Self-Care: The Danish Way
SELF-CARE: THE DANISH WAY
The Danes are one of the happiest countries in the world, according to the World Happiness Report.
Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is the Danish art of contentment, comfort and connection and may be the secret of why they are so happy!
Hygge is simply about being present during even the most ordinary of tasks and allowing yourself moments to recharge (without guilt). It offers an approach to living that aims to add consciousness and value to our overstimulated lives.
Use this guide to learn the ins and outs of hygge and take a step towards a more balanced life this winter.
WHO
You. Hygge is for everyone, especially if you find yourself ‘zoning out’ or going on ‘autopilot’ to get through aspects of your day. I know it is hard to be present during times of stress or less enjoyable tasks – but this is where hygge really thrives.
WHAT
Hygge it is about investing in your health and wellbeing and taking that new-found energy and putting it into improving the quality of your life and the lives of your loved ones. Hygge can ultimately be broken down into two parts: practicing mindfulness and embracing self-care.
MINDFULNESS & HYGGE
The goal is to take an authentic interest in the details of your daily life. When we are mindful of detail we allow ourselves to acknowledge both our needs and the needs of those around us.
SELF-CARE & HYGGE
Hygge is also about creating a pause in your life. This pause is not an escape from your life; it is simply a moment to recharge and reconnect with yourself, while being aware of the passing of time and the duties we have put on hold. It is being committed to a moment and placing your distractions aside.
WHERE
The easiest place to start? Home. Though hygge is more a mental state rather than a physical location, the essence of ‘home’ is most akin to the feeling of hygge. Moments of hygge happen more easily when you feel safe and welcomed.
As you become more familiar with the feeling you will understand that anywhere you embrace living and really participate in what you are doing, you can have hygge.
SETTING BOUNDARIES
Boundaries can help to amplify hygge. These can be temporal boundaries such as 5 minutes for a morning cup of coffee, or a physical boundary such as your kitchen while preparing a meal or an armchair while reading. Setting boundaries allows you to maximize the comfort in that ‘space’ such as lighting a candle nearby or wrapping yourself in your favourite blanket. Hygge is about wholehearted participation in life and living with intent.
WHEN
As much as possible. You may be thinking that creating hygge is going to take a lot of time and effort, but it is quite the opposite. Hygge is present in the little things: that’s where it exists. It’s not a day at the spa or a fancy dinner (although moments of hygge can exist in these events). Hygge is present when we give a moment value. It is taking the ordinary tasks you are already doing and making them extraordinary.
WHY
Because life is made up of moments. If you are on autopilot for 50% of these moments, or 50% of your day that means you are missing out on 50% of your life.
HOW
Hygge appears when we slow down enough to allow ourselves to enter the present experience. I’m not saying you have to make vacuuming fun (if you can do this, you are already a step ahead of me), but try this:
1 → Pick 1 ordinary task you do each day and make it better. Instead of shutting down until the task is over, reclaim this time and make it your own.
2 → Take time (even just 5 minutes) to do something you want to do – guilt free- each day. Allowing yourself this moment to restore and recharge will help you be present in the moments that follow.
SOME STARTING POINTS FOR HYGEE THIS WINTER
- Light a candle while preparing and enjoying dinner
- Take a warm bath at the end of a long day (Add 1 cup epsom salt and lavender to amplify the relaxation)
- Grab a cup of coffee with an old friend
- Download Podcasts or eBooks to make your commute more enjoyable
- Do something creative – decorate your dining room table for the season, write a letter to a loved one, learn a new skill, or test out an old hobby
- Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket while answering emails at home
- Light the fireplace while watching TV or reading a book
- Try a new recipe online or dust off one of your cookbooks
- Explore your neighbourhood coffee shops to switch up your workspace
- Embrace winter: take a break and go sledding or skating or simply a walk in the snow, then follow it up with a cup of hot chocolate or tea
Have fun!
Resource:
The Book of Hygge by Louisa Thomsen Brits