Hygge is a word for coziness and that feeling you get when you’re wrapped up warm in bed. This word is part of the Danish lifestyle, which has now filtered its way into the mainstream. As I write this blog it is a cold and wintry day outside, with the snow lashing down.
This is the perfect time to practice some Hygge for the soul and actually enjoy Winter instead of dreading it. So in this blog, I will be sharing some ideas to help you get in touch with your inner Hygge.
Find Small Ways To Make Your Room Feel Cosy
You don’t need to do anything elaborate or expensive for this one. In the evenings when the nights are dark find simple ways to make your room cozy. I love that warm glow of candlelight rather than the harshness of artificial light and just putting some candles on can make a huge difference.
Having some throws on the couch and putting on the fire. If you don’t have a fire, when I used to live in the flat I just put a video of a fireplace crackling away on tv (visitors might think that’s a little strange but hey! this is for you). Cuddling up on the couch with a fluffy pillow and a blanket wrapped around me automatically sends me into heaven.
Treat Yourself
Have a mini spa day at home. Women especially, all too often put themselves and their own self-care last so make it a priority at least once a week to unwind and recharge. Put some candles around the bath, listen to relaxing music and use some essential oils. I love lavender and rose oil which immediately makes me feel calm. Use a face mask and treat your skin with the care it deserves.
I personally keep my skincare super simple so I usually use rose toner to remove any makeup and wash my face with an organic soap bar. I then moisturize with aloe vera gel (I am not a beautician so if any of this is wrong don’t judge).
Quality Time With Family
Having quality time with your loved ones is so important for your mind and your soul. And when I say quality, I mean free from stress and distractions. This can be hard especially if you’re working all the time and trying to find some balance but it’s important to try and leave work where it should be and when your home to have some focused time with your loved ones.
I know what it’s like to take work stress home and so often I’ve found myself snapping or getting irritable because my mind is elsewhere. So try practicing moving mindfulness, where you bring your full awareness to each present moment. When someone is talking to you give them their full attention. Even if it is about making fart noises all day, like what my 5-year-old loves to talk about when I ask how his day was at school.
Have A Comforting Hot Drink
Do I just love my coffee? See that first sip in the morning when my child is at school and I’m about to get started for the day, feels like a sacred ritual all on its own. And it doesn’t have to be coffee. It can be any hot drink that just makes you go Ahhhh! when you take that first sip.
Being British coffee and tea is definitely the staple of any home but in Denmark, the focus is on more decadent hot drinks that can really be savored. I remember once drinking a delicious thick hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows and I felt 10 all over again. So be decadent once in a while. Life is to be enjoyed.
Cozy Up With A Movie
Winter is the perfect time to have lazy nights in, watching your favorite movies and just cozying up on the couch. I love chilling on the couch and usually, after my wee one goes to bed at 7 pm it’s hard to get me off the couch during this time of year. I love going into hibernation mode and really when you watch nature, it really teaches us how to start aligning with our own natural cycles.
Start tuning more into your soul and what you’re being called to do. All too often I fall into the trap of business because the guilt of wanting to slow down overwhelms me. But it needs to stop. Winter is the perfect time to catch our breath and start working on our goals and dreams in a way that doesn’t affect our wellbeing and health.
