One word says it all

In the times in my life when I’ve felt lonely in Los Angeles, I had no idea that across the world the Danes and Norwegians could have described what I needed in one simple word: Hygge.

Hygge (/ˈhjuːɡə/ HYOO-gə or /ˈhuːɡə/ HOO-gə) is a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment. It’s also described as a form of everyday togetherness and spontaneous social flow. To the Danes hygge is considered “a defining feature of our cultural identity and an integral part of the national DNA,” according to Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen.

The visuals of hygge

Hygge has gained global popularity. In 2016, Oxford Dictionary included it in its short list of candidates for word of the year. The focus in most articles is how hygge looks

More than aesthetics

Though candles, blankets and cocoa can set the stage for hygge, the Danes will tell you that it’s more than the objects present in a room. It’s a feeling:

Comfort

Belonging

Warmth

Togetherness

Wholeness

I love these words. They convey a sense of safety to relax and just be yourself. 

We make hygge every week!

I feel great pride that even though I didn’t know the word, my work evolved to bring the world more hygge. Professional cuddling can create cherished moments of acceptance and coziness. And our social events may as well be called hygge factories. (Someone should start a cuddle business called Hygge House!)

Winter is the perfect season for hygge

I’m not a fan of the cold months even though I live in a warm place! Focusing on hygge can help me make the best of things. For instance, at home I enjoy wrapping my purple fleece blanket around me. Over the holidays I discovered the joy of fireplace videos.

How do you generate cozy feelings for yourself? Please share! (And if you’d like some ideas, this article has tips.)