Hygge, this season’s hottest lifestyle trend, has been dominating the headlines of late prompting people all over the country to buy an abundance of candles, countless woolly socks and numerous fluffy blankets. So, what is this Danish lifestyle concept all about? We’ve explored hygge and found 5 forest animals that may just have mastered the art of hygge, which you can take into your home!

Dormice

Although it has been said that we shouldn’t translate it, hygge alludes to creating a nice, warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with the people you love. Each autumn, dormice eat lots of berries to build up fat stores so they can stay warm during the winter months. Learn from these cute critters and use blankets, rugs, log fires and candles this winter to stay warm and cosy indoors. Lighting plays a key role in hygge so don’t forget the matches!

Squirrels

Squirrels are homeotherms which means that unlike some mammals, their body temperature remains fairly constant throughout the year. So, although they don’t hibernate, squirrels spend less time outside foraging in the winter and more time in their den sharing with several squirrels. Spending time with friends and family is at the heart of hygge. So what are you waiting for, call your friends and get the hot chocolates on the go!

Badger

Hygge is about feeling calm and your home décor plays a big part in this. Natural materials like wood are extremely important to achieve the feeling of cosiness. In the winter, badgers will clean out the sett and fill their nesting chamber with fresh bedding, even filling the entrance of their tunnels with twigs and leaves to cut down on draughts, similar to us within our homes, so get down a thick rug and a draught excluder to help keep the heat in as much as possible.

Bats

Although they don’t hibernate, bats do have periods of torpor in order to save energy in the winter. During these phases bats will lower their body temperature, slow their breathing and lower their metabolic rate and on warmer nights, bats will top up their food reserves in preparation. Remaining cosy indoors with loved ones during the long, cold nights is very hygge – the perfect excuse to invite your friends over, light some candles and play board games!

Hedgehogs

As we learn more about the Danish way of the life, it’s hardly surprising that Danes are amongst the happiest people in the world. But perhaps this is because Danes don’t believe in denying themselves anything. Instead, people are kind to themselves and this, in turn, makes them happier. Why not learn from hedgehogs, who build up their fat stores in order to survive the winter. Hygge is not only about cosiness and candles, it is also about enjoying your meals – after all, what’s better than the smell of a stew or a fresh loaf of bread wafting from the oven?

Learn from nature over the coming months and take these positive aspects of hygge into your home!