Lifestyle & Wellness
With so much going on in the world, cocooning—what the Danes call hygge—feels more important than ever. Hygge is about nurturing your well-being: finding shelter, getting cozy, and spending time with the people you love. In Denmark it’s often a winter practice—a way to survive long, dark months and stay content—but the idea works all year. Light a fire or some candles, pour a mug of tea and enjoy a slice of homemade cake, wrap yourself in a soft cashmere blanket, and pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read. Or gather the family, make popcorn, watch a movie, play a board game, or do some crafting together. Hygge is meaningful time with those closest to you and a kind of comfort for stressful times.
So, how do you hygge? Try these ideas:
1. Brew herbal tea
Warm up from the inside with a cup of herbal tea. Chamomile is a soothing choice—try blending chamomile flowers with fresh mint sprigs for a simple, calming brew.
2. Create a hyggekrog (a cozy nook)
A big part of hygge is making a hyggekrog, or cozy corner. Add soft blankets, warm candlelight, and comfy slippers to make a little sanctuary in your home.
3. Take time for slow cooking
There’s something comforting about a pot simmering on the stove. Make a hearty soup or try a vegan-friendly Hungarian Lecso Stew—perfect for filling the house with warmth and good smells.
4. Get back to nature
Think of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, as an outdoor version of hygge. Take a long walk in the woods, pick a tree—a sycamore or cedar—and focus on its bark, scent, and the way the breeze moves through the branches. Time in the forest can slow your pulse, lower blood pressure, and calm your nerves.
5. Be present with your family
We often take family for granted because they’re always around. How often do you really stop and listen? When was the last time you had a deep conversation? Now is a great time to be present and connect.
6. Indulge in your favorite mask
Health Magazine recommends adding a self-care ritual to boost the rest you get from downtime. At Eminence Organics, we love unwinding with a luxurious face mask. Pro tip: use a warm towel compress before applying your mask to soften skin and help clear pores. To learn more, read our guide to face masks.
7. Soak in a relaxing bath
Take a long, soothing soak for full-body relaxation. Add one to two capfuls of Apricot Body Oil for extra moisture and silky skin. Try an all-over scrub with our Stone Crop Body Scrub, then finish with Stone Crop Body Lotion and Stone Crop Body Oil for smooth, hydrated skin.
The Danes are regularly among the happiest countries in the world for a reason. Hygge is about slowing down, being together, connecting with nature, and taking care of ourselves and each other. Learn more about our body-care products, masks, and at-home treatments—and tell us how you hygge at home in the comments below or on social media.