How to create more hygge

Autumn and winter are naturally times of drawing inward. The weather cools, the light diminishes, and we naturally want to cosy up and slow down. There’s something deeply comforting about creating a warm, inviting space when the world outside feels colder and darker. From soft lighting and warm drinks to comforting food and time spent with loved ones, these simple pleasures can make the darker months feel a little more enjoyable.

This is where the Danish concept of hygge comes in.

Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) became a popular topic outside Scandinavia in the mid-2010s, alongside a growing fascination with Scandinavian design and lifestyle. Think calm interiors, a slower pace of life and an appreciation for everyday pleasures.

But hygge is about more than candles, cosy blankets and beautifully styled living rooms. At its heart, it’s about creating an atmosphere of comfort, connection and contentment.

So, what exactly is hygge, and how can you bring a little more of this Danish approach to cosiness into your life this autumn? 🍂

What is hygge?

In short, hygge is the Danish concept of cosiness. It’s not just about being physically cosy, but about atmosphere and, arguably, an approach to life. It’s about warmth and those moments of connection that make you feel content.¹

The word itself has interesting roots. Hygge is thought to originate from the Norwegian word hugga, meaning to comfort or console, and is related to the English word hug.² It’s a fitting connection for a concept centred on feeling safe, comfortable and cared for.

The official Danish website, Denmark.dk, describes hygge as an opportunity to unwind, take things slowly and celebrate life’s small joys, often in the company of family and close friends.

Importantly, hygge doesn’t have to involve elaborate plans or picture-perfect surroundings. It’s about enjoying the moment, feeling comfortable in your surroundings and making time for the things that matter.

And here at CG, we think autumn is the perfect time to give it a try!

6 ways to embrace hygge this autumn

Don’t worry, you don’t need to move to Denmark or completely change your lifestyle to enjoy the benefits of a little more hygge. Small, intentional changes can make all the difference! Here are six easy ways to embrace hygge this autumn –

1. Cook something warming

Food is often at the heart of hygge, particularly when it’s shared with friends and family in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Togetherness and connection, feeling warm inside and out.

Autumn is the perfect excuse to make big, warming soups, stews, roasted vegetables, baked apples or your favourite comfort food. Even better? Invite someone to join you to savour the moment.

If you need culinary inspiration, we’ve got you covered! Try some of our cosy, warming recipes here:

2. Get cosy with a good book

There’s a reason autumn and reading go so well together. As the evenings draw in, there’s something so lovely about settling into a comfortable chair with a good book, a warm drink and a blanket. If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, even better!

Put your phone away, make yourself comfortable and read something purely because you enjoy it. No productivity goal, no educational purpose and no pressure to finish a certain number of pages. Pick a book that brings you contentment and joy, where you’re not trying to eke out the last drop of your to-do list.

3. Invite people in

Hygge doesn’t mean hiding away at home, bundled up on the sofa (though you may wish to during the cold months!). Togetherness is an important part of of the concept.

Invite friends over for a relaxed dinner, have someone round for coffee, play a board game with the family or simply sit around the kitchen table and chat.

You don’t need to be the perfect host, have the perfect table set up or cook your best meal. Hygge is much more about feeling comfortable and connected than creating a flawless social media-worthy evening.

4. Make your evenings feel a little more special

As the evenings grow darker, it can be tempting to wish away the colder months and look forward to brighter days. But embracing the change of season can help you discover new ways to enjoy your evenings. Turn off the harsh overhead lights, light a candle or two, put on some gentle music and make your evening drink something to look forward to.

You don’t need an elaborate plan. Even 20 minutes of intentional downtime can help you shift out of “doing mode” and into a slower rhythm.

5. Embrace doing less

Perhaps the most important part of creating more hygge is giving yourself permission to slow down. You don’t need to fill every gap in conversation. You don’t need to be productive every waking hour. And you certainly don’t need to turn your autumn into another self-improvement project!

Create space in small ways to allow for those quiet moments of connection to occur. Put your phone away, sit quietly, have a cup of tea, watch the rain or do absolutely nothing for a little while. Of course, slowing down doesn’t mean you have to abandon your responsibilities or completely change your routine. It’s about finding small opportunities to pause and enjoy the moment.

6. Create a little autumn ritual

One of the easiest ways to bring more hygge into your everyday life is to create a small ritual you look forward to.

These don’t need to be elaborate activities or take up much time. In fact, the simplest rituals are often the easiest to maintain because they fit naturally into your existing routine.

This autumn, maybe it’s –

A cup of herbal tea before bed
A Sunday morning walk
Pancakes on Saturday mornings
An evening bath
Lighting a candle while you cook
A family dinner without phones

The ritual itself doesn’t really matter as much as doing it intentionally and enjoying the moment.

A cosy autumn doesn’t have to be complicated

Hygge isn’t about creating a perfect cosy life or buying another fluffy blanket (although we won’t blame you if you do!). It’s about recognising and appreciating the small moments that bring comfort, connection and contentment into your everyday life.

While those little added extras can feel special, make space to slow down and create small moments of connection, contentment and togetherness.

As the days grow shorter, you might find that a warming bowl of soup, an evening with friends, a good book or a few quiet moments with a cup of tea are exactly what you need.

You don’t have to do everything on this list. Start with one small change that feels right for you and see how it feels.

The beauty of hygge is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s simply about slowing down enough to notice the good things that are already there.

Looking for more inspiration for a slower, more balanced approach to wellbeing? Check out The gentle art of ageing well: lessons from Denmark

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.