When I think of spring, I think of warmth, light, growth, and joy; new plants spring up from the ground, bright green leaves pop from the trees, and the familiar chickadee song shifts from its winter “chicka-dee-dee-dee” to its joyful “spring’s here.” (Have NO idea what I’m talking about? Click here for the “spring’s here” and here for the “chicka-dee-dee-dee”)
As I reflected on these feelings of warmth, comfort, promise, and hope, the past few days, I realized how closely they align with the Danish lifestyle of hygge.
Spring and hygge? Huh? Isn’t that just for the winter months?
Nope! It’s all year round. Hear me out…
It’s true that people often associate hygge with the cold winter months.
Since the Danish lifestyle is all about warmth, comfort, community, and closeness, it seems to go hand-in-hand with the “spirit of the season.” When else do you get to hunker down under cozy blankets, drink copious cups of hot tea and cocoa, and dress in warm, bulky sweaters?
It’s important to remember, however, that hygge is not about your actions specifically, but rather the feelings of contentment and joy that you get while participating in those activities.
So keeping that in mind, just because the temperature’s warming, doesn’t mean we must abandon feelings of coziness, comfort, and connection.
Quite frankly, I strive to feel this way all year round. And for that very reason, I started brainstorming simple ways of living hygge in the spring, by cultivating feelings of belonging, simplicity, and openness, while celebrating life’s everyday joys.
If this lifestyle sounds up your alley, too, then read on. Because today is all about cultivating feelings of simplicity, openness, contentment, and joy. In short, it’s hygge in the spring.
Not sure what Hygge is all about? Check out this quick overview here!
How to Hygge in the Spring
1. Hygge in the Spring by Decluttering
Have you ever heard the phrase “cozy minimalism?” Upon first read, the idea seems a bit counterintuitive, especially if we keep the traditional minimalist image in our minds: stark white interiors, straight angles and lines, and a cool, detached tone.
Upon further reflection, however, cozy minimalism is a great way to describe hygge living at any time of year.
You see, a hygge lifestyle means surrounding ourselves with things that bring us joy and removing the things that don’t. As I’ve mentioned in earlier posts, clutter causes unnecessary stress and anxiety for most of us, so it should be one of the first things to go as we enter this season of new beginnings.
Remember, in Danish living, everything has a purpose. So if you’re striving for hygge in the spring, take some time to declutter and spring clean. Get rid of things that don’t have a purpose, and start celebrating the things that do.
2. Hygge in the Spring with Flowers
As springtime unfolds with its pale blue skies, tiny green buds, and fresh warm air, soak in that promise of rejuvenation by bringing nature’s beauty inside.
As I mentioned in my post, Creating a Hygge Home, incorporating plants throughout the house enhances the feeling of nature, warmth, and comfort.
In other words, it creates a hygge home.
By keeping a fresh vase of blooming flowers on your kitchen table or your office desk, you’re continuing hygge in the spring by lifting your mood and connecting with nature.
3. Hygge in the Spring by Letting in the Light
Pull back the curtains, lift the shades, open the windows, and let in the fresh air.
As the days get longer and the sun gets stronger, there’s nothing more rejuvenating than soaking in that long-awaited sun; especially for those of us in the gloomy wintery north.
4. Hygge in the Spring by Spending Time Outside With Those You Love
Make the most of these warm afternoons by spending time outside with those you love.
Grab a friend and go for a walk. Play frisbee with your kids after school. Take your family for a picnic this weekend.
Remember, the activities don’t need to be extravagant. The most important thing is celebrating your relationships, enjoying the beautiful weather, and creating simple, yet special memories with those you love.
5. Hygge in the Spring with Candles
Here’s the deal, according to Meik Wiking, author of The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living, Danes burn about 13 pounds of candle wax each year per capita. That’s more than any other country in the world.
A big contributor to a cozy living space, candles stay lit all winter long in hygge homes, and once the warmer months hit, they adorn balconies and patios as well. So as springtime draws near, keep your candles burning.
(If you want a bit of a change from the winter look, try using tea lights or candles with light spring scents, like roses or fresh linen.)
That’s it, friends! As we move into week two of our springtime celebration, embrace hygge in the spring with these five simple tips: declutter your home, let in the light, enjoy the outdoors with those you love, and decorate with the fresh flowers and spring candles. It’s the perfect way to embrace the wonderful feeling of comfort, community, and closeness, while welcoming in the spirit of spring.
Want more tips to live a hygge life? Download a free checklist here!
Question:
Do you practice hygge? If so, how do you maintain hygge in the spring? What are your techniques? If not, do you have any favorite springtime rituals? Let me know below!
