HEALTH & WELLNESS
GET COZY WITH HYGGE
A RITUAL TO HELP IN THIS TIME OF SOCIAL DISTANCING By Melanie Carden
ygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is the foundation of Danish life. Loosely translated, it means cozy and content, but it’s so much more. In this winter series, I’ll explore this concept and offer suggestions on how to “live more hygge.” The word is both noun and adjective—something can be described as hygge (“this old, tattered blanket is so hygge”). Or you can make plans to hygge with close friends and family (“let’s stay in, play board games, and drink mulled wine”). Denmark—long-known as one of the happiest countries—has built its culture around the importance of rejuvenation through moments of cultivated contentment. From burning candles in their workspace to curating cozy moments in all aspects of everyday life—they prioritize emotional well-being. Taking cues from Meil Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, Copenhagen, and author of The Little Book of Hygge, I’ll cobble together bits of cozy wisdom to help us through this most challenging of winters. Hygge is a feeling, and it requires no expense whatsoever. A favorite chipped mug is just as hygge as a new one. Relish your faded favorites or treat yourself to a coveted frock—but make time in your life to rejuvenate.
SEE THE LIGHT Creating pockets of ambient light are at the core of hygge life. Avoid heavily perfumed candles. Opt for unscented or those lightly scented with pure essential oils to create space for authenticity. These handmade, eco-friendly candles from Satya + Sage offer a balance of ritual and beauty. Info: satyasage.com.
WARMING SPIRITS Be still and imbibe in a small-batch spirit. Cooper’s Daughter—a New Yorkbased distillery—offers this Black Walnut Bourbon. It is aged in American White Oak barrels but finished in barrels that stored black walnut syrup tapped from the distillery’s own trees. It lingers and is exquisite for fireside sips and tempting toddies. Info: available from doorstep.market.
COZY COFFEE From the French press to inexpensive drip, coffee is 100 percent cozy. Sip with intention—savor it. Whether you use a dented family-heirloom carafe or this sleek Saeco Xelsis machine made for espresso aficionados —you’ll be on your way to achieving a hygge moment. Bonus: it offers 15 beverage choices, 7 profile options, and near-endless customization. Info: philips.com.
DURABLE SIMPLICITY Hygge honors simplicity. Merino wool—durable, insulating, and breathable—brings unparalleled comfort to the hyggelig (hoo-ga-lee) life. These natural fibers require less washing and resist wrinkles— perfect for adventure, travel, or snuggling. Versatile selections, like this refined sweatshirt, help declutter your life, leaving you focused on the things that matter most. Info: unboundmerino.com. 42 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | FEBRUARY 2021
