welcome to consciously cozy

Welcome to my blog Consciously Cozy! I was inspired to create this space after learning about the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced hooga). The word is derived from the 19th-century Germanic word hyggja, which means to think or feel satisfied. Hygge is more of an all-encompassing feeling or atmosphere intentionally created in the routine practices of the Danish culture and lifestyle.

It echos key values of equality and well-being for everyone in Danish society. Hygee reflects equality because when people are together, they are thought of as equals, despite differences in belief or wealth. It is simply enjoying the presence of another human and treasuring it like the gift that it is. According to Jessica Alexandar of "greatergood.berkeley.edu," American anthropologists who have studied Danish hygge have been shocked by how easily human interactions flow and how no one tries to be the center of attention. Scientific research shows how important social ties are to our well-being. Our emotional state truly does have an impact on our overall health.

Well-being is practiced by spending your time with others, or even by yourself, to wind down and enjoy the little things that life has to offer like sharing a good meal or buying yourself flowers from a local flower shop. With these practices, people are aware of small things like aromas and lighting, which is why setting up a calm and cozy environment is essential to hygge.

Hygge is also known to be a contributing factor as to why Denmark and other Nordic Countries have continuously been rated as one of the happiest countries since the World Happiness Report was created in 2012. According to Jeff Sachs, co-creator of the World Happiness Report and a professor at Columbia University, happiness in the context of this report means "satisfaction with the way one’s life is going."

Below I have created a Hygge Starter Kit with everything you need to incorporate hygge into your life:

1) Cozy Ambiance

Add some candles, warm blankets, and comforting music to help you relax and enjoy your time.

2) Gratitude

Be thankful for what you have, those you care about, and the little joys in life like the birds chirping outside.

3) Be Present

Don't think about what awkward thing you said in that conversation at work yesterday or all of the work you have ahead of you. Enjoy what you are doing (or not doing) right now.

4) Spoil Yourself

Take yourself on a date and have some me-time.

5) Equality

Be compassionate towards those around you, and enjoy your common ground: being human.

6) Get Comfy

Put on a cozy sweater and your favorite pair of fuzzy socks.

7) Companionship

Get together with friends and family to cook a meal, play a game, or simply have a conversation together.

8) Tranquility

Calm your mind, body, and spirit and be at peace with others and yourself.

This cozy corner of the internet will offer ideas on how to embody hygge in your life and anything that I learn on my journey to living with intentionality, purpose, and pleasure in the small precious moments we find for ourselves. I look forward to sharing this with you and I hope this blog gives you hygge!