How to Hygge Guide|Summer

Do you know what Hygge means? It’s a Danish/Norwegian word defined as a quality of coziness that gives you a feeling of contentment, and conviviality. It’s spending time with people you love, the warmth of a mug of hot coffee in your hands on a crisp morning, it’s an awareness, an appreciation for the small, cozy moments of life. 

Remember, Hygge is a feeling; it’s not something you can buy. Sure, cozy blankets and new candles are always lovely, but Hygge is a concept, a mindset that prompts you to enjoy every moment spent with friends, family, and nature. 

How to Hygge Guide|Summer

Hygge is a celebration of the simple joys in life.

Some commonly asked questions:

What is Hygge Life? 

A Hygge Life is one of appreciation, a joyful celebration of cozy moments. 

How is Hygge pronounced? 

It’s pronounced “hue-gah,” and it’s a Danish word with Norwegian roots. 

How do I live a Hygge Lifestyle in the summer?

Well, read my list below for some tips and my habits for a cozy, hygge summer!

I believe that hygge is enhanced with a simpler lifestyle, sometimes it’s easy to become surrounded by things that take our attention away from the simple joys of life, and I think that sometimes you have to seek a mindful approach to simple living. 

How to Hygge Guide|Summer List

Foraging in the Summer. 

Foraging in the woods for mushrooms and berries is a beautiful and fruitful way to spend time in the forest. But, urban foraging is another excellent option during the Summer, it’s always surprising how many people are willing to let you harvest their excess cherries, plums, berries, etc. Just ask nicely! 🙂 

Explore the local Farmer’s Market.

Going to the Farmer’s Market is a fantastic way to spend a summer morning, and get the best fresh fruit and vegetables for that evening barbecue with friends and family. Also, it’s lovely to support and share the love with local farmers and artisans. Follow my family and I as we explore our local Farmer’s Market here!

Eat outdoors.

Eating outdoors could be laying a blanket in the yard and having an impromptu picnic to just sitting in a lawn chair and enjoying the sunshine. My family loves to gather around a picnic table in the Summer and enjoy a barbecue dinner of meat and veggies. Here’s a post on cheaply expanding your outdoor living areas!

Taking evening walks. 

It’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening, and the gentle exercise clears your mind from the stresses of a busy day. Remember to breathe deeply and notice your surroundings. I love spotting beautiful trees, wildflowers, birds and more. 

Go on local adventures.

Pack a lunch and visit that waterfall that’s a couple of hours drive from you. Or plan for a day at the lake. Often there are so many beautiful little places a few hours away from you that with a bit of planning, you can make an adventure out of visiting! 

Spend time in the water. 

Swimming, floating the river, kayaking, these are all beautiful ways to connect with nature and slow down the daily rush of life.

Gardening.

I’m a firm believer in the therapeutic process of getting your hands dirty, planting and starting seeds, tending to live plants and the joys of harvesting your fruits and vegetables. Not only can it be a healthy form of relaxing exercise, but it also provides you with delicious, fresh produce.

Bonfires.

Nothing beats the cozy moments one often experiences around a fire at night. Here’s a DIY video tutorial on building a fire pit. I love having friends over for roasted marshmallows, singing, and hot drinks around the fire. Here’s a link to my YouTube Channel Playlist for some delicious hot drinks with video tutorials! 

Camping in a canvas tent.

Waking up in the chilly morning with white canvas over your head and the glorious feeling of being outside is what hooked me on canvas tent camping. My eldest daughter moves out of the house every Summer and sleeps in the Canvas Bell Tent that we set up in our woods. Check out my article here on Why We Bought a Canvas Bell Tent.

Create something.

I love cooking for my family, and I think it’s easy to forget that cooking too can be a very creative process (with lots of problem-solving, such as “What am I going to make for dinner tonight?!!!”). Whatever form creativity takes for you, be sure and set aside time to do it whether it’s journaling, photography, painting, cooking, knitting, etc.

Wear cotton & linen clothing.

Keep cool with nature’s fibers! I love beautiful linen clothing, and I’m working on slowly investing in high-quality pieces that will, with love and care last me a long time.

Make easy & delicious food.

I’m all about easy foods in the summertime! Bring out the grill, the picnic food, chilled pies in the fridge, and fresh fruit. Try your hand at making some of my Granny’s Cream Pies! Coconut Cream Pie, Cocoa Cream Pie and an amazing, flakey delicious Pie Crust recipe. Or, if you like your iced drinks, use Granny’s Cocoa Sauce to make delicious iced coffees on the cheap!

Spend time with people.

Last but certainly not least, I love the Summer for getting together with friends and family. Everyone outdoors, enjoying good food, lovely weather, and time together. Nothing could say cozy more to me. 

Tell me, what does Hygge mean to you?

Leave me a comment and let me know if this How to Hygge Guide|Summer edition helped to inspire you!