What's Hygge?
/ˈh(y)o͞oɡə,ˈho͝oɡə/
Ah, this is the very question I remember myself asking when I first stumbled upon this Danish custom in the lifestyles section of a bookstore. I was surprised to find out this way of living would be a total game-changer for me! Hygge is a Danish word that represents the mood of coziness, the overall feeling of being content and wellness. Now, my Hygge can be different from your Hygge. It really all comes down to what makes you feel the warmest and most comfortable.
How to Find My State of Hygge?
First, you need to ask yourself why you are looking into a lifestyle change? Is there a lot of background stress controlling your ability to find some serenity within yourself? Then yes, absolutely yes, we need to incorporate some Hygge into your life! A good way to think about this is to go back in time and try to remember all of the things that you remember yourself feeling safe and at home. I tend to think more about the holidays and home-cooked meals, where everyone would gather and enjoy themselves.
Where Can I Start?
Here are some things that I incorporated into my life on my Hygge journey:
- Blankets! *only the softest, heaviest, and full of warmth* in order for this to be truly effective! :)
- Candles &/or essential oils ( I do tend to gravitate more towards candles for the luminance of a candle flame dancing around and casting shadows)
- Books, Books, and More Books! Here's the thing there are so many different ways of getting some light reading in! There are plenty of free E-Books and Podcasts, my personal preference would be to utilize the public library. I really love the effort of walking down the isles with my cricked neck trying to read the titles, smelling the pages, and using my library card.
- Cooking/Baking comfort food! For me, this could range from baking homemade cookies once a week and completely covering my kitchen with flour, or cooking a nice big meal for family and friends and having the satisfaction of taking care of someone. My favorite thing with dinner parties is trying out a practiced recipe and making my home warm and inviting.
- Writing (journaling/blogging/letter writing a friend) This is my all-time favorite thing to do when I'm in full Hygge mode! There's nothing like the feel of paper beneath your wrists, or the sound of a keyboard, whenever your fingers are flailing about. What about wax seals? I mean, polishing off your stationery letter with a hand-pressed wax seal is no better than butter!
- Environmental changes that promote a state of ease and happiness. For me, this was filling my room of plants and sometimes even cute Nik knacks that remind me that I am still silly and human. I do also take a minimalist approach when it comes to this, so I try to make sure whatever I get really does do something to make me smile or have a purpose!
So What Does A Day in Hygge Look Like?
Let's start off like this, imagine you after a stressful week with many hours put in the clock and FINALLY, it's Saturday. You've allowed yourself to sleep until whatever time is most manageable and yet still efficient for your schedule. You wonder around in your most comfortable loungewear to your kitchen and start afresh rolling boil of water. You pick from your favorite selection of specialty tea (yes, pea flower don't mind if I do!). You tell Alexa/Google, to play your favorite morning tunes. You give company to your feet, by slipping on some soft lotion socks and have your toes meditate for a while, while opening your bookmarked new library cookbook breakfast recipe you've been eager to try! Even if you live by yourself, you should never NOT treat yourself, and there will be even more fun food for later!
YOU GET THE IDEA! :)
Feeling comfort is something that we sometimes tend to overlook.
Common Misconceptions About Hygge:
- You can practice Hygge no matter what season, it is not seasonally.
However, the fall & cold months sure make it easy to snuggle.
- You can take Hygge with you, wherever you go. (Have fun at the pastry shop, or scavenger hunting some new cooking oils or herbs)
- Hygge is about being alone: No way, please incorporate this with your children and your family and friends. Gather around and make a blanket fort on in the living room, add some warm lighting, and take out the old Jiffy pop. Create a memory that will be cherished
Please, Find it in your time to Hygge,
Carrot Cake Sweetie
MY HYGGE LIBRARY:
The Book of Hygge
Please Enjoy This BONUS Holiday Recipe!
Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of shortning
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp. vinegar
- 1 cup of Steen's Cane Syrup
- 4 & 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 & 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. Cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ginger
- 1 tsp. ground cloves
ICING- 2 cups of confectioners sugar
- 4 Tbsp. milk
- food coloring
Directions
- Cream sugar and shortening
- Add egg, vinegar, and syrup.
- Combine your dry ingredients seperatly! Gradually stir into cream mixture.
- Wrap your dough and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours. (or freeze overnight)
- preheat over to 350 degrees
- roll dough on a floured surface until 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut cookies in desired shape, and bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes. Cookies will harden when cooled.
- To make icing, combine confectioners sugar and milk and add desired food coloring.
- Decorate and enjoy it!
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