Online Shopping Coupons and the Art of Hygge

Hygge is a popular concept that has been practiced in Scandinavia for decades but has recently spread to other parts of Europe and North America. Hygge, pronounced “hue-gah”, does not have a direct English translation, but has a similar meaning as the English terms “comfort” and cozy”. The Oxford dictionary defines hygge as, “A quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” Basically, it’s doing things that make you feel comforted or cozy to help get through the winter months when daylight and warmth is in short supply.

And What about Online Shopping?

Retail therapy! Now, we’re not suggesting that you stay in and spend your entire savings account to get you through the winter. But picture this: you put on some warm PJs, get a blanket and your laptop and settle in on the couch. Make yourself a cup of tea or pour a glass of wine (please drink and shop online responsibly!) and start shopping for vacations in tropical destinations. You can just window shop, or my suggestion is to hone your skills in bargain hunting. Coupon websites abound, one of my favourites to peruse is couponcoder.com (correction: we now recommend CouponLynx.org). You may be surprised at the great deals you can find! Or you can look at clothing online. I personally find shopping malls to be a tiring and stressful experience, it’s much nicer to browse at your own pace from the comfort of your home.

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Other Ways to Practice Hygge

Hygge is a big part of Danish life and a culture and because of this, Danes are often called the happiest people on Earth. The practice of hygge extends into Sweden and Norway as well. Scandinavians experience long, harsh winters, but have used hygge to successfully combat seasonal affective disorder. Rather than focusing on the negative aspects of cold and dark winters, Scandinavians have found a way to practice a deliberate slowness and an appreciation of the present through hygge.

Hygge is all about taking the time to appreciate and take pleasure in everyday items, foods, and atmosphere. It can be practiced in many ways. For example, you might combat dark winter mornings by lighting a candle and enjoying a cup of tea in your favorite china teacup. Spend an evening snuggled up under a warm blanket with a book you’ve been wanting to read. Or enjoy sipping a warm cup of coffee in front of a crackling fire. Spend your Saturday wearing your coziest pair of sweatpants and warm socks.

This may sound like a practice only appealing to introverts, however, spending time with loved ones is also an important part of hygge. This can mean cooking up a big pot of your favorite soup and inviting friends over for a game night or snuggling up with your family to watch a movie.

And hygge is not only for indoors or winter. Hygge can also mean picnics on warm summer afternoons, campfires on the beach, or inviting friends over for a backyard barbeque. It can mean long nature walks, no matter the weather, or appreciating the sound of raindrops hitting your umbrella.

Hygge is a wonderful way to find joy in the simple pleasures of daily life. If you are interested in combatting the winter blues with an atmosphere of coziness, experiencing indulgence without gluttony and creating special memories with your loved ones, adopting a hygge lifestyle is perfect for you.