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I think the summer months are the perfect time of year to embrace Hygge, the Danish concept of being cozy. The Danes use the term Hygge, which roughly translates to happiness or coziness. For sure the Danish word is better than its English counterparts.

Sounds a little awkward when you say out loud right? Hygge (hoo-gah). That’s right, you’ve got it! Essentially, what I want to do is demonstrate how Hygge is a great way to improve your daily life.

Hygge in Spring

We recently explored how Hygge in Spring could be pretty amazing too, especially around the Spring equinox, when the earth is waking up after a long winter’s sleep.

For example, picking up fresh flowers from the local farmer’s market can do wonders! 

You should try our 7 Day Hygge Spring Challenge if you want to get started. 

And to help you plan a little magic with your friends and family, we’ve created this free printable! A sweet little Hygge Planner just for you!

I like to think of Hygge and mindfulness like Siamese twins. Joined together, but each having its own identity.

Living Hygge

Living Hygge is the joy you feel when noticing simple things, while mindfulness is checking in with your inner simplicity – what’s going on and just what am I feeling?

Some summer Hygge experiences include:

• Seeing the joy on your child’s face when he hits the baseball with his bat.
• Camping under the stars and watching the amazing beauty of the night sky.
• Biting into a big juicy slice of watermelon at your weekend BBQ party.
• Spending time in the garden, enjoying the fresh air, and perhaps even reading a good book.

And while Hygge has become a popular winter concept for cozy blankets, candles and a décor style, it’s not about material things, but all about the feels…

So what does summertime cozy-ness mean to you?

How to Enjoy Hygge in the Summer

Here’s a checklist of fun things that will help you get some Hygge moments into your summer plans. We’ve put these together just for you, to enjoy during the warmer months.

Hygge Summer Vacations

That’s on top of everyone’s list I’m sure. A summer cottage, visiting Grandma, driving across the country in search of the best summer festivals. Camping is always jam packed with adventures for young and old alike.

We love camping so much we decided to live in our RV full time! And full time RV life has its perks! Campfires, toasting marshmallows, and making s’mores are regular events at our trailer site.

There is a sign in the park that’s been hand written on an old board that says:

Sit around the campfire
Make S’mores
Sing Songs
Make More S’mores
Go Fishing
Make Memories

Kind of says it all doesn’t it?

Potlucks & BBQs

Summer hygge includes getting together with friends and family for Potlucks and BBQs to celebrate milestones and national holidays like the Fourth of July or Canada Day.

Go to at least one BBQ or host a potluck to share food, laughter and friendship. Take a juicy cherry pie to your next potluck and make new friends.

Take a Nap

Not the most imaginative summer Hygge idea, but every summer afternoon deserves a good nap. And I can’t think of a better place than a hammock underneath a huge shade tree, for some ZzzzzZzzzz… a big hammock means there is room for two. Such a simple pleasure.

Exercise your Green Thumb

For some, an afternoon of gardening brings its own special joy and happiness. There’s something about getting your hands dirty, digging into the soil, and tending to plants that just makes you feel good. 

And on a hot summer day, nothing quite beats the feeling of coziness that comes from being surrounded by the greenery and blooms of your garden.

From fresh herbs and vegetables to beautiful wild flowers, there’s so much joy in experiencing something you’ve nurtured and cared for grow and flourish.

Summer Reading List

After working all afternoon doing yard work, a refreshing dip in the pool or lake nearby, and once you’ve cooled off, grab that bestseller off the top of your book list and tuck in, perhaps even with a glass of wine or a hot chocolate. Think about your self care and how good it will make you feel!

Reading should definitely be a big part of your new Hygge lifestyle. It’s the perfect way to relax.

Be a Kid Again

If the kids are cranky, gather them up and find the neighborhood ice cream truck! Remember that sound? Ice cream cones in the summer heat are the absolute best, when the ice cream melts so fast you can’t keep up!

And when it comes to Hygge activities, have you tried making your own ice cream? Nothing beats the creamy goodness of homemade ice cream, and it’s a great relaxing activity during those long days.

Summer Festivals & Tours

We all know that festivals can be super fun and high-energy with their outdoor concerts, but did you know they can also be a chance to chill out and unwind?

Some festivals even focus on wellness and spirituality, offering things like yoga or meditation sessions to help you find your inner zen.

There’s also food festivals and tours, which are delicious ways to explore different cuisines, try new delicious food, and indulge in all your favorite treats. 

Have you ever taken a Butter Tart Tour? Yes there really is such a thing. Butter tarts that have ooey gooey syrupy centers, running up your arm after the first bite. I do make a mean butter tart, I must say. It’s a tradition in our family.

Be a Sports Fan

Pack some snacks and drinks and head out to the neighborhood baseball field to watch your kids (or grandkids) play ball. It just makes you feel so darn good inside! So much cheaper than a major league game, and oh so satisfying… think of all those pics for sharing!

Give Back to Someone Special

Taking the time to visit one of your elders, and if possible, getting them outside to enjoy a lovely garden, or breezes by the lake. Many retirement homes and hospitals have volunteer programs for this.  Time well spent.

And remember, it’s always a good time to get in touch with a close friend.

Make Time for You

Waking up really, really early in the morning, making a cup of iced coffee, grab your journal and a blanket and head outside to write your morning pages.

Maybe even catch the sunrise, as it’s peeking over the lake, or wherever your special place is. Getting some natural light in the mornings brings me the most joy. It’s the little things that matter in life. 

Watch the World Go By…

Spend an afternoon at your local library or favorite book store and stock up on your summer reads. Summer is the perfect season to dawdle for hours, maybe sit down and check out the best sellers, or just people watch.

Summer Nights are Special

Catch fireflies at night with the kids and put them in jars. We don’t often see fireflies in our neck of the woods, but sometimes, on a hot, sultry evening, they appear.

As I’ve said before, that is why I love the South so much, especially the Carolinas. There’s just so much opportunity for quality time during the good weather on those longer days.

Be a Storm Watcher

My first memory of watching thunderstorms was as a young girl, sitting with my cousins on their front porch.

Seeing the lightning zigzag across the sky, followed by the big boom that would make us squeal with delight. They’re a great bit of excitement during the summer season. 

I’ll never lose my enjoyment of watching them – from a safe distance of course.

Are you ready to get your summer Hygge on?

Here is your very own Hygge Planner Printable that you download, print, and fill in, to create a little Hygge magic.

Have a Perfect Hygge Summer!