I spent 30 days living like the Danes and practicing ‘hygge’—here’s how it changed the way I approach life

Life can feel overwhelming when responsibilities and deadlines pile up all at once. 

Whether it’s juggling work projects or taking care of loved ones, that persistent sense of busyness seems to creep into every corner of the day. 

I’m always on the lookout for ways to find real and lasting calm in the middle of it all, which is why the Danish concept of hygge instantly caught my attention.

Hygge places emphasis on comfort, warmth, and a slowed-down approach to everyday life. It certainly sounded too good to be true and practically unsustainable in today’s busy world. 

So, I decided to put it to the test. 

My plan was simple: recreate elements of Danish living in my own home and routine, then see if it made a difference in my mindset.

I was surprised at how quickly small changes—like candles, cozy blankets, soft lighting, hearty home-cooked meals, and intentional time with loved ones—started shifting my overall perspective. 

By the end of the month, I discovered that hygge is more than just a trend or an aesthetic.

It’s a deliberate way of slowing down, focusing on close relationships, and cultivating contentment, even if life isn’t perfect.

Here’s what stood out to me most during this experiment.

1. Creating a soothing atmosphere

One of the first things I learned is that environment matters a lot more than I realized.

In Denmark, people often light candles, dim the overhead lights, and add soft blankets or textiles to transform a room into a cozy retreat.

I decided to do the same—every evening, I’d switch off harsh bulbs and rely on lamps or candles.

It might sound like a small detail, but it created a gentle ambiance that helped me wind down after a long day.

At first, it felt a bit odd to arrange extra pillows and soft throws in my living room.

But something about those warm, inviting textures made it easier to let go of minor frustrations.

If you’re wondering whether lighting can really improve your mood, the team at Psychology Today confirms that soft, warm lighting can reduce stress and support relaxation.

I found that as I physically softened the lighting around me, my mind seemed to follow suit.

It was easier to be present and less tempted to scroll through social media.

I also noticed that my family was more likely to gather in the same room once it felt welcoming and relaxed.

We ended up chatting more in the evenings, and it reminded me that environment can be an invitation for connection.

When your surroundings say, “Come in, slow down,” it’s hard not to respond to that call.

2. Embracing slow, mindful moments

The second thing I tried was living at a slower pace, particularly during everyday tasks

For example, instead of grabbing my coffee to go, I made the effort to sit down and savor it.

That single act, repeated day after day, taught me to pay attention to small pleasures.

For years, my mornings were a frenzied rush, juggling tasks before the kids left for school.

But part of the hygge philosophy is to find calm in the ordinary. 

I started setting aside a few extra minutes for quiet reflection or to read something uplifting instead of racing through emails.

On weekends, I replaced rushed breakfasts with easy, homemade meals.

There were times I felt guilty about not using that slot to answer work messages. Yet, ironically, taking that small break ended up boosting my focus once I did start working.

Research shows that consciously slowing down can lead to greater emotional resilience and better stress management, as it allows the mind to process experiences more thoroughly.

I can see how that rings true: when I rushed around, my stress levels crept higher, and I’d snap at minor inconveniences.

When I slowed down, I was more in tune with what truly needed my attention.

3. Connecting deeply with family and friends

During my 30-day experiment, I made sure to prioritize time with my immediate circle.

That included simple things like shared meals, game nights with my kids, and setting aside an hour just to talk with my husband, Alex.

The Danes value getting together in small groups, often focusing on quality interactions rather than big events.

I took that as permission to skip the pressure of hosting elaborate dinners.

Instead, I invited a couple of close friends over for a “hygge evening,” complete with blankets and cozy socks.

We had tea, cookies, and heartfelt conversations without the stress of planning a grand affair.

The more I did this, the more I realized that we sometimes think we need big gestures to connect.

We might go all out for a holiday party or a weekend trip. But these past few weeks taught me there’s incredible joy in small gatherings, especially when everyone feels at ease.

Laughter seems to flow naturally in a relaxed, intimate setting, and those moments of real talk can deepen our bonds in ways superficial gatherings can’t.

In a culture driven by networking events and social media, being with people in a calm environment feels like a breath of fresh air.

It takes away the need for constant stimulation or performance. We can just be ourselves, flaws and all.

This approach reminded me why personal connection is still one of the most powerful motivators in life—especially when stress sneaks in and we need that little boost of human warmth.

4. Enjoying life’s simple pleasures

I’ve always had a tendency to look for major milestones or achievements to mark progress—like launching a new product in my business or completing a big home renovation.

Practicing a Danish-inspired lifestyle made me rethink the idea that happiness must come from grand accomplishments.

Instead, I started noticing the beauty in day-to-day routines.

One afternoon, I brewed a pot of herbal tea, grabbed my favorite book, and nestled into a corner of the couch under a soft blanket.

It was nothing elaborate, but for those thirty minutes, I was perfectly content. I didn’t feel like I needed to “do” anything else.

That sense of calm was an achievement in itself, especially in a world where hustling is practically a badge of honor.

I also tried taking evening walks with minimal distraction. No phone in hand, no music playing—just me, the sidewalk, and the moment.

I noticed details about my neighborhood I’d overlooked for years: the way light from a streetlamp danced on the pavement, the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze.

These smaller pleasures gave me a greater sense of well-being than I expected.

I ended up feeling refreshed instead of drained at the end of the day.

5. Simplifying the daily routine

The final theme that stood out to me is the value of simplicity.

The Danish concept of hygge often goes hand in hand with minimalism, but it doesn’t require throwing out everything you own.

It’s more about being intentional with what you keep around you.

Before starting my experiment, I decided to declutter a few key areas of my home.

I cleared out the entryway so we weren’t tripping over shoes. I organized the kitchen so it was easier to cook without rummaging through multiple drawers.

These small shifts made life feel lighter. The less clutter I had, the easier it was to maintain that cozy, welcoming vibe.

It also reminded me of how often we accumulate things out of habit rather than need.

When my space felt tidier, my mind felt more at ease. And because the environment was more organized, it became simpler to embrace those comforting routines—like lighting a candle or enjoying a quiet cup of tea.

On a more profound level, simplicity also began to influence my schedule.

I pruned back unnecessary obligations, said no to a few invitations that didn’t align with my priorities, and spent that reclaimed time being present with my family.

It might be a cliché to say that less is more, but there’s truth in it. Simplifying certain areas of life can free up mental space and energy to invest in what genuinely matters.

Integrating hygge beyond the 30 days

After the month ended, I realized that many of these changes are keepers. They aren’t quick fixes but rather ongoing habits I can maintain.

For instance, I’ve become used to setting a relaxing mood at home, with warm lighting and soft music in the evenings.

I’ve also kept up the practice of carving out slow moments each day, whether that’s savoring a meal or taking a tranquil walk.

The biggest takeaway is recognizing the deep impact of creating a comforting, mindful environment, both physically and emotionally.

When your surroundings feel like a sanctuary, and when you’re intentional about connecting with the people you care about, stress has a harder time getting a foothold.

I’ve also noticed a subtle shift in how I handle work challenges. I’m more composed, more able to step back and see the bigger picture instead of getting frazzled.

If you’re looking for a gentle reset, consider incorporating even one or two hygge-inspired elements into your own routine.

You might be surprised at how these small changes ripple into larger feelings of peace and satisfaction.

And who knows, maybe you’ll discover your own version of a 30-day challenge that leaves you feeling more at ease than you thought possible.