Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”) is a Danish word that translates to coziness. It’s all about creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the simple things in life with good people.
The warm glow of candlelight is hygge. Cooking delicious food for family and friends is hygge. Sitting comfortably in front of a wood stove is hygge. Baking gingerbread men is hygge.
Hygge can be practiced anywhere and anytime. You can enjoy summer hygge. Think of beautiful picnics, stargazing or sitting with friends enjoying a glass of elderberry syrup while watching the sunset.
Personally, I think hygge is at its best during the colder months, as autumn and winter are the seasons where we can really get cozy and create a warming atmosphere. As the rainy British weather sets in, the nights get longer and the leaves steadily fall from the trees, it’s the perfect time to get your hygge on!
Below are some fall and winter hygge ideas to get you started:
- Relax with a good book and a cup of tea.
- Take a long walk outside in nature.
- Light a fire, snuggle up and watch your favorite movie.
- Send a handwritten card to a loved one.
- Bake cinnamon rolls or gingerbread
- Make it cozy with lots of blankets.
- Light lots of candles and Christmas lights.
- Treat yourself to some new, comfortable pajamas.
- Take a bubble bath.
- Use hygge-inspired essential oils.
Hygge essential oils
One of the best ways to create the hygge atmosphere is through essential oils. So as we head into the winter months, I wanted to share my best hygge-inspired essential oils with you. These oils not only bring you beautiful aromas that make you feel completely warm, cozy and comfortable, but they can also support your mental and physical health.
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) essential oil is called the cheerful essential oil, because of its uplifting and mood-enhancing effect. It is literally sunshine in a bottle which is why it is perfect to use during the dark winter months and for those suffering from seasonal affective disorder.
Thanks to its warming effect, Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) is a wonderful uplifting oil to use during the colder months. As an aromatherapist I use it in my massages for clients with muscle pain. It’s also great for chilblains!
Cinnamon leaf essential oil (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) with its spicy and sweet scent is great for those of us who feel cold. The plant’s power comes from supporting poor circulation. It will quickly give you a warm and cozy feeling. Cinnamon can also support your mental health, thanks to its invigorating and uplifting aroma.
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) is another essential oil known to help cheer you up. The fresh, woody aroma has been used for centuries during meditation as it can help slow your breathing. Frankincense’s properties include being an antidepressant, which can be beneficial during the dark and cold winter months.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) essential oil is another warming oil and is known as the oil of empowerment because it evokes a feeling of strength and self-confidence. It is a wonderful oil to use in the colder months, because of its soothing properties. Ginger essential oil is my favorite oil to use in the winter as it can stimulate circulation, help with muscle pain and also support your mental health.
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is a wonderful essential oil to add to my hygge list because of its ability to bring calm and comfort through its beautiful aroma. Its antirheumatic and antispasmodic properties also make it useful to use in mixtures to support painful joints and muscle pain.
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) has a warm and spicy aroma, so it’s a must for my list! Like frankincense, Myrrh is a wonderful oil to use during meditation, thanks to its ability to balance emotions.
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is one of my favorite oils for its ability to balance, calm and stabilize emotions, making it useful for those suffering from anxiety and depression. This grounding oil is like a big hug in a comfortable blanket.
Star anise (Illicium verum) reminds me of warmth and comfort. Star anise essential oil can be useful in uplifting emotions and helping with mental fatigue. It can also be helpful in supporting muscle pain, which can worsen during the winter months.
Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) essential oil has a beautifully comforting and cheerful aroma, making it a great oil to support you through the British winter. It helps to balance emotions and it will help to bring warmth and joy. The perfect hygge oil!
Hygge essential oil blends
Here are some of my favorite hygge blends to try:
Cozy and comfortable diffuser mix
Diffuse 2 drops of frankincense, 2 drops of star anise and 3 drops of sweet orange essential oil in water, in an electric aromatherapy diffuser or in a candle burner in your chosen room for up to 20 minutes.
Feeling stressed Rollerball
You can take Hygge to the office or workplace to help you stay grounded and to assist you in times of stress. Mix 2 drops of Patchouli and 2 drops of Bergamot essential oil with 10 ml of carrier oil such as Apricot Kernel Oil, Jojoba or Peach. Pour it into a 10ml Rollette bottle and roll it onto the pulse points on the wrists and temples whenever you want to take a moment!
Aches and pains Hygge bath mix
Adding essential oils to your bath is another way to bring Hygge into your life and the following essential oils can also help with muscle pain, which is more common during the winter months. Close the door, light some candles, run a warm bath and relax by adding 2 drops of Black Pepper, 2 drops of Bergamot and 1 drop of Nutmeg Essential Oil to 15 ml of Base Formula Bath Oil. Mix it in your bath and let the warming aroma soothe your pain.
I hope that bringing a little hygge into your life will not only help you during the colder months, but also help bring a sense of calm, coziness and warmth into your days.
Kirsty Zomerbel
Advisor Aromatherapist
Disclaimer and safety advice
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