Sometimes it feels impossible to ease a busy mind. It may be hard for you to get sleepy at night, or you may wake up in the middle of the night completely alert and unable to fall back asleep. If this sounds like you, you should probably read this article. Learning the ways of hygge can help you create a space that can bring you a sense of calm and help to lull you back to sleep.
What in the heck is hygge?
Hygge (pronounced hue-ga) is the Scandinavian and Norwegian word for coziness. You may or may not have heard of the word before, but you have certainly experienced it. If you’ve ever enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate on a snowy day, wrapped yourself in a blanket while watching a movie, or just thrown on a pair of sweatpants to relax, you’ve practiced the hygge lifestyle without even realizing it.
Your entire home can be hygge if you like, but we’re recommending you dedicate a space in your home. It can be an area of your home filled with cozy things such as blankets, pillows, and candles.
How will a hygge space benefit my sleep?
When you can’t fall asleep or if you can’t get back to sleep after 20 minutes, it’s best to relocate to a different room for a relaxing activity. This is recommended to ensure that you associate your bed with sleep, instead of associating it with frustration when you can’t sleep.
Where should I build my hygge space?
The great news is that you can build it wherever you like, just as long as it’s not in your bedroom. The most convenient spot to put a hygge space might be a little nook in your home, such as a corner or a closet.
Keep these things in mind when choosing the best area:
- It needs to be in a quiet area: You don’t want to choose an area of your home with high traffic or noise.
- Near your bedroom: If possible, you want to choose an area that’s close to your bedroom so when you’re relaxed and ready for sleep you won’t have too far to go. It’s ok if it’s located somewhere else, though.
- Bonus points if you can put it close to a fireplace: Fireplaces are considered to be very hygge! If you have a peaceful space next to a fireplace this is prime territory.
HOW TO BUILD A HYGGE SPACE
The most important thing is that it makes you feel cozy. Keeping that in mind, follow these steps to build yourself your very own hygge space:
STEP ONE: PILLOWS, PILLOWS, AND MORE PILLOWS
Who doesn’t feel their coziest when they’re surrounded by tons of pillows? Pillows are THE BEST for inviting you to get comfy and relaaaaaaaax. Choose decorative and functional, focusing on feelings of relaxation and peace.
STEP TWO: COZY BLANKETS ARE LIFE
Wrap yourself in a thick and warm throw blanket and sink into that cozy feeling! You can have several blankets in your space, you do you!
STEP THREE: CANDLELIGHT IS THE MOST HYGGE
Those who are down with the hygge lifestyle argue that candles can be the most important part of creating a hygge space! That glowing flame and flickering light can provide a calming, romantic, and very cozy ambiance. Try some relaxing scents like lavender if it’s your jam.
STEP FOUR: A PILE OF BOOKS OR MAGAZINES
Anything you can flip through that will give you happiness.
STEP FIVE: A COZY RUG
Having a cold floor might not give you that relaxing feeling you’re going for, so you might want to get a cozy rug!
STEP SIX: ADD SOME RELAXING SOUNDS OR MUSIC
Grab a sound machine with preloaded nature sounds and ambient noise, use a record player, or grab a radio. Soothing sounds can be very hygge.
STEP SEVEN: KEEP A JOURNAL
You can sip your tea, listen to the sounds of nature, and write your deepest darkest secrets! You could also journal about gratitude, your day, to-do lists, or anything that’s fun. Journals are great companions in your relaxation station. Learn more about the benefits of journaling for better sleep.
What isn't considered hygge?
Now that we’ve covered what is considered hygge, let’s talk about what is definitely not considered hygge and keep this stuff out of your space:
- Your cellphone: Staring at your phone might be considered the least hygge thing possible. In addition to this, cellphones emit blue light which inhibits the production of melatonin (the sleepy hormone). Definitely not helpful if you’re trying to get to sleep!
- Clutter: Keeping things simple is what its all about, so be strategic when decorating your space. You want lots of blankets and pillows but want it to scream “cozy” and not “clutter”. Clutter is chaos and chaos is definitely not hygge.
How do I use my hygge space?
Once your space is built, you can use it any time you want to chill or as an escape plan to reset your mind during sleep disruptions.
- Incorporate it into your bedtime routine: Going to your space at the same time every night before you go to sleep could help to relax your mind more quickly. Time in the hygge space = brain’s time to get sleepy.
- Relaxation: You can use it anytime you want to feel relaxed, and not just when you’re trying to sleep.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND ABOUT YOUR HYGGE SPACE
- Choose colors that spark joy: Research has shown that people sleep better when they are surrounded by colors they like.
- Choose scents that promote hygge: Research suggests that scents such as lavender, lemongrass, or vanilla can aid in relaxation.
- Consider your attire: What you wear in your hygge space can make all the difference! Choose cozy slippers and an oversized sweater (or perhaps you might prefer thick knitted socks and a big fluffy housecoat, whatever will make you feel the coziest!)
- The true meaning of hygge is inside YOU: This is probably the most important thing to keep in mind when you’re building your hygge space.
It is a state of mind
Your space is meant to get you into your hygge-state-of-mind.
It is unique to every person
What is hygge for one might not be hygge for another.
Finding your hygge is about what makes you feel cozy
You do not need to include everything we have suggested in order to find your hygge.
Many different roads lead to hygge
Focus on choosing things you find simple and joyful in order to make your space give you that hygge feeling.
