The word “Hygge” pronounced “hue-gah” originates from Denmark. There is no direct translation however it is about creating an atmosphere and environment of comfort and care and to instil a sense of peace and security.

Candles – candles create atmosphere. Not only do they bring a feeling of comfort they make your surroundings more cosy. For those reading this who know me, will know I light candles in my home every night. I also travel with candles to create a feeling of warmth and comfort even in a strange hotel room when I am far away from home.

Connect to nature and to yourself. We need to consciously re-engage with ourselves as we get so busy we disconnect. Getting in touch with nature also restores our sense of being and peace. Once again those who know me reading
this are aware of my ‘soulfood’ place to where I ‘escape’ 2 to 3 times a year. I walk for hours, collect shells and when I return home I feel reenergised and grounded.

Decorate your home with furniture and accents that are meaningful to you. To create a welcoming home is essential to one’s wellbeing. A feeling of safety, warmth and comfort has wonderful positive spinoffs. Also when connecting with others a welcoming and warm home creates wonderful memories.

Fresh flowers and plants have the ability to make any home feel more special. Bringing nature into your home creates an atmosphere conducive to well-being. (For the gentlemen reading this if you want to score some points with your other half – take her flowers!)

Harmony – we all seek harmony and yet we are so often surrounded by complaining, conflict and other negative energies. Consciously creating an environment of inner peace and harmony with no place for ugliness is an effort, however the rewards are immense.

Personal Space – leading on from the above. Do you have your own private niche in the world? Your happy place or space that will help you escape when you need to decompress after a long day? Your ‘me time’ place and space. Every one of us needs time alone to reflect and refocus… so find yours.

Presence or mindfulness – it saddens me to see people in a restaurant eating a meal and hardly connecting. All eyes and fingers are focused on the cell phone. Do you need to discipline yourself to learn to just chill with no TV, no emails/texts/pings from tweets and messages? Just enjoy being in the moment with no distractions!

Read – sadly fewer and fewer people are reading books today. The reasons: technology… busyness… other priorities. Create a reading list and make an effort
to read. Remember reading fiction keeps you sane… reading non-fiction makes
you wise!