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Every now and then , there ’ s a wellness custom specific to one corner of the globe that causes people in other nations to sit up and take notice . This year , it ’ s hygge writes Rian Newman .

You ’ ll remember the Feng Shui renaissance from a few years back and the recent trend of Zen Buddhism that ’ s still very much alive . In 2017 – like a mug of hot chocolate in a candlelit cabin in the woods – the Danish concept of hygge is an irresistible antidote to our overstimulated lifestyles .

The concept is simple . Hygge ( pronounced hue-gah ) is about being present , and recognising the everyday moments that awaken a sense of contentment within . While there ’ s no precise English translation , you can get a sense of what hygge is all about through an amalgamation of words like cosy , comfortable , warm , special and nice .

As Natalie Van Deusen , professor in Scandinavian Studies at the University of Alberta , puts it , “ The best translation is cosiness , but not the physical cosiness that you get when you put on a sweater or cuddle up with a blanket . It ’ s more of a state mental balance and psychological wellbeing .”

And that ’ s the best thing about hygge ; It ’ s not something you need to learn , or something you need to spend money to experience .

HOW TO BRING MORE HYGGE INTO YOUR LIFE

With cooler months now upon us , there ’ s no better time to acquaint yourself with hygge . The Danes are well accustomed to long , cold , dark winters indoors , and for many , it ’ s these simple pleasures that help get them thorough .

Although we don ’ t have it quite so bleak here in the Southern Hemisphere , there ’ s no reason for us to forego the joy hygge can bring to those who embrace it .

HYGGE AT HOME

While physical cosiness doesn ’ t exactly describe the true essence of hygge , it can certainly be a catalyst for bringing it to life . For many of us , home is already a place with warm associations and a sanctuary we ’ re always happy to return to . It ’ s no surprise that it ’ s the best place to experience hygge for yourself .

Adding texture to your home with an assortment of pillows , cushions , and woollen throw rugs for your living spaces is a great start . The key is to keep it simple . Scandinavian interiors are typically quite minimalistic so you ’ ll want to avoid clutter and surround yourself with belongings that bring you joy . The warm , rustic glow of candlelight is a cornerstone of the hygge way of life . Try it for yourself by lighting at least five candles and spreading them around your living space . Trust us , the ambience is beautiful .

Set yourself a winter reading list drawn from recommendations from your friends and family or the New York Times Best Sellers list and commit to spending a few nights a week snuggled up with a great book in your cosy living space .

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HYGGE IN THE WORKPLACE

Hygge isn ’ t just for the home , you can also embrace it at work .

Start with a few physical elements to get you in the hygge headspace . Introduce the soft glow of a desk lamp to combat sterile office lighting . Nature and the outdoors are synonymous with the hygge way of life , so introduce some natural elements to your office with a plant for your desk . Not only will it brighten up your workspace , it ’ s also been shown to boost productivity by almost a fifth .

Mindfulness is also key and the practice of being in the moment is perfectly applicable at work . Resist the urge to check your inbox every five minutes , and instead stick to your well-crafted to-do list , focus your attention on tasks and enjoy the sense of completion and achievement this brings .

HYGGE ON THE TABLE

We all have our go-to comfort foods that bring hygge to life on your kitchen table . For us it ’ s anything from a deliciously rich hot chocolate , or a nice warm bowl of our favourite winter soup .

It ’ s hard to resist the smell of freshly baked bread , the smooth aromatic goodness of a glass of red wine , and who can deny the immense satisfaction felt when by cracking the thin layer of caramel on a crème brûlée ?

Creating an intimate atmosphere at mealtimes is almost as important as what ’ s on the plate . Surround yourself with good company and avoid watching TV while you eat . A great playlist can help set the tone for a memorable evening in . There ’ s even a specially curated hygge playlist on Spotify .

HYGGE WITH YOUR LOVED ONES

Hygge doesn ’ t always come as naturally as you might think . With everyday demands and a busy schedule , there ’ s always the risk it ’ ll be squeezed out completely .

Protecting family time , friendships and engaging in good , freeflowing conversation will ensure it ’ s not out of your life for too long .

It ’ s important to recognise your distractions . We ’ d suggest turning off the phones and putting away the tablets and computers during your time with your loved ones . Instead , focus on activities that will encourage socialising . Cooking , board games and looking through old travel photos are the perfect start to a hygge-filled evening .

You might hear other Scandinavian buzzwords touted this year like the Swedish lagom , loosely translated as ‘ not too little , not too much ’. But we predict that hygge won ’ t be going anywhere , because it symbolises such a beautiful sense of connection and warmth .

So , make the most of what the cooler weather brings and add a little bit of hygge to your life this winter .

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