Hygge. Say it with me, "HOO-GA." Hygge is the Danish principle of cozy living that contributes to Denmark being one of the happiest places on the planet, according to happiness researcher Meik Wiking, author of, "The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living." Hygge is all about slowing down, tuning in, and connection. And what's more yoga than that? Here are five simple, must-have elements of hygge that will transform your space from merely hygenic to superbly hyggelig:

5. CANDLES & A FIREPLACE

The warm glow of a controlled fire-- we humans love it. On a cold winter's day, there's nothing quite like setting up your mat next to the fireplace if you have one. You can also begin your practice by lighting a special candle and making it the focal point for a trataka or candle gazing meditation. Keep flames are away from fabrics and far enough from your mat that you won't knock it over once you start to move. For a flameless version, I use these on Amazon (*This story contains affiliate links).

4. NATURE

You can practice outside for the ultimate hygge, or you can bring nature indoors. Open windows. Bring in live plants. Fill your home with natural elements like crystals, sustainably sourced palo santo, sage, and furniture and decor made from wood, stone, woven materials and natural fibers, or crockery. Items that are homemade with love and local provide the best energy for the space where we practice. A touch of essential oils applied to the wrists and behind the ears or in a diffuser is another way to bring nature into your space. I love lavender and gardenia, which reminds me of my garden. If you're looking to replace an old mat, try an eco-friendly version.

3. COZY CLOTHES & PROPS

You may have noticed that yoga clothing is big business, which is unfortunate, because you don't need anything fancy for yoga, especially for your home practice. Choose soft, natural fabrics when possible, like cotton or bamboo. Loose fitting is best but not so loose that your shirt falls over your head in down dog. In classes like Yin, restorative, Nidra, or self-massage, opt for fuzzy socks and soft layers and props that feel luxurious even if they aren't. Extra hygge points if you can wrap yourself in something you made or was made for you as a gift.

2. MUSIC

Everyone's nervous system is different on any given day. If you're feeling overstimulated, skip the music and enjoy your practice in total silence. If you use music during your practice, look for tracks without words or voices. Here are a few of my favorites to grab for your Spotify playlists:

Yin 1

Gentle Yoga (uplifting) Instrumentals

Yin metal autumn

Conscious chakra cleansing

Manipura 528hz

Steve Halpern: Deep Alpha Brainwave

1. FAMILY & FRIENDS

This includes pets! What's better than lying in savasana and having your cat curl up on your chest? Or reaching over and intertwining your fingers with your partner's? Our personal practice is personal to us, but that doesn't mean it's in isolation from the people we love. Invite a friend, family member, or yes, pet to join you. You may be surprised to feel half as much resistance and twice as much enjoyment when you practice with someone you love.

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