Could you make your life more hygge?
So, what is hygge?
Hygge is an almost untranslatable (and unpronounceable!) attitude to life that helps Denmark to be one of the world's happiest countries. Thanks to a few recently published books and articles it has suddenly become a lifestyle trend here in the UK. Almost every article on the subject - like this one from the BBC - will tell you that the word “hygge” is not literally translatable but they suggest “being cosy” is a rough idea. However, it’s not exactly that so we thought we’d put together a few of the key ideas of how (and why) to be more hygge….
Get comfortable
Hygge is about being comfortable and taking good care of yourself, your friends and family. Sit in your comfiest chair, wrap yourself in a blanket and read a good book or watch your favourite show. Wear your cosiest jumper and thick woolly socks. At this time of year, that just seems like a good idea to us!
Enjoy a hot drink
Treat yourself to a hot cup of tea, a good coffee or a lovely hot chocolate. Turn off your phone and enjoy a nice chat with your friends and supporters. Get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and sip your drink slowly.
Join your community
Spending time with those you care about and who support you on your recovery and wellbeing journey is very hygge! Part of why hygge has become such a hot topic in the UK is because it seems to act as an antidote to our technology-driven, fast-paced busy lives. It’s time to take a moment to slow down and have a conversation with those around us rather than find out what our friends are doing on their social media feeds…
Eat up
Nourishment is a key component of hygge. This time of year is ideal for delicious homemade stews, hearty soups, porridge and fresh bread. Invite a friend round for tea or just treat yourself to a good stew or casserole. Hygge is not about spending lots of money to make you happy; it is about enjoying the simple things in life.
Get back to nature
Enjoy the clear sky and the crisp air and go for a walk outdoors. Experience the natural environment and appreciate the beauty of the season.
So, to sum up, hygge may seem like a lifestyle fad with its sudden burst of popularity but the overall idea is to get some contentment from the little things in life. We’re not saying that you can avoid the tough stuff. There’s no such thing as “I’m being hygge today!” Sometimes you do need to tackle the difficult things in life. However, there is no need to overwhelm yourself on your journey to recovery and wellbeing. Perhaps you could a take a little time to be hygge?
What do you think about hygge? Is it just a trend or do you think you could use it as a part of your strategy for recovery? Please let us know what you think in the comments below.
