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As someone who married into a VERY proud Norwegian and Swedish family, let me remind you to HYGGE, friends. Just what is HYGGE again, you ask?
Well, it is:
hyg·ge
/ˈh(y)o͞oɡə,ˈho͝oɡə/
I challenge you, dear readers, to embrace the HYGGE concept in this new decade we’re in – and (hopefully) beyond!
In my efforts to lead a more substantial life, I have read countless books and articles on the art of hygge, and I can tell you that literally everything about it makes my heart sing! Embracing simplicity, focusing on creating a cozy and comforting atmosphere, and doing whatever equates well-being for YOU *is* hygge.
As we enter into this new decade and new year, I think this is THE perfect time to embrace hygge, because it forces one to truly re-evaluate what’s important. Not your average New-Year-Resolution-Important, but:
TRULY important…..
I want to remind you that hygge is NOT about buying things, or trying to “look” like you, your home, or your social media feed seems hygge…..because hygge absolutely must be a process. You don’t become hygge overnight, y’all.
While even I fall victim to purchasing online or in big box stores for some things (but I try harder each year to do less) – I zero-in-on the hygge lifestyle on a daily basis for myself; I guess you could say,
Hygge is my little gift TO myself….
I honestly cannot think of a better gift to give oneself during the hurried chaos of a new year, with the mind whirring with new goals and dreams! Hygge is – when practiced properly – the exact opposite of a rushed, stressed out, and overwhelmed mindset. I have found that it is easiest to make hygge a priority on a daily basis, this way I give that little gift to myself each day! And, like anything done repeatedly, well – it’s all about the habit, people! Once it becomes habitual it will stick! I promise!
It could be a relaxing morning doing something special that you love, or a date night sans kids with your partner that you schedule regularly, or a chilled-out evening around the fire with girlfriends and wine. It’s really all about making sure you are giving these little calm and carefree moments to yourself each and every day. THAT is what hygge is really about, based on my research and study of the subject.
I find many hygge-themed products out there on the market, and I really want to stress that purchasing things does not make one happy or fulfilled! So, don’t think that you can BUY hygge….just as you cannot BUY happiness. Although my husband would be the first to tell you I have absolutely zero problem spending money ;), I am also at the same time finding myself more and more cognizant of WHO and WHERE I purchase items from!
Trust me, I too understand the ease of Amazon….but making small changes such as only purchasing items from Amazon Green can be your gateway entry into a more ethically focused mindset!
There are so many amazing and creative ethically-minded companies out there you can support – even just knowing you are supporting small, eco-conscious products and companies can be considered a form of hygge!
Hygge should be about creating comfort for oneself and others. But, regularly! That is what I have personally found to be the most satisfying aspect out of creating a hygge lifestyle: making sure I’m taking the time to provide myself with that cozy, chilled-out, and calm state-of-mind at LEAST once a day….
So, what are some good ways YOU can create more hygge in YOUR life? Well, here are some options:
- Allow yourself time to meditate, stop and take a moment to yourself to relax, or take an evening bath (candles required!) as often as possible
- Regularly get together with people who are like-minded, don’t put too much pressure on you, and most importantly – people who make you laugh
- Equally important: one form of hygge is tactfully communicating when you need space or more time to yourself!
- Purposely inject more date nights (or meals out), movie nights with your partner, or simply just some A-Time for yourself!
- Intentionally get a babysitter. More often and on-the-regular. I mean it.
- Get outside to breathe in the fresh, winter air as often as possible. Yes, even if it’s in the middle of a gathering and you’re feeling overwhelmed. Hygge is ALL about being relaxed and content — so do whatever is needed to create that state within your mind and body. Don’t worry about what others think….
- Ensure you are allowing yourself 30 minutes each day to chilling out and doing something mindless – OR something you truly love. For me, it’s baking bread or gardening…..
- Sit in front of a fire and do nothing else but watch it. Warm cup o’ somethin’ also required….
- Walk on a secluded beach or in the forest. Nature is supremely calming and healing
- Cuddle with your kiddo(s) – if no kiddo(s) make sure to cuddle with something furry – and do nothing else while cuddling (i.e. no phone or tablet or laptop or music to distract you)
- Take a country drive. I personally do this whenever I’m feeling really stressed out, overwhelmed, disappointed, or sad. Somehow just injecting myself in nature without a lot of people around me always makes me feel more relaxed and in control….
- Enjoy that cup of morning coffee/tea. Somehow, someway. If this means you set your alarm 30-45 minutes before everyone else in the house gets up, DO IT. You deserve it and it will be much more meaningful and fulfilling and necessary-for-sanity than you think!
Those are just a few ideas – but there are endless options! The point is, hygge really is about doing something that creates a serene, composed, and tranquil state-of-mind. And, it’s about making sure you are creating this hygge for yourself regularly.
That’s It, Friends!
I hope this post came at a good time for you to remind yourself of the importance of injecting some hygge into your life. Even if you have to post a note on your mirror that says “HYGGE” – do it! Hey, we ALL need reminders and sometimes doing something as simple as that can actually make a positive habit stick!
So, go ahead and get hygge with it, dear readers! (I’m sorry….I just HAD to!)
Always Here,
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