Embrace Hygge at Work: Turn Your Office Into a Cozy Place will teach you how to incorporate the hygge concept wherever you go. Work can sometimes feel like a not-so-hygge place, but by making a few changes, you can transform your working area.
“The perfect antidote to dark, cold and creepy is light, warm and cozy.” – Candice Olson
Hygge (pronounced ‘hue-gah’) is a Danish concept that is the art of creating intimacy with your home, yourself and friends. There are homes you walk into that you feel an instant warmth, and then there are others that leave you cold. Adding hygge elements to the workplace will help create that cozy environment you crave.
Since we spend so many of our waking hours working, why not make the most out of it by thoughtfully enhancing your experience there?
Here are the Embrace Hygge at Work: Turn Your Office Into a Cozy Place Ideas:
- Beverage station.
You drink beverages throughout the day, why not add rich elements like loose-leaf tea, homemade hot cocoa mix, and marshmallows, sun-brewed iced herbal tea, and fruit-infused water part of your experience?
Skip the plain water and give your tastebuds a treat with simple beverages that make them happy. Keep an electric tea kettle to make hot tea in minutes.
Keeping grandma’s teacup and saucer on your desk will remind you of simpler times and warm memories
- Natural elements.
Bring nature indoors with a terrarium, succulents, driftwood, and a bowl of shells or pebbles.
As a bonus for hygge-ness, you can place little reminders on your desk like a stone from your lake cabin or a shell from your last trip to Hawaii.
- Coziness.
Temperatures in offices change with the wind. Sometimes you’re too cold, and sometimes you’re too warm. Be prepared with items such a poncho or throw for when you feel a chill or a small desktop fan when it’s too warm.
If you have
- Holiday celebration.
Honor the holidays by celebrating each one with decor for your cubicle or office. Simply adding a strand of garland will cheer your spirits.
- Office supplies.
There’s no rule that says you have to use cheap pens to work. I used to put up with writing with any old pen that I found, but I finally decided that I was worthy of writing with smooth pens that I love.
You can also bring in special notebooks or planners to help create an office space that’s more ‘you.’ For a bit of whimsy, why not buy fun file folders like these blank ones that will smile at you every time you reach for them?
- Pause.
You’re entitled to lunch after an eight-hour shift, why not make the most of it?
Nourish your body with a homemade lunch from home. I love the concept of a bento box, so make sure your taste buds are delighted with a variety of flavors that include sweet, salty, sour and savory. Make sure you have a cool lunch box that either delights you or is functional.
Who says you have to be chained to your desk while you eat your lunch? Get outdoors and enjoy your break outside if you’re able to. By removing yourself from your office, you know there won’t be any interruptions.
Listening to podcasts during lunch will get you motivated to accomplish your big goals. You could also bring knitting or a novel to work and enjoy your break with something pleasurable.
- Lighting.
Bad lighting doesn’t have to happen. Adding an antique desk lamp will warm up any office, and flickering battery-operated candles can add that cozy element you crave. - Seasonal celebration.
Every season comes bearing gifts. Make sure you celebrate those offerings by bringing some of the bounties to your workplace.
Spring:
Arrange tulips or daffodils in a vase.
Strawberries, a fresh spinach salad or marinated asparagus, could be added to your lunch box.