Like every year, the cool autumn weather has returned to the
city. These days, it is very easy to fall into laziness and apathy caused by
melancholy.
This hurts all areas of life, the best example of which is
work. As anxiety and demotivation increase, productivity, creativity, and
enthusiasm decrease. Of course, productivity suffers greatly.
Of course, you can only work like this for part of the
season. But is there a way to make the last part of the year more bearable?
There is, and it has a lot to do with your environment. It also has a lot to do
with the Danes.
Grab a cup of hot cocoa in a cozy reading room. The cure for
the fall blues and bad studies is described in the following paragraphs!
It's All About Reclaimed Wood. And Harmony.
The word "hygge," of Danish origin, has become a
new buzzword for the fall season. But despite the widespread use of the term in
recent years, its meaning remains surprisingly ambiguous.
A Pinterest favorite, "hygge," is used to describe
a particular aesthetic, often to express a particular mood or a conceptually
related set of different ideas. Pronounced hue-guh or hoo-ga depending on the
recipient, there has yet to be a defined dictionary entry for the term.
The closest we have found to the meaning of this word is a
conscious ease that fully embraces the present moment and enjoys the simple
things in life.
The term has its roots in Norwegian, where a similar word is
used to express the idea of well-being.
What Does "Hygge Lifestyle" Mean?
Bring happiness into your life. Designing your home or
workplace according to hygge principles is the best way to make the "slow
life" philosophy a reality.
With an emphasis on comfort and simplicity, a hygge interior
is designed to be soothing and satisfying regardless of the season. However, it
may not be the ultimate happiness you have in mind.
It's about calm harmony that doesn't turn into manic crises.
It's about interiors imbued with peace and balance - a form of happiness that
will stand the test of time.
Domestic Indulgences
The perfect hygge lifestyle is unthinkable without good
food. Homemade goodies play an important role in this concept and are an
organic complement to the cozy atmosphere you seek.
While it's nice to enjoy exotic food in a fancy restaurant,
Hygge has nothing to do with that. The most important qualities of Hygge are
comfort and a relaxed attitude; everything is about comfort and realism.
Homemade cookies and a few cups of hot mocha? Yes, you've hit the nail on the
head.
Comfortable Clothing
The more layers, the better! When it comes to Hygge and
clothing, the most important thing is to be warm inside and out. That's where
all those dimensionless sweaters, cashmere sweaters, and knitted socks come in.
Comfortable, casual clothing is a perfect hallmark of the
hygge wardrobe, especially regarding pants, whether they're yoga pants or
sweatpants. Honestly, it's what you feel most comfortable in. It's your comfort
that counts.
Seasonal Interior Design
Take advantage of the four seasons. Contrary to what you
might think, Hygge isn't just about sipping hot drinks in cozy clothes during
the coldest months of the year. It's a year-round lifestyle with seemingly
minor changes.
In a nutshell.
It is a lifestyle that can be changed frequently. For
example, use more herbs and flowers in the spring and summer and dried herbs
and flowers in the fall.
Add a few jars of homemade scented candles and a plate of
freshly baked cakes, and you have a successful seasonal update.
Finding Happiness At Work - The Hygge Method
Nick Marks, a wellness expert, explains, "People who
are happier at work are more productive, engaged, creative, and able to focus.
Read more: WhoIs the Most Productive, Introverts or Extroverts?
That's why you should look for a job that will fulfill you
in the long run.
You may be wondering why we're talking about this topic. Job
satisfaction has a lot to do with the Scandinavian lifestyle and Hygge. And it
goes far beyond a few hygge elements in your starter loft.
It's not just about simple design but about creating a
personal space and a sense of security and motivation in a professional
environment.
It's no coincidence that countries where Hygge is embedded
in the national DNA also have the most liberal attitudes toward working hours.
The Scandinavians know how to use hygge principles to their
advantage by giving their employees plenty of time and flexibility, which increases productivity.
Setting Up A Hygge Office
First of all, the "look" has to be right.
Of course, we've already mentioned that Hygge is just a
superficial appearance. And it isn't. Nevertheless, the look is important
because it helps you get the right attitude.
