While I continue to tackle my taxes before the April 30th deadline (in Canada), I’d like to welcome another friend to the blog today. Melinda is a friend in real life and she shares her amazing writing with the world over on her beautiful blog The Barefoot Warrior. She writes a lot about simplicity and the lovely qualities of Hygge. I love this post she is sharing with us today and I hope you do too. Welcome Melinda!
Somehow, our North American culture has confused the fast pace of busyness with productivity. Don’t get me wrong. I understand that being productive is important. Money must be earned, so that we can put a roof over our heads, food on our tables, and clothing on our bodies. Children need to be taken care of and homes need to be cleaned. That kind of busyness is necessary and good. I’m referring to the kind of busy that is frantic, unbalanced, and constant; the kind of busy that we heap upon ourselves because we’ve been lead to believe that more is better. That kind of busy is toxic. It infests our hearts and our minds and fools us into reasoning that we need to be constantly doing. But, that simply isn’t true.
While it is imperative that we work, both at our jobs and in our homes, it is just as crucial that we take some time for rest. Our overworked bodies and overwhelmed minds crave it. It is vital that we schedule a little reprieve so that we can recharge, refocus, and be rejuvenated. Our health and sanity depend on it.
While the practice of Hygge, pronounced “hoo-gah”, has been long embraced by the Danish, it is still a relatively new concept for us here in North America. While there is no direct translation for Hygge in English, the term loosely refers to ‘creating a warm coziness during the long, cold, winter months’. But, it is so much more than that.
This beautiful practice of Hygge allows us time to rest while we relish the simple pleasures in life.
If you’re feeling overworked, overwhelmed and overtired, perhaps consider embracing one of these, Seven Ways To Overcome Busyness With Hygge.
1. Create a cozy, Hygge nook in your home and keep it lovely.
Add in elements like a cozy throw and soft cushions. Keep a candle close by and have room to set a mug of coffee or hot cocoa. Your aim should be to incite the kind of space that elicits tranquil thoughts and emotions. Developing this type of atmosphere will allow you to steal moments of Hygge throughout the day.
2. Consider hosting a Hygge movie night for one.
Wondering what exactly a Hygge movie night is? Check out this post on how to host The Ultimate Hygge Movie Night-For One!
3. Plan a cook at home night and get everyone involved.
The point here is to enjoy the simple pleasure of cooking together as a family. Taco night is always a favorite. Work together to cut the tomatoes and lettuce, grate the cheese, and cook the ground beef. Set the table with sour cream and salsa, and chips to snack on while you cook. Listen to a family favorite playlist while you cook and eat. Take time to linger and maybe include banana splits for dessert! This is a fantastic Hygge family night!
4. Arrange a stay at home, charcuterie date night with your spouse.
If you have little ones, plan your date for after they go to bed. Teenagers? Pop a pizza in the oven for them and let them enjoy a movie night. Prepare a large tray of your favorites and enjoy it picnic style in your bedroom. Don’t forget to include candles and your favorite wine.
5. Plan a lazy day during the weekend.
A day where you sleep in, stay in your pyjamas, and enjoy your coffee while lingering in bed with a book or watching a favorite boxed series.
6. Get outside and go for a walk with your family or spouse.
If it’s cold, bundle up warm. Raining? Grab an umbrella. Just go. And when you get back, indulge in either a cup of hot cocoa while snuggled up next to a fire or candle light, or sip on a glass of iced cold lemonade on your deck or even the front porch afterward.
7. Enjoy a soak in a hot bubble bath.
Light some candles, play some soft music, and pour yourself a glass of icy cold chardonnay. Relax, and allow the tension to drain from your body.
Life is busy, but it doesn’t have to overwhelm us. Intentionally introducing Hygge attributes in our daily living will afford us necessary rest for our weary souls. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive or extravagant. It just needs to be Hygge.
Melinda, aka, The Barefoot Warrior, seeks to live an authentic, simple life surrounded by Hygge’s beautiful attributes. She blogs about simple living and courageous loving. She loves coffee, cats, and cozy living. You can discover more by visiting her blog, The Barefoot Warrior.
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Barbi K. says
Thanks Laura and Melinda , I need to work on this!
meryl says
Melinda –
Unfortunately most of these things would be more upsetting than every day life to me. I can’t believe that I am this different than most people.
We have no children and husband is with me every day – all day, except 2 days a month when I get away – one for business and one for my embroidery club and to run errands alone that he would grouse about doing.
Candles are such a fire hazard – and it is so hard to find unscented ones to have for extreme emergencies and they are expensive.
We eat home 4 nights a week dinner cooked from scratch by me – if he helps it takes so much longer and there are so many more pots to wash. We eat out weekends only and only because he insists. Part of this is Saturday night date night – dinner at Ikea (under $20 for two) and a movie ($14 for two at a local theater)
Baths I find kind of gross – sitting in water dirty from one’s body.
I really always have trouble believing that I am this different.
Jeanie says
Hi Ladies
I have been a big fan of Hygge for many years and I incorporate all seven of your suggestions already. My life as changed massively for the better and so as my wellbeing. Everyone should give it ago you might get a surprise.
Kristine Andersen says
Hygge is such an integral part of our way of life here in Denmark. I love that the concept is becoming such an international thing.
Best regards,
Kristine the Dane