How to “hygge” your workspace, whether in an office or working from home

“Hygge” has become one of my favourite words – just hearing it or seeing it somewhere brings me a feeling of comfort, of cosiness, of happiness! And the best thing is that I don’t even know why!  I just feel it…

What is hygge?

Now, most of us know that hygge is a Danish word and it is all about being in the moment, feeling completely relaxed and centred, letting go of the hectic world around you.

Described as a special feeling or moment, hygge is a quality of cosiness that makes a person feel content and comfortable. If you Google the word hygge, you will come across images of hot beverages, fireplaces, fairy lights, beautiful candles, cosy blankets, warming socks, a couple snuggling or a small group of people spending time together. Hygge is the cosy feeling you get when you are enjoying the good things in life, either alone or with loved ones or friends.

For me, it’s important that I enjoy doing what I do! I spend a lot of time in my home office and find it crucial to have a workspace that feels inviting and comfortable.

With the pandemic lasting for more than a year now, the way we work has evolved. A lot of us have had to adapt to working from home, sharing spaces with either a partner or the whole family. Some other people found themselves restricted to their own place with no real time social interactions. It has not been easy!

Maybe you find yourself working from home.

Maybe you are creating your side hustle and have created a small workspace at home for that.

You are maybe handling your own business from home (with the lockdowns and all).

Maybe you need a break or have never worked from home before and are finding it challenging.

Maybe you are loving working from home or you are back to the office already.

You might be on the road as a ‘digital nomad’…

Wherever you are, whether working from home, taking a break or otherwise, I hope that your workspace is productive and inspiring.

What is a hygge office/work space?

It’s a work space that allows your creative juices to flow easily and effortlessly, a place where you feel comfortable and happy to spend time in, that therefore boosts your productivity and wellbeing.

How do you do it?

Since hygge is more about the atmosphere and the experience, I would say the best way to do it is to focus on ‘feelings’. Ask yourself how you would like to feel in your work space, then plan and adjust accordingly.

These are some tips that might help you:

DECLUTTER

• Do not keep things that you do not need.
• A tidy workspace allows you to be more productive and less stressed.
• Regularly clean your desk, dust and sanitise.
• If you are working from home, create a special space dedicated for your work, even if it’s just a simple desk and chair in a quiet corner.

PERSONALISE YOUR DESK/OFFICE/ROOM

• Use items that allow you to feel grounded and to be yourself: your favourite mug, coaster, pens, notebooks, a photo, inspiring and motivating quotes, a dash of colour…
• Ensure that you have a good chair (which is also important for a good posture).
• If you have the option of having a movable desk where you can stand and work when you need it, even better.

ADD GREENERY OR NATURAL ELEMENTS TO YOUR SPACE

• Whether it’s plants or a vase with flowers, a terrarium, pebbles or driftwood, plants help with purifying the air and also help to boost your mood, reduce stress and aid productivity.

LIGHTING AND COSINESS

• Ensure that you have the proper lighting: either natural lights or add a table lamp or candles if you like them.
• Keep extra layers, blanket, a scarf, or socks for winter or even summer (when the AC gets too cold).
• If you have a home office, what about creating a fireplace or adding some fairy lights?
• I also like to arrange my desk in a way where I can have a nice view – facing the windows for natural light and to be able to look at the trees and plants outdoors.

Some additional tips:

• Do NOT eat lunch at your desk! Take time have a proper break and savour your meal.
• Go for a walk or a coffee or just unwind in a quiet corner. You will feel recharged when you return to your desk…
• If you are working from home, it is important to disconnect – set boundaries and allocate time slots for work and personal activities.
• Take mindful breaks throughout the day
  • Stretch, walk around / outside, practice deep breathing….
  • Take 5-10 minutes to do a power workout
  • Play soft music and block time for self-care

And finally, share about the hygge concept with your colleagues and friends and encourage them to try it, too!