People often assume that daily stress and anxiety are part of existence, that there is no way around or resolving the emotional struggles of life, but is that true? To a certain extent, pressure and emotional wear are routine; however, that does not mean you cannot alter it or reduce your psychological interaction with it.

For centuries, people have practiced mindfulness to take back control from corrosive emotions that drain feelings of happiness and acceptance. The practices and techniques used to accomplish this task vary, such as yoga or meditation, but at the heart of every exercise is finding equilibrium with life, work, socialness, relationships, and everything that makes you who you are.

Understanding Hygge

Hygge, a quality of coziness that promotes a feeling of contentment and well-being, originates in Danish culture. It is the practice of focusing on peace, comfort, and coziness in your daily life. To experience hygge, participants must create a warm atmosphere with positive attributes and share that atmosphere with good people who ultimately contribute to optimistic feelings.

While the description can seem a little vague — create a happy place for happy people — in practice, hygge offers profound improvements on both mental and physical health. It would seem that the focused act of finding and cultivating positivity and comfort leads to comparable feelings, leading to the reduction of stress and anxiety.

Advantages of the Practice

Hygge promotes a healthy and calm lifestyle, which, in turn, creates opportunities for psychological, health, and social benefits. For most people, the assumption that hygge can lead to improved mental health seems obvious. Focusing on comfort and serenity, your body naturally responds with less stress, leading to less depression and anxiety risks. Even more profound, hygge can lead to improved self-worth, increased optimism, and a practice of gratitude and compassion.

With routine practice, hygge expands on these emotional benefits with real health advantages. People who practice hygge claim they experience improved sleep and self-care, less dependence on alcohol and drugs, and sustained dietary practices, like weight regulation.

An unexpected benefit of hygge is an improved social life. Since the practice encourages comfort and emotional safety, practitioners are more inclined to build and nurture stable relationships with family, friends, and coworkers. Since people feel more comfortable and safe with hygge, they tend to be more trusting, intimate, and more in-tune with in-person interactions.

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Incorporating Hygge Into Your Daily Life

Incorporating hygge into your daily routine is not challenging. You can use several techniques for both home and the office. For example, at home, try incorporating one or all of the following:

• Neutral colors

• Soft textures (blankets, pillows, rugs, etc.)

• Plants

• Wood elements

• Personal items (family pictures, art, etc.)

• Fireplace or candles

• Warm, soft lighting

• Casual gatherings with friends and loved ones

In the office, it can be a little more challenging to customize your space. However, you can consider some or all of the following:

• Accent lamps with soft white bulbs

• Area rug

• Family pictures

• Potted succulent plant

Hygge is a useful tool that contributes to a person’s emotional, physical, and social health. The key to any mindfulness technique, however, is finding peace within yourself. Do you practice hygge? Leave a comment below.