Embracing Hygge – No More Winter Blues

This year to try and change my winter disliking mindset I’ve been embracing Hygge. For my fellow summer enthusiasts out there, it is making a difference. I’ve always struggled in January, through to April. The twinkly lights of Christmas are a distant memory and there are months of dark, cold, miserable days spreading out in front of me. I know I’m a much happier person when the sun is shining. Given the choice of a warm summers day, or a crisp, sunny winters day I will always chose the summer one.

So how has Hygge been helping me in January?

Embracing Hygge to help with the winter blues

If you haven’t heard of Hygge before, where have you been? I’ve seen across social media a bit of a love, hate divide for the Danish lifestyle term. Pronounced hoo-guh it’s a Danish word that is a feeling or mood that comes from taking genuine pleasure in making ordinary, every day moments more meaningful, beautiful or special.  Hygge is being aware of a good moment whether it’s simple or special. There isn’t an English word to describe all Hygge means, hence why I’m happy to use the name to describe it. Now I’m not proclaiming to be an expert on the subject, far from it. However taking some of the principles from it has so far led to a less depressing January for myself and probably those around me too.

Here’s what I’ve been doing to embrace Hygge

• Soft lighting – candles, fairy lights and spending some time making each room’s lighting feel right. It’s been a great excuse to buy more candles which I have always been a fan of. I’ve been lighting them earlier in the day than I usually would, lighting them as it starts to get dark rather than waiting till the evening. 
• Cuddling under cosy blankets – we’ve been having movie nights or afternoons with treats on the sofa under a blanket. It’s been a chance to spend some time cuddling the boys who are usually so busy.
• Making time for myself – whether it’s an evening with a hot bath, putting my onsie and slippers on and sitting under the blanket with the candles burning, or doing some yoga. It’s making those little pockets of time that make a big difference to not only my day, but my longterm mood.

• Warm drinks and comfort food – giving myself the permission to enjoy regular hot chocolate’s and coffees. Cooking up a stew in the slow cooker and enjoying those roast dinners that we tend not to have so much of in the summer months.
• Switching off and slowing down– spending time away from technology, playing board games with the family and enjoying doing things together indoors when I would usually feel like I needed to get out of the house or be busy doing something. 
• Winter walks, fresh air and sun – on days when the sun is out, getting out and enjoying the beauty of a crisp, fresh winters day. Jumping in muddy puddles with the kids and enjoing a hot drink and a cake at the end of the walk. 
• Wooly jumpers and layers – making sure that I am actually wearing enough when I do go outside. I know I’m miserable when I’m cold so  by keeping warm and layering up I’m happier in the cold.
• Reading – curling up with a good book in a cosy corner and even going to bed earlier so I can read. 
• Friends– making sure I’m planning meals out or meeting for a cofee, so I’m not hiding myself away.

Embracing Hygge is about simplifying life. Being aware of a good moment and stopping to enjoy the simple pleasures. Definitely a way of life I want more of.