Hygge

Hygge is what the Danish call their way of surviving their dark and dreary winters. Do you suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder)? If so, you can learn alot from the Danish. SAD is when you get the winter blues. Some people invest in “light boxes”. These are like tanning beds for your face.

I have personally learned alot by studying the Danish hygge. You surround yourself with comfort and the things that make you happy. As the Danish way is slow-paced and the United States fast, we have alot to learn from them.

The following are some tips on how to practice hygge.

—Candles

Light a scented candle, but be careful.

—Comfy chairs

Do you have a favorite chair? Prop a pillow behind you.

—Comfy blankets

Wrap yourself up and keep warm.

—Battery-operated lights

String lights up around your living room.

—Comfort meals

Do you have a specific meal that always makes you feel good and happy?

—Dinner with loved ones

Gather with your loved ones for dinner.

—A book

Personally, I like to get lost in a cookbook.

—Opened drapes/mini-blinds

Take a peak at the outside scenery.

—Play music

Do you have a favorite singer or band?

—Prepare some coffee

Whether first thing in the morning wrapped up in your favorite robe or at night snuggled in your jammies.

–-Other drinks

Why not an evening cocktail or a mug of hot chocolate?

—Have some peace and quiet

Shut everythnig off and indulge in the atmosphere.

—Have a hobby

Take up a skill that gives you joy. Can you paint? Can you color in colorng books? Are you good with photography? Do you like creating gift baskets? Simply a few ideas.

—Have plenty of potted plants, such as succulents

Place some potted plants in your living room, in your kitchen, in your bathroom, etc.

—Meditate

Think of your favorite place. For example, I think of a quaint cottage located in Canada. Take deep breaths. Repeat a mantra.

–-Listen to an audiobook

Borrow some audiobooks from your local library. I personally like to listen to audiobooks when I need some rest.

–-Decorate your house for comfort. Get rid of the clutter. Organize.

Do you like a certain artist, such as Claude Monet?

–-Get out those warm and comfortable clothes

Use all of those fuzzy socks that you get as Christmas presents every year.

–-Essential oil diffusers

Invest in an essential oil diffuser and essential oils. I personally like the sceht of rose essential oil. I find the scent to be soothing.

—Volunteer for a charity

Whether for a soup kitchen, a homeless shelter, a religious cause, etc.

—Cook with a Crock-Pot for delicious food and to make your house smell delicious. Healthy also!

—Plan for celebrations, such as Christmas

—Simply lounge around which means your home is a “hyggekrog”.

—Treat yourself to a little gift. Instead of shopping online, get out a good old fashion catalogue! A little “retail therapy”, yes?

—Go outside for a little fresh air

If you can get some rare sun, don’t take the sun forgranted.

—Snuggle with a loved one

Self-explanatory.

—Give someone a big hug

A big hug feels so good to give and to receive.

—Take a hot bath

Buy yourself some good and smelly bubble bath to use.

—Appreciate small moments

—Have a bon fire.

Roast some wieners and S’mores.

—Good belly laughs

This is also known as “laughter therapy”.

Opinion

I have been a sun worshipper my whole life. I would lay out in the sun all day. Now I cannot.

During the winter months, as I am from the United States, I would go to tanning beds. The warm and bright bulbs were so comforting. The cost of tanning beds has gone sky-high as I cannot afford now.

How about you? Are you a sun worshper? Do you go to tanning beds? Do you get the winter blues? Do you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder?

I would love to know if I have helped in any way.