The Cosy Lifestyle: What is Hygge and How Can I Use it in Everyday Life? 

First, let’s answer your immediate question – Hygge is pronounced “hoo-gah”. Now we’ve got that out of the way, we’re exploring Hygge here at Joe Browns HQ! 

Hygge is a Danish word that represents a way of life defined by being “consciously cosy”. Inspired by our Sloe Joes and upcoming Homeware launch, we want to adapt our lives to this lifestyle that encourages warmth, better wellbeing and a happier mindset overall as the days ahead get darker and colder. 

Let’s dive right in.  

To understand Hygge, we need to understand where it came from. Denmark is a European country that has developed the concept of hygge – it's ingrained in their culture, and it emphasises the pursuit of cosiness, comfort and overall wellbeing. At its core, hygge is all about creating an atmosphere that fosters a sense of contentment and connection with yourself and others.  

Picture that warm feeling of wrapping yourself in a blanket, sipping on a hot drink or eating something that’s hearty and warm. Remember how it feels? That there is what hygge is all about.  

Before we get started, let’s keep this focused on four particular areas so we can create our hygge home and go-to hygge styles, ready for the winter months.  

Simplicity: Hygge is all about celebrating the simple things in life – so naturally it encourages a decluttered atmosphere and focussing on the things that truly matter. This means not only physical possessions, but also your experiences.  

Warmth: Hygge is cosiness in its purest form, so warm lighting, cosy textiles and sumptuous, inviting surroundings are absolutely essential to the lifestyle. It’s about creating an ambience to a space that allows you to soothe and relax.  

Mindfulness: Being present in the moment is key here. It’s about encouraging the mind to break free from distractions while focusing on the current experience, from drinking a cup of tea to meditating. Being truly present in the moment is a staple of the hygge lifestyle. 

Togetherness: It’s often believed that hygge is best experienced in the company of loved ones. From sharing a hearty meal, having a deep conversation or just spending quality time together, free of distractions, time together is a vital aspect of hygge. 

The fast-paced nature of modern life has us feeling on-the-go and often rushed off our feet – especially this day and age! This is all fine and dandy when the sun shines outside and the weather is inviting us for fun in the sun escapades. However, when the darker, colder days come around, this fast-paced world can take its toll on all of us in one way or another.  

Hygge offers a way to disconnect from the constant demands of technology and reconnect with the simple pleasures in life. Encouraging us to slow down or relax, rewind and recharge, this lifestyle fosters a space where we can appreciate the present moment – while being consciously cosy and mindfully doing the things we love. Ultimately, it’s a form of self-care, and we all need it at some point.  Why not try finding out how to maximise your time out while being consciously cosy?

The new launch of our Sloe Joes loungewear is designed to live a cosy life. As the first step to embracing the hygge lifestyle, we want you to be cosy – so why not keep in the loop with our 4-part guide on hygge and all the benefits it can bring to our lives this winter.  Whether you're recharging on the sofa or jetting off for a winter break, you can bring hygge (and your Sloe Joes!) wherever you go!

Be sure to check our guide on how to hygge in style with Sloe Joes, and keep your eyes on our Inspiration page to be the first to know about our new hygge guides in this 4-part series!