What is the New Hygge? This Fall, Cozy Up To Pyt, Cwtch, Friluftsliv and More!

With sweater weather just around the corner, it’s time to cuddle up, get cozy, and make the most of the calm before the storm of pre-holiday madness.

World travelers versed in the art of self-care likely have a handle on hygge. This Danish concept of coziness, pronounced "hoo-gah," marries warmth, contentment, and an overall sense of well-being with a charming simplicity. It’s no wonder that in the past few years, hygge has swept the globe and warmed toes and hearts worldwide!

But what other treasures await in the wide world of self-care? Get inspired with us to peer over the horizon – it’s time to pumpkin-spice up your cozy routine with these next-level international self-care trends.

Denmark: Hygge and pyt

The Danish are the OG masters of self-care: Despite winters so heavy and dark that Danes lovingly refer to their country as Mordor (yes, the land of evil and darkness from Lord of the Rings ) from November through February, Denmark is routinely ranked one of the three happiest countries in the world. The secret is in the cultural mindset, which has given rise to the international trends of hygge and pyt .

Hygge is all about getting cozy and staying in. Think of its brand as emphasizing handmade, beautiful objects like homespun wool sweaters, handmade ceramics and dipped candles . Hygge isn’t all about objects, though. It embodies a sense of togetherness – think simple family meals at raw wooden tables and nights spent cuddled by the fire, sipping cocoa and singing folk songs.

Everyone’s self-care needs are different, and some self-care experts are uncovering the virtue in a different Danish concept: pyt. Pronounced like “pid,” pyt doesn’t have a precise English translation: It’s a cultural concept about cultivating healthy thoughts to better deal with stress. If hygge keeps your heart and toes warm, pyt is more about maintaining mental health for an overall sense of wellbeing.

Want to cozy it up like the Danes? Cuddle up with a good read from Peace & Pages . Then, round it out by cultivating peace of mind with the therapist-curated exercises and products in TheraBox , which build practical skills to reduce stress and anxiety.

Japan: Ikigai and wabi sabi

Hop across the globe to Japan to learn about the philosophies of ikigai and wabi sabi . Ikigai, a sense of harmonic purpose, is credited with being the Japanese secret to a long and happy life. To strive toward ikigai, sit down with your journal from Cloth & Paper and consider four simple questions about your life’s work: Do you love it? Are you good at it? Does the world need it? And lastly, does it support you? When you can answer yes to all four, you’ve achieved ikigai, and the fulfillment that comes with it.

Whether you’re ready to burrow deeper into your den or get out and feel the brisk air in your face, an international world of self-care and coziness awaits – let the adventure begin!