Why Hygge Is a Quiet Rebellion Against Burnout
What if the practice of rest was your best leadership move in a world obsessed with performance?
We talk a lot about hustle, productivity, and discipline, but few of us talk about warmth, presence, or quiet.
A few years ago, I stumbled across the Scandinavian concept of Hygge—the art of cozy simplicity and comfort. At first, it was visual: candlelight, warm socks, soft light, flickering fireplaces. Instagram-worthy.
But the more I considered it, the more I realized that this isn’t about aesthetics. Hygge is about reclaiming a feeling of safety, slowness, and soulfulness in one's environment.
And for high-performing, emotionally aware people? That’s not just a luxury. It’s a lifeline.
A Hygge Moment I Didn’t Expect
One December evening, just before dinner, the power went out. My wife and I were preparing fresh pasta with our kids—trying to be more intentional about how we connected around the table.
With no electricity, we lit candles—every one we had. The room was filled with soft shadows and quiet joy. I saw my daughters' faces glow in the flicker. The rush slowed. We laughed. We felt together.
I didn’t plan that Hygge moment. But it marked me. I’ve been trying to listen to its lesson ever since.
I didn’t plan that Hygge moment…
But it marked me. I’ve been trying to listen to its lesson ever since.
Why This Matters Now
We may not be deep in a pandemic anymore, but let’s be honest: Many of us never truly returned to peace. Our homes became offices, schools, gyms, and stress zones. Rest became reactive. Comfort became optional.
But Hygge offers a different path—a way of curating peace intentionally.
And when you do, you protect your emotional resilience. You recharge. You return to what actually matters.
How to Build Hygge Into Your Rhythm
You don’t need a cabin in the woods or a Danish design budget. You just need intention. Here are a few ways to start:
Choose one cozy, clutter-free corner of your home (ours is the living room)
Let soft, natural light lead the atmosphere—or light a few candles
Wear something warm and comforting (wool socks are my go-to)
Sip a warm drink (hot chocolate or herbal tea, ideally not in a rush)
Add comforting food (a homemade pastry or slow soup)
Designate one time a week as “Hygge hour” (no devices, no pressure)
This Isn’t Just Self-Care. It’s Soul Practice.
I’m a therapist and leadership coach. Most of the people I work with care deeply—and carry a lot. They serve others, perform at a high level, and try to hold it all together.
But holding everything without pause will eventually break you. Hygge invites you to soften, to stop striving, and to make space for what your body already knows:
You weren’t meant to be constantly productive. You were meant to be fully human.
A Gentle Invitation
If you’ve been running on empty, maybe it’s time to reclaim your peace.
Or maybe… you need more than warm socks. Maybe you need a space to process. To breathe. To connect.
That’s why I created Overcome Café Conversations—a bi-monthly online circle where people who carry a lot can finally put it down.
If you're curious about what it means to lead from rhythm—not from exhaustion—reach out.
There’s still space in our Women’s Edition this spring.
And if you just need one quiet night this week—start with candlelight. You’re worth the warmth.
With you, wool socks on,
Louis-Philippe Landry, MA, RP, CCC
Therapist | Leadership Coach | Founder, Overcome Café