse. Talk about hygge!

How do you hygge? Tell us in the comments!