Hygge may be part of the reason why Denmark consistently ranks among the happiest countries on the planet, alongside Finland, Norway, and Switzerland (these rankings come from the annual World Happiness Report).
Reduced Stress and Improved Emotional Well-Being
Experiencing hygge reportedly reduces stress and improves emotional well-being. However, there isn’t any scientific research examining the perks of the practice as a whole. “The support for hygge comes from its independent components — it hasn’t been tested as a set of environmental conditions,” notes Sally Augustin, PhD, an environmental and design psychologist and principal at the Chicago-based design firm Design With Science. Dr. Augustin’s work focuses on using design in science-backed ways to improve cognitive, emotional, and physical experiences.
For example, previous research has found that people perceived warm, dimmer light (which exudes warmth and coziness, a tenet of hygge) as more relaxing than bright, white lights.
Strengthened Social Ties
In addition, there’s evidence that nurturing social connections (another component of hygge) is beneficial for physical and emotional health as well as longevity.
Research has also shown the benefits of physical touch (which comes into play with hygge’s emphasis on togetherness, belonging, and intimacy). When college students hugged their peers more frequently, they had a lower cortisol awakening response (CAR, the increase in the stress hormone cortisol that occurs after waking up), which helped them better cope with stressors the following day. Higher CARs are associated with mental health issues and self-reported loneliness. Meanwhile, lower CARs are associated with more positive social interactions.
Additional Benefits
Research has also shown that being around certain scents can induce relaxation. A small study found that exposure to air infused with the scent of rose or orange essential oil for 90 seconds induced physiological relaxation in women’s brains and led to an increase in “comfortable” and “relaxed” feelings.
“When we’re in a more positive or relaxed mood, we get better at problem-solving, we think more creatively, and we get along better with each other,” Augustin says. All these potential benefits of practicing hygge explain why and how it can be a method of self-care.
Additionally, Schiff notes that hygge principles, including those involving self-care, could have positive mental health implications. These include less stress, reduced anxiety, and better mood overall.
In one of the few studies on hygge, women who were incarcerated in a women’s correctional facility in Denmark reported using hygge practices to create feelings of safety and comfort in their cells, in common areas, and with visitors. In another article, researchers explored the experiences of one woman with cystic fibrosis and found implementing a hygge lifestyle improved her quality of life.
