As life becomes busier and less connected, it's essential to slow down and embrace activities that bring joy, relaxation, and a sense of fulfilment. Hygge, the Danish concept of cosiness and contentment, offers a wonderful approach to slow living. By incorporating hygge into your daily routine, you can create a more peaceful and enjoyable lifestyle, filled with moments of warmth and tranquillity. Imagine curling up with a good book, baking delicious treats, or spending time in nature. These simple pleasures can transform your day and help you find balance and happiness. Here are 20 hygge hobbies that are perfect for slow living:
Engage in the timeless craft of knitting or crocheting. Creating something with your hands can be incredibly soothing, and you’ll have a cosy scarf or blanket to show for it. Look out for a nearby class or search Youtube for tutorials on how to get started.
Curl up with a good book and a warm blanket. Reading allows you to escape into different worlds and provides a quiet moment of relaxation. In our private Hygge at Home Facebook Group we often share a book thread of our recent and recommended reads - come and join us!
Take a moment each day to indulge in the therapeutic practice of journaling. Whether you're jotting down moments of gratitude, capturing your daily adventures in a diary, or unleashing your creativity in a writing notebook, journaling offers a sanctuary for reflection and relaxation.
There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through your home. Baking bread, cookies, or cakes isn't just about creating delicious treats, it's a therapeutic and rewarding experience that nourishes both body and soul.
Why bake? 🍞🍪🍰
🌿 Therapeutic Escape: Immerse yourself in the art of baking, allowing your mind to unwind and find solace in the rhythmic motions of kneading dough or whisking batter.
👩🍳 Creative Expression: Experiment with different recipes and flavours, infusing your creations with your unique touch and personality.
🎁 Homemade Happiness: Share the love by gifting your freshly baked goodies to friends and family, spreading joy and warmth with each delicious bite.
Ready to get baking? 🥧🥯
📌 Pinterest: Explore a treasure trove of baking inspiration on Pinterest, where you'll find endless recipes, tips, and creative ideas to elevate your baking game.
📸 Instagram: Follow your favourite bakers and pastry chefs on Instagram for mouth-watering photos and step-by-step tutorials that will inspire your next baking adventure.
Tend to your garden and connect with nature. Plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs, and enjoy the satisfaction of watching them grow.
Here are two examples of easy-to-grow herbs, and vegetables:
Herbs:
Vegetables:
Experiment with these varieties to kickstart your gardening journey!
Take leisurely walks in nearby parks or forests to immerse yourself in nature's embrace. The tranquility of natural settings can work wonders for reducing stress and enhancing your mood. One of my favourite places to wander is Fountains Abbey, with its enchanting blend of ancient ruins, lush woodland, and meandering waterways. Strolling through this picturesque landscape is a feast for the senses, offering moments of serenity and awe amidst the beauty of nature.
Work on a jigsaw puzzle. It’s a great way to relax, focus, and enjoy some quiet time. I particularly love jigsaws with beautiful scenes such as those designed by Copenhagen-based, women-owned business 'Vissevasse'.
Their brand story is very in-keeping with hygge; Nordic and minimalist design, combined with delicate pastels, poetry, nostalgia and food for thought.
We stock some of their jigsaws such as the beautiful 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle named 'By The Sea' here.
Practice yoga or meditation to centre yourself and promote inner peace. Both activities are excellent for mental and physical health. To begin your journey with yoga or meditation, start by finding a quiet space where you can comfortably sit or lay down without distractions. For yoga, consider starting with gentle poses and stretches, focusing on your breath and listening to your body's cues. You can explore beginner-friendly yoga videos or classes online to learn proper techniques and alignment. Similarly, with meditation, start with short sessions, focusing on your breath or a simple mantra to quiet the mind. Set aside a few minutes each day to practice, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable. Remember, consistency is key, and it's okay to start small and build from there at your own pace.
Capture the beauty around you with photography. Whether you use a smartphone or a professional camera, taking photos can help you see the world in new ways.
Express your creativity through painting or drawing. You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy the calming effects of putting brush to canvas.
Try new recipes and enjoy the process of preparing meals. Cooking can be a meditative activity that ends with a delicious reward.
Create a cosy atmosphere by listening to your favourite music. Whether it’s classical, jazz, or folk, music can enhance your mood and provide comfort.
Work with wood to create something beautiful and functional. Woodworking can be both challenging and deeply satisfying.
Engage in various crafts like scrapbooking, candle making, or pottery. Crafting allows you to focus and create something unique.
Spend time observing birds in your garden or at a local park. Bird watching can be a peaceful and educational hobby.
Revive the art of letter writing. Send handwritten letters to friends and family to create meaningful connections.
Enjoy a dedicated tea time each day. Savouring a cup of tea in a quiet spot can be a simple yet profound hygge experience. My perfect time for a tea break is mid-morning when I'm home from pilates and before I start my working day... I may treat myself to another one around 2.30pm before I collect the children from school and the mad rush of snack, meal prepping and after-school activities starts.
Challenge your mind and enrich your life by learning a new language. This hobby can open up new cultural experiences and connections. I highly recommend the app 'Duolingo' which is free and easy to use and you can learn so much from it.
If you play an instrument, spend time each day practicing. Making music can be incredibly soothing and fulfilling.
Have a movie night with classic films. Choose heartwarming and comforting movies to enhance your hygge experience.
Here are five classic films that capture the essence of hygge:
Incorporating these hygge hobbies into your life can help you slow down, enjoy the moment, and find joy in simple things. Whether you’re baking a cake, knitting a scarf, or taking a walk in nature, these activities are perfect for creating a cosy and fulfilling lifestyle. Keep exploring and adding new hygge-inspired hobbies to your routine, and you'll discover a world of peace and tranquility.
