What is Hygge and How Can It Help Your Mental Health?

Imagine this: It’s a cold, dreary evening. You’re curled up in a soft blanket, warm mug in hand, the soft glow of candlelight flickering nearby. Maybe there’s a book resting on your lap, or maybe you’re simply sitting in stillness, listening to the rain tap against the window. That deep exhale? That’s hygge. Hygge (pronounced hoo-guh) is a Danish concept that doesn’t translate perfectly into English, but it’s best described as coziness, comfort, and a deep sense of well-being. It’s about slowing down, savoring the moment, and creating warmth in both your space and your relationships. And guess what? It’s also an amazing tool for mental health.

Why Hygge is a Game-Changer for Mental Health

The world moves fast. Too fast. Between work, social media, and the endless to-do lists, we’re often stuck in a cycle of stress and over-productivity. Hygge invites us to pause, to be present, and to find joy in the simple moments. Here’s how embracing hygge can benefit your mental health:

1. It Lowers Stress & Anxiety

Hygge encourages us to step away from the chaos—to put on fuzzy socks, dim the lights, and just be. It’s an intentional practice of creating a safe, soothing environment that signals to your nervous system, Hey, you’re safe. You can relax now.

2. It Encourages Connection

Hygge isn’t just about solo coziness—it’s also about deepening relationships. The Danes often practice hygge with friends and family over simple, low-stress gatherings (think: board games, warm drinks, long dinners with candlelight). Since strong social connections are one of the biggest protectors against anxiety and depression, embracing hygge can be a powerful way to feel less alone.

3. It Brings Comfort in Difficult Times

Let’s be real—life can be hard. Sometimes, we can’t change what’s happening around us, but we can create a small moment of comfort within it. When I was struggling with my own mental health, I found that slowing down and living more intentionally helped me feel more grounded. Baking became my therapy—a way to bring warmth and control into my day when everything else felt overwhelming. That’s the power of hygge: it gives you tiny moments of peace, even in the middle of a storm.

How to Add More Hygge to Your Life (Even When You’re Busy)

Hygge doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s not about buying cozy things, it’s about creating cozy moments. Here are a few easy ways to bring hygge into your daily routine:

• Set the Mood: Lower harsh lighting, light a candle, play soft music, or add a warm blanket to your space.

• Create Rituals: A morning cup of coffee in silence, a nighttime wind-down routine, or even a weekly fika break (a Swedish tradition of taking a slow coffee and pastry break with someone you love).

• Savor Small Joys: Read a book under a blanket, take a slow evening walk, or eat your favorite comfort food without distraction.

• Unplug & Be Present: Put your phone away and truly experience the moment—whether that’s a deep conversation, a meal, or just sitting in stillness.

• Make Time for Loved Ones: Invite a friend over for tea, host a low-key game night, or just sit and talk without a rush. Connection is key.

  Try This: A Cozy Hygge-Inspired Recipe

  Marzipan Chocolate Chip Cookies

  Makes about 12 large cookies

  Ingredients

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted but not hot

• ¾ cup (150g) packed light brown sugar

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder (trust me, it deepens the chocolate flavor!)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon almond extract

• 4 ounces (113g) almond paste, torn into small crumbles

• 3 ounces (85g) roasted almonds, coarsely chopped

• 4 ounces (113g) good-quality dark chocolate (70–85%), coarsely chopped

• 1 ½ cups (195g) all-purpose flour

• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• Flaky salt (optional, but highly recommended)

  Directions

• Prep the Dough

  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

  In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and both sugars. Add the egg, espresso powder, vanilla, and almond extract. Whisk again until smooth.

• Almond Magic

  Switch to a spatula and stir in the crumbled almond paste. You want to mix it in just enough so that some little pockets remain—those will turn into glorious melty almond bites.

• Chocolate & Almonds

  Fold in the chopped almonds and chocolate. Try not to eat all the dough right now.

• Dry Ingredients

  In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Sprinkle this mixture over the wet ingredients and gently fold everything together. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks remain—over-mixing is the enemy of chewy cookies.

• Scoop & Bake

  Scoop out ¼-cup-sized dough balls (about the size of a plum) and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. If you want to be extra fancy, press a few extra chocolate pieces on top and sprinkle with flaky salt.

  Bake for 6 minutes, then rotate the pans and switch racks. Bake for another 6–8 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centers look just set. If you have an instant-read thermometer, aim for an internal temp of 175–185°F.

• Let cool completely on the pans—if you can wait that long.

Final Thought: Hygge is About Feeling Safe & Warm—Inside and Out

Hygge isn’t about perfection. It’s about intentionally creating tiny moments of peace that remind you you’re allowed to slow down. Whether that’s a fika break, a soft sweater, or a quiet evening with a book, prioritizing warmth and comfort can make a world of difference for your mental health.

And if you need more support in finding that peace? Therapy can be part of your hygge journey, too. If you’re ready to create more space for yourself, reach out—I’d love to help.