Hygge: Cultivating Connection, Comfort, and Joy
Practical ways to bring peace and warmth into everyday moments
I’m craving the sense of hygge so much these days. I know I’m not alone. I’ve seen several authors and influencers post something along similar lines. In any season where emotions are high and the angst extends itself beyond a moment to weave into everyday stuff, it’s hard. So hard.
I just want pillows, fuzzy blankets, peaceful lights, and a cup of comfort in the form of something with mocha. And I long for deep connections with people that are rooted in love and absent of assumptions and shoulds and political tones. Just loving connections and appreciation for how our humanness ties us together.
Many podcast episodes ago, back when Midlife Repurposed was called Life Repurposed, I talked about the topic of hygge. I invite you to listen!
Today, I want to continue with practical ways we can cultivate this cozy connection in real life.
If you aren't familiar with the term, hygge (pronounced HOO-gah) is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable familiarity associated with feelings of wellness and contentment. It's associated with the idea of charm, happiness, content, security, familiarity, comfort, reassurance, kinship, and simpleness. Appropriately, it originated with the Scandinavians, who are familiar with long winters! I think of it as an atmosphere that feels like a warm hug.
That isn’t all it is, though.
Various definitions of hygge can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where a similar Old Norse word meant "protected from the outside world."
Hygge is often about informal time together with family or close friends. Typically, the setting is at home or another quiet location, or perhaps a picnic during the summer months. It usually involves sharing a meal and wine or beer, or hot chocolate and a bowl of candy if children are included. There is no agenda. You celebrate the small joys of life, or maybe discuss deeper topics. It is an opportunity to unwind and take things slow.1
It’s about time with the people you love too.
True hygge is about creating meaningful moments of connection and peace. While our lives often pull us toward busyness and digital spaces, we can still cultivate these comforting experiences, even virtually.
Let’s explore practical ways to embrace hygge every day—bringing peace to our souls and warmth to others.
1. Create Coziness Through Intentionality
Cozy moments come not from perfection but from presence. Whether you’re on a video call or chatting with someone in person, create a sense of “I’m here just for you.”
Practical Ideas:
Virtual Coffee Date: Make a mocha or tea and set up a video call. Let them see that you’re pausing everything else to connect.
Simple Spaces: On camera, it’s okay to let your background be real and lived-in. It’s not about impressing; it’s about being welcoming.
2. Share Gratitude for Contentment and Wellness
Gratitude shifts our focus to what matters most, bringing contentment. Sharing those moments can uplift others too.
Practical Ideas:
Social Gratitude Posts: Share one thing you’re grateful for online, inviting others to do the same.
Relax Together Virtually: Host a “color and chat” session online where you color, sip coffee, and share gratitude for simple joys.
3. Spread Happiness Through Encouragement
Happiness blooms when we look for ways to bless others. Simple acts of kindness have a ripple effect.
Practical Ideas:
Daily Kind Words Challenge: Text or DM someone a kind note of encouragement every day.
Celebrate Small Wins: Send a quick “I’m so proud of you” message when you see someone share a life update online.
4. Offer Security and Reassurance
True security comes from knowing we’re loved unconditionally. Reassurance grows when we reflect God’s love and truth to others.
Practical Ideas:
Check-In Chats: Schedule short 15-minute video calls to ask, “How are you—really?”
Share Truth: Post Scripture or words of encouragement that remind others of God’s faithful presence.
5. Foster Kinship by Building Connections
Kinship is the warmth of discovering shared experiences. In a digital age, we can still make those meaningful bonds.
Practical Ideas:
Virtual Introductions: Reach out to someone new on social media with a kind message. “Hi! I noticed we both love [shared interest].”
Explore Commonalities: Take time to browse someone’s website or content to find mutual connections before engaging.
6. Embrace Simpleness in Every Gesture
Hygge thrives in simplicity. Small acts of love can be just as impactful as grand gestures.
Practical Ideas:
Virtual Notes: Send e-cards or voice notes for encouragement.
Simple Surprises: Drop a digital gift card for coffee into someone’s inbox with a kind note.
7. Find Comfort in Familiarity
The most comforting relationships feel like your favorite leggings—soft, reliable, and easy. Extend that sense of “being home” to others.
Practical Ideas:
Work Together Virtually: Invite a friend for a co-working session on Zoom or at a coffee shop.
Keep It Real: Show up authentically in conversations, even if it’s in your sweatshirt and messy bun.
True Hygge: Rooted in God’s Love
While warm lighting and favorite drinks are lovely, true comfort and joy come from our connection with Jesus. His love transforms relationships, bringing deeper peace than anything we can stage or buy.
Whether we’re sharing a note, a moment of gratitude, or a digital chat, we can reflect God’s love in every interaction. Let’s offer the world a warm “hygge hug” through our everyday connections.
https://denmark.dk/people-and-culture/hygge