Hygge…hoo-gah…that well known, fabulous Danish term which translates into words like cosiness…feelings of wellness and contentment. Think roaring fires, walks on the beach, mugs of hot chocolate or pots of tea…whatever floats your boat…anything which enables you to shut off from hectic, busy life schedules and the external pressures of life…
Well that’s all very well you might be thinking but my life has dramatically changed over the last few months, I don’t have the usual pressures of work and travel… that daily grind, I’ve now got a different set of challenges to cope with…children 24/7…not seeing friends and family…not being able to plan holidays and social events…ahh…but the same principles apply…you can still give yourself and those around you a bit of Hygge time…
Selfcare…timeout…relaxation…start by focussing on these words.
Giving yourself some timeout mentally and physically…allowing your mind some space and time to be still…to be calm…learning how to be content in the moment. Giving it the opportunity to zone out…to reflect and to heal… If your mind is calm then the rest of your body will benefit…help those stress hormones to decline and every pore, every cell in your body will thank you.
Hygge…is all about doing that little bit extra to create a special atmosphere…a feeling or a moment…whether that’s an ordinary one, or an extraordinary one. Feelings of calm, of warmth and if you find yourself on your own…feeling like you’re giving yourself that virtual hug.
Some of you out there will find it easier than others to take timeout and relax…others almost need to be given permission to give themselves a bit of selfcare…but with the situations we find ourselves in just now it couldn’t be more important. Classic images which come to mind when saying the word Hygge are candles…cosy knitted socks…old fashioned games nights…or just curled up in front of a fire with your favourite tipple.
Looking out of the window while writing this the sun is shining and it looks like we’re in for another warm day, so, I’m thinking more along the lines of…yep, definitely a candle or two later, maybe a foot bath…facepack…simple yummy food…getting the kids to turn off their tech and instead find a board game everyone likes…the simple things in life. Compassion and kindness…
It’s not just about giving yourself timeout…showing compassion and kindness to those around you…being aware how family members and friends might be feeling. Making sure to connect with those who find themselves on their own, those who are struggling, juggling working from home with young kids to entertain and especially those on the frontline, tirelessly working in difficult circumstances. If you know someone near you on that frontline, encourage them to give themselves a bit of selfcare…maybe drop off a small gift like a face pack or other small treats you know they will like, they might not have the time or the energy to go and get things for themselves. Some people just need a little nudge in the right direction…maybe a reminder that it’s ok to stop…to chill and to switch off…
The Mental Health Foundation have picked kindness as their theme this year during Mental Health Awareness week with research showing kindness and our mental health are deeply connected. I absolutely love this line from their website…Wisdom from every culture across history recognises that kindness is something that all human beings need to experience and practise to be fully alive.
So this week unplug yourself from every day life, even if it’s just for a small amount of time and encourage those you’re with to do the same…slow that pace of life down…give yourself some well needed and well deserved R&R and have some Hygge time…
Mental Health Foundation : https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk
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