Choose The Right Shades Of Color.
When it comes to furnishing an office according to the
principles of Hygge, light colors - white combined with beige and rosewood
tones, the combination of organic and industrial aesthetics, as well as rustic
and modern minimalist aesthetics are other features synonymous with authentic
Hygge.
In practice, this involves the use of reclaimed wood,
reclaimed furniture, and raw elements. In some ways, hygge interiors can
easily be confused with the rustic interior design style. Both styles share
many characteristics and rely heavily on combining organic and industrial
design elements.
Both styles often include elements of the other and can even
be used interchangeably or in conjunction.
Warm Up with Delicious Drinks
If you love tea, coffee, or hot chocolate with whipped cream
and mint marshmallows, you'll love this aspect of Hygge.
It's no secret that an XXL-sized mug with one of the above
drinks is a common feature in all hygge images. Of course, this trend is also
reflected in today's office spaces.
Whether it's a corporate headquarters or a co-working space,
you can't go into the executive suite without a wooden modular desk and a cup
of coffee.
Keep Delicious Snacks in Your Desk Drawer.
Where there's a glass of delicious drink, there's bound to
be a bowl of complimentary snacks. Trust us, these simple, perhaps even trivial
nuances are a big part of what Hygge is all about. Whether homemade pasta or
chocolate, having a treat on hand is a simple pleasure that makes the magic of
Hygge.
Being real
If you've read any of the many definitions of Hygge, you've
probably noticed a recurring pattern: This philosophy intensely promotes the
idea of being present.
In practice, this means making the most of small pleasures.
Read books, write down your thoughts and ideas, and keep a journal. Take
frequent walks, and use a bicycle as your primary means of transportation.
Staying in touch with the world around you while staying in
your little world is the cornerstone of awareness you need to understand and
enjoy.
Be Creative And Individual.
One of the most overlooked features of Hygge is that it
opens up space for enormous creativity. While all hygge-inspired interiors
feature certain patterns, you can still imitate a pattern without showing a
spark of individuality. In short, you can replicate the image of a room from
the IKEA store without replicating it.
In other words, experiment, allow small deviations from the
theme, and, most importantly, stay true to yourself.
Motivational quotes or images you associate with success are
welcome in your office.
For a more personal approach to the theme, you can use a
series of Polaroid photos attached to a cork wall or a wire strung across the
office space. You can also use a chalkboard and decorate your office to suit
your mood.
Bring Nature Into Your Office.
In other words, use plants. The more, the better. Plants are
a visual treat and easy addition to your office decor, but they are also a
natural way to clean up the air around you and combat environmental stress.
Warm Light
It's simple: since Hygge is all about feeling cozy and warm
inside and out, it makes sense to use warm tones for your office lighting. In
addition to the normal lighting you use for your professional work, you can use
scented candles and torches to create a special atmosphere.
Some Additional Suggestions
Focus On Healthy Treats
Don't be too hard on yourself, and remember to see the
beauty of life in the little things. In other words, don't give up on the little
things that soothe your soul.
I had a long, hard day at work - I had a glass of red wine.
If you work out at the gym, treat yourself to a piece of chocolate. Take
advantage of the little things that soothe your soul.
Do A Tech Detox at Least Once a Week.
This may seem like a rather daunting request for our
tech-addicted generation, but it's well-known that one-day tech abstinence
brings great benefits.
However, this doesn't mean you become completely isolated
and suddenly stop communicating with your family. On the contrary, invite them
and talk to them face to face. There's nothing better than limiting your online
presence and replacing it with an evening spent together talking and laughing.
Why Is Hygge Important to You?
Denmark is often described as one of the richest and
happiest countries in the world, and we have every reason to believe that this
is partly due to a passion for Hygge.
Can we draw any conclusions from this? But there are, and
they do exist: Stop being grumpy.
Stop worrying about the weather outside - stay home and find
something to do without getting out of bed.
Stop worrying about the work that needs to be done - make it
easy, create a proper workflow and try to make it enjoyable.
Stop being grumpy in general, and remember that happiness is
the art of achieving the small pleasures that make up the big picture - which
is what Hygge sums up.