How to Hygge in your own Home

This week at Cosy Cottage HQ in Malton one topic of conversation has been about our  upcoming Retreat days at beautiful, historic Yorkshire venues. We've also chatted about our own experiences of retreats, treatments and days out. The bits that we have enjoyed the most? The gorgeous afterwards-feeling; uplifted from the inside out. 

This got us thinking, how can we recreate that complete zen in our on homes and busy lives? 

If you've ever visited Copenhagen, you might have noticed it has its own unique heartbeat. It's a big cosmopolitan city, sure. But the people in it are relaxed and at peace. Their tonic to a busy life? The lifestyle of Hygge. 

The Danish word cannot be translated into English but encompasses an atmosphere or feeling of cosiness and wellbeing, similar to that we feel after taking some time out for ourselves. The Scandinavians have certainly hit on the importance of self-care - and they are regularly voted the happiest people in the world as a result. We certainly want a slice of that pie! 

So, how do we get that post-spa feeling without leaving the comfort of our own homes and outdoor spaces

? Here are our three top tips to injecting Hygge into our day to day for a more content life. 

1. Get outdoors

Getting outside and breathing in the fresh air can have a positive impact on your energy and mood in a variety of ways. According to one study, roughly one in five adults has low levels of vitamin D. This is a vitamin closely linked with your mood. There's a reason why we always seem to associate sunny weather with happiness!

So, grab the lead and take your dog for a walk, hop on your bike and whizz through the countryside or simply enjoy a hot drink in the park.

2. Light a Candle

Here's a fun fact for you: Danes buy more candles than any other country in Europe. Lighting up our spaces with candles creates a calm spa-like atmosphere. And it's not just for winter! Twinkling tea lights on a summer or late-summer's day can make a warm  evening feel cosy and special.

You may like to take a look at our Cosy Spa Candle selection in the Natural Home Fragrance collection.

• Our candles are all created from 100% natural soy wax, never blended with cheaper, petrochemical derived waxes to ensure no potentially harmful fumes throughout your home. 
• Our fragrances too are exclusive, essential oil blends, created by us here in Malton and they're spread throughout the whole candle too, so the aromatherapeutic fragrances will last throughout the burn. You can be sure there are none of the  synthetic limonoids or aromatic compounds from synthesised fragrance oils
• Our highest quality wicks are made from cotton, threaded with paper strips, especially chosen to ensure a clean, steady burn and no 'tunnelling'  

3. Turn off your tech

This is a difficult one but one that the Scandinavians are already addressing with a slew of new, tech-free cafe zones where people gather to read, knit, craft and actually chat! Why not go for a walk, head indoors, light your candle and then put your phone on flight mode and avoid dashing for the TV remote. 

Switching off from your technology is an important aspect of Hygge as we can easily feel disconnected when glued to our screens. Embrace the present moment.

So, what are you waiting for? Light those candles and begin the journey to enjoying that post-retreat contentment from the comfort of your own home!