Bye, bye fall — hello, comfy blankets, fuzzy socks, and candles to get through long, winter nights.
We’re looking forward to our annual winter weather wind down. It’s always nice to take a step back, ease into hibernation and just do you.
The best part is, there’s no right or wrong way to do it — all you have to do is channel all things hygge. The concept of hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) means maintaining a “quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” a.k.a. Treat yourself, always.
In a mad city like New York, sometimes it’s tough to know how to even begin to chill. We’ve got a few tips to help you hygge the sh*t out of this winter season.
1. Light candles
Obviously, the No. 1 tip. Pour a glass of your go-to weekday red, light your favorite candle and set the mood for hours. The flickering glow of a candle has an incredibly calming effect and will instantly bring you to a happy place. We're currently obsessed with Bijou's Greta Bourbon & Vanilla, which literally feels like extra pillows and cashmere sweaters.
2. Keep it intimate
Whether you’re chilling in, solo dolo, or with company, keep it simple and stress-free. Invite your closest circle of friends, put on some SZA or D’Angelo essentials and laze around with a glass of red wine for epic coziness.
3. Do snow angels on all things soft
Pile on the softness. We’re talking the best blankets, softest throw pillows, sheepskin rugs, super fuzzy socks and the plushest robe ever (the Classic Bathrobe from Parachute is cozy AF) — and then swim in it. Turn up the heat and you’ll never want to leave your home.
4. Know how to make a mean mulled wine recipe
Mulled wine makes everything fine. Not only is this lovely hot drink perfect to sip on a cold day, but it makes your home smell extra divine. Check out The Perfect Mulled Wine Recipe here.
5. Pair with crystals for happy vibes
With hygge, it’s all about increasing levels of contentment and #selfcare. Crystals only heighten the feel-good vibes in your home and help tap into your most magnificent self. If you’re a newbie to the magic of crystals, fret not. Start of with an Amethyst crystal, which dispels negative energy and emits positive vibes in your personal space. For more ways on how to incorporate crystals in your daily routine, check out this list on MindBodyGreen.com.
6. Curl up with a new (or fave) book
Take a break from the Netflix or Instagram rabbit hole and take a mini digital detox with your favorite book. For an ambitious 800+ page cry-fest, pick up A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (you’ll never put it down). Or, on the completely opposite end, laugh with our ultimate favorite boss babe, Issa Rae, in The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. If all else fails, you can never go wrong with all seven Harry Potter books.
Got any more hygge tips for keeping off the winter blues? Share them in the comment section below!