As I have said many times before, if we are going to be home, we should make home one of our favorite places to be. Hygge is a great way to do just that. If you still do not know what hygge is, it is the art of doing things or creating opportunities that bring comfort and contentment. The beauty is that the simplest things can help you make that shift and create a cozy, inviting vibe in your home. I’ve been a big fan of hygge for a few years now because it embraces many elements of self care and conscious, intentional living. It’s a lifestyle and a state of mind.

Hygge Ideas for Happy Living

Throw Blankets Everywhere - Okay, maybe not EVERYWHERE but all places that make sense. On the sofas, beds and a few tucked away in the closet for guests or to take on trips. I love these thick super soft fleece blankets. They are inexpensive and come in a wide variety of colors. and sizes.

Get Rid of Clutter - I always get overwhelmed when I think about tackling clutter but I realize that I don’t have to do it all at once. Pick one thing to clean out and organize once or twice week or set aside 10-15 minutes a day dedicated exclusively to decluttering. There’s nothing like the feeling of purging things you no longer want or need and having a clean and organized space when you’re done. There are multiple benefits of a purging unwanted and unnecessary items like decreased stress and anxiety, better sleep, increased creativity and overall happiness. I found Emily Ley’s book, A Simplified Life and Marie Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up books very helpful in getting started on my decluttering journey.

Lighting - Lighting can make such a difference when it comes to how your home feels. I really like to reserve overhead lighting for the kitchen, bathrooms, the laundry room and the dining room. Lamps create a cozier, more inviting atmosphere in your living room and family room. The right bulbs matter too. I always pick soft lighting with no more than 60 watts; there’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re on display at a department store when you’re in your own home. While I’m not a huge fan of LED bulbs, they are getting better at creating softer, warmer lighting. I like these GE Relax HD LED light bulbs. I also love fairy lights. I have these battery powered fairy lights in various spots around my house. I like putting them in hurricane lamps and setting the timer so that they go on at dusk and then turn off a few hours later. I even have them on the mini evergreen trees on my front porch and on a faux olive tree that sits on the balcony that overlooks my foyer.

Scent Your Home - I love using scent to help create a relaxing and inviting vibe. I, personally, love candles, but there are other ways to scent your home if candles aren’t your thing. Essential oil diffusers have become very popular and you can also make a simmering potpourri on your stovetop. If you do use candles make sure they are made with clean-burning waxes like soy or coconut, lead-free cotton wicks and clean, non-toxic fragrances. I really like the candles from Brooklyn Candle Studio.

Pick a Baking or Cooking Project - Recently, I’ve dedicated part of my Sundays to doing some cooking and baking for the week. There’s something about being productive in the kitchen that is very satisfying and fulfilling. You certainly don’t have to meal prep for your week, but try a fun baking project or something challenging that you wouldn’t normally make. I really love how cooking projects bring us together as a family, so get your kids or spouse involved and make it an event.

The tub can be the perfect place to relax

Create a Space Just for Relaxing - Find a little corner of your home and create a space that is just for you and completely restorative. Perhaps it’s chair or small sofa with cozy, blankets, lighting and pillows perfect for reading, meditating or watching TV. If you have a lot of creative energy, put together a maker space or crafting nook for yourself. Do you love a bath? Stock up on products to make your bath amazing. There are so many fun bath products. A few things on my list are this bamboo bath tray, these Vertly CBD Bath Salts and I love the Honest Company line of bubble baths (they are not just for baby!). Also, don’t forget your favorite candles and a Bluetooth speaker for some music!

Set Boundaries - Create a schedule and set boundaries so that your have time to do the things you really enjoy and don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ in order to make it happen. It’s really okay to take time for you. This doesn’t have to be anything drastic or monumental. Carve out a couple hours on the weekend for just hanging out, end your work day a little earlier a couple days a week, delegate a chore or task to someone else, drop an activity that is no longer enjoyable or fulfilling or even add an activity like yoga or mediation that’s restorative.

Stock Up on Your Favorites - Stock up your fridge and pantry with items you love. That does not necessarily mean junk food, but do make sure you have some treats for yourself. In my pantry, I keep a couple of my favorite tea flavors, dark chocolate, and a couple salty crunchy snacks. In the fridge I stock these iced teas I really like and healthy foods that can be easily prepared or heated for my daily meals, including breakfast. This is how I like to think of it: imagine waking up, coming home from work, sitting down for a break and having your favorite foods or drinks right at home and ready to go.

Cozy Wardrobe - Cozy living needs a cozy wardrobe and there are so many options now. I love a matching sweat suit so I can just throw it on and be done. They are super popular right now so you can find them pretty much anywhere. I love Sundry for cute, functional loungewear.

Get Together With People - A little more challenging in the time of COVID but it can still be done. Get creative and connect with people you love and enjoying being with on a regular basis. Isolation is not healthy or normal and socializing with people has consistently shown to increase or sustain happiness.

Get Outside - Connecting with nature regardless of the season is an essential part of hygge. In the colder months, I am bundling up and getting into the woods and our local walking trails with my husband and two dogs. In the summer, when it’s scorching out, I’m walking early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hotter parts of the day. I also love sitting on my back patio as often as possible. We invested in a fire pit so we can enjoy it all year!

Start a Gratitude Journal - Expressing gratitude is a wonderful way to bring more contentment and happiness into your life but consistency is key. A journal is a great way to make gratitude a habit. I keep one by my bedside table and write down 3 or 4 things I am grateful for before I go to bed. The journal doesn’t have to be anything fancy! I really like this hardcover notebook with an elastic closure.

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