What Is Hygge?

Pronounced "huy-guh" or "hoo-guh," this Danish term refers to a lifestyle concept of creating a warm, cozy atmosphere while also enjoying life's simple pleasures. It can incorporate the furnishings of your home to help create that peaceful environment. Hygge also embraces the idea of spending informal, quality time with your closest friends and family.

Benefits of Adding Hygge to Your Life

Creating a comforting atmosphere makes your home a soothing retreat. It can feel like a safe place to be, whether you're alone or with friends and family. You might find more comfort in your home when you're going through difficult times. It also encourages you to spend more time with your loved ones, which can help you combat loneliness and strengthen your connections with those people.

Add Hygge Through Furnishings

Coziness and comfort are at the heart of hygge. The way you decorate your Collinwood apartment can help you create the idea of hygge. Starting with a minimalist design to avoid clutter and pulling in some cozy decor touches can help you achieve the feeling. Try these ways to ramp up the coziness of your home.

• Layered textiles: Soft fabrics throughout your home go along with the idea of hygge. Add fleece or knit throw blankets to your seating areas and bed so you can snuggle up under them. Upgrading your sheets and other bedding to soft, warm materials can help. Soft area rugs also fit the theme — just make sure they have nonskid backings to avoid slipping hazards.
• Warm lighting: Softer, warmer light creates a more welcoming environment than bright white light. Replace your light bulbs with warmer lights. Using several lamps instead of harsh overhead light is also a suitable option.
• Battery-powered candles: The warm glow of candles is inviting and comforting, but open flames are dangerous and often prohibited in apartment communities. Instead, grab battery-powered candles, which often have a realistic flickering effect, and place them around your home.
• Warm scents: The way your home smells can influence your mood. Essential oils, potpourri and air freshener products are easy ways to infuse your apartment with the scents you love. Try seasonal scents to create a festive mood, or go with your favorite classic scents year-round.

Dress With Hygge in Mind

What you put on your body has a major impact on how you feel. Skip the heels, trousers and blouses when possible. Casual, comfy clothes help you get into the hygge frame of mind, especially when you're lounging around the house. When you head outdoors, grab soft outdoor accessories, including gloves, hats and scarves. That way, you can get fresh air while still staying warm and snug.

Invite Friends and Family Over

Instead of cuddling up under a toasty knit blanket alone, get in the habit of inviting friends and family to your home. The idea is to keep it small, intimate and informal with those closest to you. Your gatherings should bring comfort, peace and warmth to your life. You might make a home-cooked meal together or sip warm drinks while you talk about important things like your faith or your goals in life. It can be a way to give one another support no matter what you're going through.

Incorporate Hygge in the Kitchen

Satisfying comfort food and beverages support this Danish lifestyle theory. Indulging in some of your favorite foods helps create feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. However, you can still enjoy healthy, nutritious options. Adding spices and seasonings to healthier dishes can create a rich, indulgent feeling. You can also embrace hygge in the kitchen by taking your time preparing meals instead of rushing to get food on the table.

Change Your Attitude

Hygge is also a state of mind. It's all about being in the moment and feeling gratitude for what you have. Writing in a gratitude journal is one way to live the lifestyle a little more. Cut back on your screen time so you can be present and mindful, especially when you're with other people. Focus on the little pleasures in life, like engrossing yourself in a good book, sharing a hug with a friend or stopping to look at the details of nature. Valuing self-care by focusing on your mental health needs, reducing your stress and taking care of your physical health also align with hygge.

Ramp Up Hygge in the Winter

Winter in Fort Collins can be cold and snowy, and you might not get out as much as normal. That makes it the ideal time to embrace the idea of hygge in your home and activities. Add cozy touches to your Collinwood apartment with little decor updates. Then, invite your Collinwood neighbors over for an impromptu game or movie night, hot cocoa or simple conversation to incorporate hygge into your lifestyle. No matter how you spend your days, Collinwood offers a safe, comfortable community that welcomes everyone.