Picture this – a night in, there\u2019s candles, you\u2019re wrapped in a blanket, you find an old favourite on Netflix, incense is filling the room. Creating quite an image, aren\u2019t we? Essentially, what we\u2019re describing is hygge (pronounced \u2018hoo-ga\u2019). You\u2019ve probably heard of it – it\u2019s a Danish phenomenon that basically refers to cosiness and contentment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Written by Sophie Kostov<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s how feeling cosy could help you cut your energy use and bring your bills down too – so you can buy more candles and cosy blankets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a nutshell, hygge is a Danish term that describes a general feeling of cosiness, comfort, familiarity and wellbeing. Danes embrace hygge all year – it\u2019s a way of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hygge is about appreciating the simple things that bring you joy, and can be felt in loads of situations: catching up with a close group of friends, watching a movie or reading a book on the couch, hot drinks and nourishing food, wrapping yourself in a big blanket when it\u2019s cold or wet outside. And the term is used broadly too. For example, environments, objects, activities, people and places can feel hyggerly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a quick guide on wrapping yourself up in hygge at home (as well as dressing gowns, socks, big jumpers, blankets\u2026)<\/p>\n\n\n\n We think this feeling of cosiness goes mitten covered hand-in-hand with energy saving<\/a>! Let\u2019s get to it – here’s how to hygge:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Candles are a must<\/em> in creating a hygge atmosphere at home. Dim lighting creates a feeling of cosiness and calm (and romance \u2013 hint, hint). So, unless you\u2019re doing something that requires a bright light, like preparing food or studying, opt for ambient lighting like candles and lamps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ps. lighting makes up around <\/em>10% of an average Aussie home\u2019s energy use<\/a> – so candles are win-win. And a whopping 29% goes to heating<\/a> and cooling – which leads to our next reason for embracing hygge:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wrapping yourself in a blanket brings instant hygge. During cooler weather, grabbing a blanket is a quick way to feel cosy, comfortable and warm! Plus, it could help you keep your energy bills in check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In winter, setting your air conditioner temperature between 18\u00b0C and 20\u00b0C is recommended. So before you push it higher, think hygge and grab a blanket (or a jumper, dressing gown, socks – any of your favourite cosy items).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Got an electric throw rug or blanket? Even better. Electric throw rugs use a fraction of the energy of heaters. So, heat yourself instead of the whole room – a cost effective and hyggerly option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Catch up with a close group of friends, and enjoy some good food and drinks. It\u2019s a great way to feel comfort and togetherness. (Oh, and cooking warms up the house too – and makes it smell yummy!) <\/p>\n\n\n\nWait, what is hygge?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
First up, switch the lights off<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Grab a blanket<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Bake a treat<\/h4>\n\n\n\n