Hygge: The Science Behind Danish Coziness
If like me you're interested in everything cozy, then you've probably came across the term Hygge. Denmark consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world, and researchers believe a concept called hygge (pronounced "hoo-ga") is a significant part of that equation. It's a practice grounded in neuroscience that has measurable effects on your nervous system, stress hormones, and overall wellbeing.
I've indirectly talked about hygge in my past blog posts by mentioning some of it's core ideas and values, but I thought it deserved a deeper exploration. So let's see how we can not only create a pleasant atmosphere in our homes, but also transform the ordinary into something restorative.
Your Nervous System's Response to Comfort
If you light a candle, wrap yourself in a soft blanket, and settle into a quiet corner with a warm drink, something very interesting happens with the parasympathetic nervous system. When your body registers that warmth and comfort, it interprets these signals as indicators of safety. In response your muscles relax, your breathing slows, and cortisol production decreases. The cozy elements of hygge, like soft lighting, warm beverages and soft textures, work together to create this physiological signal.
When you create a hygge moment, you're essentially telling your nervous system that it's okay to rest. This isn't self-indulgence, it's a form of regulation that has lasting effects on your mental and physical health.
Beyond Physical Comfort
Hygge isn't just about solitary comfort, it's deeply rooted in social connection and creating inviting spaces to share with others. This matters more than you might think. Extensive research has shown that social connection is one of the most powerful protective factors for mental health.
A comprehensive review published in the Annual Review of Psychology in 2018 found that social connectedness is essential to both physical and emotional wellbeing. Multiple studies have demonstrated that strong social bonds reduce rates of depression and anxiety, strengthen immune function, and even increase longevity. Research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry identified social connection as the strongest protective factor against depression among more than 100 modifiable lifestyle factors.
The Danish concept of hyggekrog (a designated cozy nook), beautifully illustrates this duality. It's a personal refuge where you can retreat and restore yourself, but it's also often a space designed for gatherings with loved ones. Hygge reminds us that we thrive in environments where we feel both personally secure and socially connected.
When you gather with friends or family in a warm, inviting space - sharing a meal by candlelight, playing board games, or simply talking without the distraction of screens - you're activating multiple pathways to wellbeing. You're combining the nervous system benefits of physical comfort with the profound mental health benefits of meaningful social interaction.
Ways to Practice Hygge
The beauty of hygge is its accessibility. You don't need a perfectly curated space or expensive items. Here are some evidence-based practices you can try today:
Create thermal comfort
Research shows that comfortable room temperatures significantly lower cortisol levels. Adjust your space to a temperature that feels cozy, layer with soft blankets, and use warmth strategically.
Layer your lighting
Harsh overhead lights keep your sympathetic nervous system activated. Use multiple sources of soft, warm light like candles, string lights, or lamps with warm bulbs. This mimics the natural rhythm of dimming light as evening approaches, supporting your circadian rhythm and signaling to your body that it's time to wind down.
Engage your senses with texture
Tactile comfort matters. The sensation of soft, natural materials like wool or cotton provides continuous sensory feedback that you're in a safe, comfortable environment. Studies on sensory design show that these elements contribute to emotional security and reduced anxiety.
Practice digital disconnection
Give your nervous system a break from constant stimulation. Try 30 minutes each evening without your phone. The reduction in sensory input helps down-regulate your sympathetic nervous system and allows space for genuine rest and presence.
Build rituals of comfort
Consistency matters for nervous system regulation. Whether it's a morning coffee in your favorite chair, an evening tea ritual, or Sunday afternoon reading time, these predictable moments of comfort help your body establish patterns of calm. Your nervous system learns to anticipate these safe, restorative periods.
Prioritize social connection
Invite friends or family for a simple, screen-free gathering. Research consistently shows that meaningful social interaction reduces stress hormones, enhances mood, and provides buffering effects against anxiety and depression. Light candles, serve warm drinks or comfort food, and create space for unhurried conversation.
Design a personal refuge
Create your own hyggekrog - a cozy corner that's just for you. This could be a reading chair with good lighting, a window seat with cushions, or even just a particular spot on your couch. Having a designated space for rest signals to your nervous system that restoration is a priority, not an afterthought.
Making Magic From the Ordinary
Perhaps what makes hygge most powerful is its emphasis on finding beauty and comfort in the everyday. It's not about waiting for special occasions or perfect conditions. It's about recognizing that your nervous system needs regular moments of safety and calm to function optimally.
Life will always have stress and demands. But by including hygge practices into your daily routine, you're giving your body repeated experiences of safety and rest. Over time, this shapes how your nervous system responds to the world.
Your cozy corner, that warm cup of tea, the soft blanket, the candlelight...these aren't luxuries. They are tools for nervous system regulation, a medicine for a culture that too often demands constant productivity and stimulation.
So light some candles, wrap yourself in a soft blanket, turn off your phone and sink into a comfortable chair. Give your nervous system a different kind of signal and see how it responds.
Thank you for reading and I hope I see you next time. 🍂
Keep your heart cozy - no matter the season.
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Sources for this article:
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https://drkatieblake.substack.com/p/the-psychology-of-hygge
2. Zhou, Y., et al. (2023). "Association between thermal comfort and cortisol depends on the air temperature and exposure time." Building and Environment, 231, 110073
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360132323001002
3. Fricke, K., Barthel, M.C., Alexander, N., et al. (2025). "A few degrees, a lot more stress: associations between room temperature and reactivity to psychosocial stress." Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology, 24, 100319
https://www.ajmc.com/view/ambient-temperature-linked-to-stress-hormone-changes-study-finds
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https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/social-connections-key-to-maintaining-mental-well
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https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0004867417723990