What have you done for your Hygge today? (pronounced Hoo-gah)

The Danish have a tradition to find and honour their Hygge, which roughly translates to cosy. They not only make sure they get regular hygge, they regularily ask each other what they’ve done for their hygge this week, compare notes and make suggestions. It can be anything from sipping hot chocolate in front of a log fire, a warm jumper or meeting up with a friend. You could say they’re a little obsessed with getting their regular hygge because it’s important for their health and well being.
So how come we class cuddling up on the sofa in the afternoon with a blanket as “lazy”. How we frame it in our minds makes it a “bad” or “naughty” experience, instead of an essential well being activity.

I’ve been trying to muster the enthusiasm of joining the gym again. I’ve been using the old guilt and self hatred talk of “you’re carrying a bit of timber, so need to shift it” “you’re being lazy by not making the effort”. But since I’ve come from a place of nurture and I’ve topped up my cosy, I’m more open to exercise.

I’ve enjoyed getting warm and toasty after work in my Oodie and slipper socks, Having a winter walk with the dogs and coming back for a coffee and occasional cake. Making sure I’m topping up my girl time with lunch out or catching up over a cuppa. I know it’s not endorphin fuelled activities, but I’m feeding my soul and taking care of me. I recognise I feel the difference in winter with my mood and energy. But we when we honour this and move differently to suit the seasons, our outlook and enthusiasm changes too.

Our ancestors worked the land and would have planned their days with the amount of daylight and what would need to be done. Moving quieter in the winter and conserving energy for the spring planting and growing.

I’ve decided, I’ll get busy in the spring. I need a bit of matron coverage to get me through this winter. I might even start some wild swimming, Wym Hoff style!!!

Here’s 9 suggestions what you can do for your hygge on…..

1. A hot bubble bath while reading a book.
2. Watching a daytime movie with a fluffy blanket (and cuddling a dog or cat whenever possible)
3. A woodland walk in the crisp afternoon air
4. A gentle beach walk in the winter sunshine picking up oddly shaped pebbles or seashells
5. A hot chocolate with squirty cream and marshmellows (a favourite with my boys and their friends)
6. Lighting candles while having a family dinner and staying around the table to chat and reminisce
7. Sit around a campfire singing songs or sharing funny stories or fables.
8. Get into fresh bedding, with new night wear and snuggle with someone you love
9. Take yourself out for coffee and cake and people watch

Nameste

Karen Aitken

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