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The “Hustle Culture” has gotten wildly out of hand.

That’s coming from someone who has always found pride in doing a lot. I was always in multiple clubs, held multiple jobs simultaneously, and am a collector of hobbies—and of course, I do it all a little over the top.

Then one day, I got tired. Not just tired, but the deep, aching-in-your-bones kind of tired.

Something had to give. I began to explore the concept of Hygge and, obviously, put my own spin on it.

Soft Living and Hygge

What is Hygge?

A Danish concept all about creating a warm, cozy atmosphere.

It’s about enjoying the moment with simple pleasures: lighting candles, savoring a warm drink, wrapping yourself in cozy blankets on a cold day.

As I sat in my chilly apartment during a Polar Vortex (yes, literally), this concept felt deeply inviting. It’s a deliberate effort to make life feel special and comfortable.

When I think back to my childhood, some of my coziest memories were when the house was clean, lights were dimmed, and candles were lit. I can still smell the Home Interiors scents my mother had ordered, filling our home with the aroma of apple pie in the fall or cranberry in the winter.

Soft Living in Comparison

Soft living is a more holistic approach. It emphasizes comfort but focuses on living gently and with intention. We create routines, set boundaries, and embrace a slower pace. It’s less about an environment and more about an overall lifestyle.

What They Share

Both share an appreciation for slowing down and being well nurtured, but soft living is about holistic life choices; hygge is about cultivating specific moments of comfort and joy.

Soft Living in Motherhood

Soft living in motherhood is about creating a home environment where everyone can feel supported, grounded, and valued without the pressure of perfection or constant hustle. We focus on self-care and emotional wellbeing for both parent and child.

Ways to Soften Your Life

Understand that changing your home doesn’t happen overnight, and you might be doing many of these things already. “Soft Living” isn’t a concept I created, but it’s one I recognized I was already working toward through my daily efforts.

Prioritize Self-Care

Embrace rest, even when it means asking for help, or saying no to extras. Take a bath after the kids go to bed, find a moment to breathe during the day. Say no to the co-worker’s birthday happy hour. Give yourself permission to prioritize.

Gentle Spaces

Set up your home as a space that nurtures the entire family. Choose soft colors, incorporate gentle music, or decorate with relaxation in mind. Remove the clutter too—kindly donate items you don’t use often enough or aren’t excited about. I promise you don’t need 15 mugs in your kitchen. 😉

Nourishing the Body

Take the time to prepare meals that both satisfy your body and foster a sense of togetherness. Include the children in the kitchen—my toddler loves to stir and hold onto things for us. My husband and I have been sitting at our dining table for meals since it was just the two of us, and over the years, our table has gotten more crowded. This is such a blessing.

Remember, a dirty kitchen means full bellies.

The Next Steps

Meik Wiking founded the first Happiness Research Institute and is a New York Times and The Times bestselling author. He wrote the popular book, “The Little Book of Hygge,” among others.

This would be a great book to start with if you’re looking to learn more about the Hygge concept.

If this resonates with you, it’s time to join my newsletter, “Magic in the Middle.”

These are just a few ways you might already be embracing a Soft Lifestyle—or could start today.

What soft living practices can you incorporate into your daily life?