Hygge not just for winter. It is a state of mind.
Summer is often associated with being carefree, relaxing, and enjoying the warmth of the sun. But what about the concept of hygge, which is typically associated with the cosy feeling of being indoors during colder months? Can hygge still be practised in the summer? The answer is yes, and it’s known as “summer hygge.”
Hygge, pronounced “hoo-guh,” is a Danish term that refers to creating a cosy and warm atmosphere, often involving things like candles, soft blankets, and warm beverages. It’s a concept that has gained popularity around the world, and for good reason. Who doesn’t love feeling cosy and comfortable in their own space?
But when summer comes around, many people think that hygge goes out the window. After all, the warm weather and longer days seem to call for spending time outdoors and soaking up the sun. But summer hygge is all about finding ways to bring that cosy feeling into your summer activities and considering the 10 principles of hygge, outlined by Meik Wiking in his Little Book of Hygge
One way to practice summer hygge is by creating an outdoor space that feels comfortable and inviting. This could mean investing in some comfortable outdoor furniture, adding some soft blankets or pillows, and creating a relaxing ambiance with string lights or candles. You could also consider adding some plants or flowers to your outdoor space to make it feel more vibrant and welcoming.
Another way to practice summer hygge is by indulging in some self-care activities. This could mean taking a relaxing bath, reading a book in the shade, or practising some gentle yoga or meditation outside. Taking care of yourself is an important aspect of hygge, no matter what the season is. Sit outside and embrace gratitude, journal on the memories you would like to create and indulge in the nostalgia of past summers too. Practice your gratitude with a hygge gratitude journal, when you practice gratitude it opens you up to so many new opportunities and possibilities but also keeps you grounded in the present moment.
And let’s not forget about the food! Summer is a great time to indulge in some delicious, seasonal treats. Think about enjoying a refreshing iced tea or lemonade on a hot day, or savouring some fresh fruit or ice cream. You could even host a summer hygge themed picnic with friends or family, complete with cosy blankets and candles.
The summer is all about making memories, happy memories to treasure forever. Journalling on this can deeply embed and encourage us to create adventure in our life and memories which turn into nostalgia;
In Meik Wiking’s book “Happy Moments” writing about his happiness research, he states;
“Happiness research suggests that people are happier with their lives if they tend to hold a positive, nostalgic view of the past. Nostalgia is a universal and ancient human emotion and, today, academics across the world are studying how it can produce positive feelings, boost our self esteem and increase our sense of being loved by another. This means that long term happiness can depend on your ability to form a positive narrative of your life.”
I have loved reading this book, ‘Happy Moments: How to create experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime’. This is a great read, especially in the summer months when we may take some time off, it reminded me of the importance of nostalgia, creating new memories, especially as a parent and I highly recommend it as summer read;
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Ultimately, summer hygge is all about finding ways to create a cosy and comfortable atmosphere, even when the weather is warm and sunny. It’s about finding joy in the little things and taking the time to slow down and savour the moment. So go ahead and embrace summer hygge this year – your mind and body will thank you for it. ~Rachel
I also have a Pinterest Board dedicated to Hygge too;
Rose Wellbeing Therapies®️ 