Digital Hygge: Cultivating Coziness in a Connected World

Today we find ourselves constantly being bombarded by information and notifications from every nook and cranny and every device and system at our disposal. The very tools that were meant to keep us connected now leave us feeling overwhelmed and at large disconnected from ourselves.???

Here's where the Danish concept of "hygge", a philosophy centered on creating a sense of comfort, togetherness and well-being, offers a surprising solution. I wrote about how hygge could transform our offices a while back so if you want to know more about the concept and what it can do for you, just follow this link.? ? But can hygge be translated into the digital realm? Absolutely. I believe that by incorporating hygge’s basic principles into our digital habits we can cultivate a sense of calm and connection. Even amidst the constant hum and chatter of the online world.?

The core tenets of hygge (coziness, simplicity and mindfulness) are all surprisingly adaptable and can be applied to the digital realm as well.?

Imagine, if you will, life in a digital landscape free from the anxiety of constant notifications and the pressure to curate a picture-perfect online persona. A world where you could foster meaningful connections, online, and that nurture a sense of community even when being miles apart. This is the promise and essence of digital hygge.?

So, how do we translate this philosophy into practice and start cultivating some genuine digital hygge?? ?

First of all, let's start with a nice spring cleaning and declutter our digital spaces. Just like a cluttered home or office space can be visually overwhelming, a cluttered digital space can be equally energy draining. Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails and social media groups that no longer spark joy and organize your files and photos for easy access. Consider using minimalist themes and interfaces to create a sense of calm visual simplicity. Just don’t go overboard. We need some clutter to make the digital space feel lived in.?

Next, we need to embrace slow tech, or for me that has passed forty, rediscover the tech of my childhood. In a world obsessed with constant updates and notifications, new tech and the latest gadgets, taking a step back is a radical act of self-care. Schedule specific times to check emails and social media and resist the urge to be constantly connected. I’m often connected but have isolated my work life to work hours and my personal life to all the rest. This has been a life saver for me and helps me keep my priorities straight.?

We should allow ourselves to live more in the moment, the digital moment that is, and savor it instead of rushing past. Instead of passively scrolling we should actively engage with online content.? We should read articles in full and not just skim over them, savor beautiful photos and allow ourselves to engage in meaningful conversations online. The online realm is not that bad all in all, but we must live in it not just with it.?

Just as you curate your physical space to reflect your personality and values, curate your online surroundings with the same intention. Follow inspiring accounts that uplift and motivate you and unfollow negativity and drama. We need to surround ourselves with online communities that foster positive interactions and meaningful discussions. And remember, you have control over what content you consume online. Often, we are force feed information, content and entertainment but the buck stops here.?

Another thing that has a calming effect and goes hand in hand with the hygge mentality is disconnecting from the digital world, for a while, and allowing yourself to reconnect with, yourself. Schedule regular digital detox breaks, where you completely disconnect from your devices. Use this time to engage in activities you enjoy, like reading a book, spending time in nature or connecting with loved ones in person. It’s hard to let go of the digital realm and being in the know but by letting go we help ourselves to recharge and allows us to return to the digital world with renewed focus and clarity.?

One of the most important realizations is that Hygge thrives on the feeling of togetherness. While social media can be a breeding ground for superficial interactions it can also be a tool for fostering meaningful connections. So, we should be using social media but in a controlled manner?and do things like to connect with friends and family, participate in online communities that share your interests. Or join virtual book clubs and discussion groups, of the nontoxic variety, that gives us energy and don’t drain us to our cores.?

On the same subject we should embrace the power of play, both at work and at home. Hygge encourages moments of joy and lightheartedness, so let loose online! Share funny memes with friends and collogues (just make them safe for work), play online games together or watch a virtual comedy show. Laughter and play are powerful tools, if not the most powerful, for stress reduction and fostering connection.?

On the other hand, but not contradicting, we have mindfulness. Hygge, in all of its forms,?and mindfulness go hand in hand. So, try to be present in the moment, even when you're online. When reading an article, focus on the content instead of getting distracted by notifications, make time for it and give yourself a break. When engaging in online conversations, be fully present and give the other person your undivided attention. It’s all too easy to do something else while in a conference call, when the camera is off, and the result is often a lack luster meeting where all parties feel it was a bit of a wasted time.?

Lastly and perhaps most importantly we all need to embrace the power of "No".? ? In an age of constant connection, learning to say no is crucial for digital well-being. We should never feel pressured to attend every online event or respond to every message immediately. You should set boundaries around your digital availability and prioritize your well-being. No one will thank you in the long run if you grind yourself down to the bone trying to be there for everything, everywhere and all at once.?

Rounding of. Cultivating digital hygge isn't about abandoning technology altogether, it's about using it consciously and with intention, just like everything in the Hygge lifestyle. By incorporating these principles, we can create a digital space that is comfortable, calming, and fosters a sense of connection while still letting us be productive, creative and full of life. Remember, technology is a tool, and like any tool, it needs to be used mindfully.?

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by the digital world, take a deep breath, light some virtual candles (think warm screen filters), clear up some ‘you’ time in your buzzy schedule and embrace the power of digital hygge. You might be surprised what a little coziness can do for you digital life.?

This article first appeared on the The Tangled Web blog at https://thetangledweb.blog/.?