There’s one simple way to beat the January blues: Hygge. Many of you will know we are huge fans of this Danish concept from previous posts, but now is the perfect time for you to fully embrace it with us! We’ll be telling you how you can hygge it to the extreme this winter with the help of handy tips from our friends at Young’s pubs and their ‘House of Happiness’ pop-up.
Before we begin, for those of you utterly flummoxed by what ‘Hygge’ is, let us explain…
WHAT IS HYGGE?
Hygge (pronounced hue-gah), is a Danish lifestyle concept that’s all about having the absence of anything annoying or emotionally overwhelming and taking pleasure from the presence of soothing things. It’s drinking a hot chocolate by the fire in your pj’s or playing a board game with a bunch of your friends in a cosy pub on a cold winter’s evening.
So, can us Brits recreate this marvellous Danish concept? Of course!
HOW TO HYGGE?
After a visit to Young’s pubs ‘House of Happiness’ pop-up on Blue Monday at Finch’s bar in London, we feel like we’ve learnt a thing or two about creating a hygge-tastic atmosphere.
Firstly, it’s about leaving all traces of the outside world behind. Upon arrival at Finch’s our coats were whisked away and we were handed a kit containing an eye mask and slippers. Whilst we understand your coat might not always be whisked away when you get home (unless of course you have the dream partner) getting into your slippers when you get home is just a small thing way to make you feel at ease.
Secondly, it’s worth doing activities that will encourage you to disconnect your mind, body and soul from the boundaries of everyday life. We tried out yoga and letter writing and both made us feel a wonderful sense of relaxation.
Thirdly, thinking positively helps with the psychological side of Hygge. We listened to some thought-provoking wellbeing talks and ‘happiness bursts’ hosted by Laughology, both of which concentrated our mind on the positive aspects of life. It’s easy to feel discouraged when you’ve had a bad day, but why not try listening to a wellbeing talk on Youtube, you never know, it could set you on your way to Hygge.
HYGGE HINTS:
As well as providing the wonderful ‘House of Happiness’ pop-up, Young’s pubs conducted helpful research into how best to hygge. So here are 4 of their hygge hints:
1. Make a hygge-haven! Create a calming environment at home by putting on your slippers, getting that record player going and chilling out on the sofa. If all else fails, head down to your local with a bunch of friends and create the perfect atmosphere there instead.
2. Book a holiday! This one is a sure way to cheer you right up, plus it will give you something to look forward to and work towards.
3. Eat your way to happiness! For many people food is the key to happiness, so whether it’s a roast or fish and chips, make sure to treat yourself each week.
4. Feel-good books! There’s nothing better than delving into a imaginary world and forgetting about your worries. When it comes to literature, Young’s pubs poll revealed that romance and crime fiction top the list for putting us in a better mood.
HYGGE THIS WINTER
Throughout winter 2017, Young’s pubs will be offering a true British hygge experience with comfortable surroundings and delicious sharing plates and drinks offers. If you want to experience it for yourself, we suggest you head to Finch’s pub, located at 12a Finsbury Square, EC2A 1AN, a short walk away from Old Street, Moorgate or Liverpool Street.
Oh and don’t forget to join the hygge conversation online throughout January and February with the hashtag #HouseofHappiness at @YoungsPubs on Twitter and Instagram. So what are you waiting for? Get Hygge-ing!