Is hygge actually good for you? Here’s how to make cosy healthy

If you’re looking for more ways to cosy up and relax, try our 5 tips for a mindful evening routine, enjoy some of these healthy comfort foods or try these breathing exercises for a better night’s sleep.

It’s that time of year again. The light begins to fade at 4pm, pyjamas become the outfit du jour and a night in on the sofa is infinitely more appealing than going out. A blanket, a hot drink, a flickering candle, this, you tell yourself, is hygge.

The Danish concept of hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is all about comfort, calm and contentment, a gentle antidote to the chaos of modern life. It’s the word the Danish use to describe taking time to relax and enjoy the quieter pleasures of life. Its popularity now is the reason we stockpile throws and buy candles in bulk the minute the temperature dips. However in the UK, we have taken hygge perhaps a little too literally and many of us use it as an excuse to start hibernating, and subsequently leading a less healthy life, the moment October hits. While there’s nothing wrong with slowing down, research suggests that too much ‘cosy’ might not be doing our health any favours.

The problem isn’t the feeling of comfort itself, it’s what it often comes with: sealed windows, smoky fires, paraffin candles, hours indoors and very little movement. That combination, according to scientists and health experts, can impact everything from lung function to mood regulation.

But before you blow out your tea lights and start panic-ventilating, know this: you can absolutely keep your hygge habit, you just need to make it a little healthier.

When cosy turns to coughing

If you associate the smell of a crackling fire or a cluster of candles with calm, you’re not alone. But behind that glow lies a less romantic truth: these staples of winter comfort aren’t exactly doing wonders for your health and they’re major contributors to indoor air pollution.

“Candles and incense release more fine particulate matter (PM) – a dangerous toxin that can enter the lungs and bloodstream – than cigarettes,” says Emma Rubach, head of health advice at the charity Asthma + Lung UK. “To mitigate the harmful effects, open windows if you are burning candles, and consider using battery-operated versions rather than the real thing.”

Much of the time, creating an atmosphere with fragrance has the potential to cause issues for people with respiration problems. “While it’s great to create a calming aroma when you are relaxing at home, four out of ten people we surveyed with a lung condition told us that aerosols, perfumes and air fresheners triggered their breathing issues, so it’s best to only use them in a well-aired space,” says Rubach. “It’s also a good idea to choose products with pump sprays because aerosols emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can cause allergic reactions.”

Domestic burning, she adds, is one of the biggest culprits. “Open fires and wood-burning stoves might create a cosy feel, but behind their appealing aesthetic lie invisible health risks. Domestic burning is one of the largest sources of PM and can exacerbate lung conditions like asthma and COPD (a group of lung conditions that cause breathing issues), as well as contribute to heart conditions, strokes, dementia and mental health problems. Whether you have a respiratory condition or not, it’s best to find another source of heating if you want to protect your lungs this winter.”

In short, burning wood, coal or paraffin candles releases fine particulate matter and gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and VOCs. These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Over time, exposure can worsen asthma, trigger respiratory irritation and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

And the issue is compounded by how we live now. Modern homes are better insulated and virtually airtight: great for energy efficiency, terrible for ventilation. That means the fumes from your scented candle or wood burner don’t dissipate easily; they linger in your living room, quietly polluting the air you breathe.

According to data, domestic wood burning now accounts for around one-fifth of the UK’s fine particulate emissions. Add candles and incense to the mix and you’ve got yourself a perfect storm of poor indoor air quality.

The health effects can creep up slowly – frequent headaches, coughing, itchy eyes, worsening asthma symptoms – but experts are increasingly concerned about the long-term picture. Studies link chronic exposure to indoor pollutants to reduced lung function, cardiovascular strain and even cognitive decline.

So, should we banish our beloved candles and log fires? Not necessarily. The key is moderation, ventilation and smarter choices.

5 ways to clear the air (literally)

1. Choose cleaner candles. Paraffin candles emit soot and chemicals when burned. Instead, opt for beeswax, soy or coconut wax alternatives with cotton wicks. They burn longer, cleaner and give off fewer toxins.
2. Ventilate daily. Yes, even in winter. Opening a window for ten minutes a day, or using trickle vents, can significantly reduce indoor pollutant levels.
3. Add air-purifying plants. Peace lilies, snake plants and spider plants are known to absorb some VOCs and improve air freshness.
4. Use an air purifier. A HEPA-filter purifier can trap fine particles from wood smoke or candle fumes. Position it near your main seating area or fireplace.
5. Burn smarter. If you use a wood-burner, only burn “ready to burn” certified logs, and get your chimney swept regularly. Cleaner fuels, well-maintained stoves and proper ventilation make a huge difference.

Nesting vs. hibernating

The other side of hygge’s health coin is what happens when we stay too still for too long. Winter hibernation feels natural, but weeks of reduced daylight, movement and social interaction can quietly chip away at both physical and mental wellbeing.

GP Dr Aneesha Ahmad says the ritual of slowing down has genuine benefits, but only up to a point.

“Hygge has real emotional and physiological benefits, it’s soothing, grounding and helps us slow down during the darker months. From a medical perspective, these comforting rituals activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation, a slower heart rate and reduced cortisol levels,” she says. “Shared activities like meals, candles or blankets with loved ones can trigger dopamine and oxytocin, the hormones linked to pleasure, reward and social bonding, which enhance mood and emotional connection.

“However, it’s important to remember that comfort shouldn’t slip into complete hibernation. Reduced daylight exposure can lower serotonin and vitamin D levels, affecting mood, energy and sleep, while too much time indoors can mean less movement and social contact. Finding balance is key. Hygge supports wellbeing when combined with light, activity and connection.”

That’s the sweet spot, warmth and comfort without drifting into isolation or lethargy. Because when we’re sedentary and starved of daylight, we not only feel sluggish; our circadian rhythms (which control sleep, energy and appetite) also start to falter.

One study outlined by the British Safety Council found that even 30 minutes of outdoor daylight exposure in winter improved mood and fatigue. And movement matters too: even gentle, regular activity improves circulation, strengthens immunity and boosts the same endorphins that hygge aims to deliver.

5 ways to be hygge and healthy

1. Seek daylight. Aim for 20-30 minutes of natural light daily to boost serotonin and vitamin D. Take your morning coffee by the window or go for a short midday walk.
2. Move gently. Yoga, stretching or a brisk walk can lift mood and support good sleep patterns.
3. Stay connected. Host a cosy supper, share a pot of stew or go for a winter walk with friends. Social connection reinforces oxytocin and helps guard against loneliness.
4. Create mindful rituals. Swap screen time for candlelight dinners or pre-bed relaxation routines as both help regulate melatonin and reduce stress.
5. Support your body. Consider vitamin D supplementation in winter months, especially in the UK where sunlight is scarce.

The case for mindful nesting

The truth is, hygge itself isn’t the villain. The desire to slow down, soften the edges of winter and make our homes feel safe is deeply human and good for us in moderation. The trick is not to let comfort morph into complete stillness, or warmth come at the expense of clean air.

As Dr Ahmed puts it, hygge supports wellbeing when it “works alongside light, movement and connection”. In other words, the glow of a candle is lovely, just make sure there’s a window cracked open nearby.

So, this winter, think of hygge less as hibernation and more as mindful nesting: comfort with a conscience. Keep your rituals, the slow mornings, the mugs of tea, the Sunday roasts, but sprinkle in fresh air, daylight and more walks outside.