Tis The Season to get your Hygge on!
Have you heard of Hygge? It’s fantastic for your selfcare.
What is Hygge?
‘Hygge’ is a Danish term for
A quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or wellbeing
Oxford Dictionary
The concept of Hygge is regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture. ‘Hygge’ was shortlisted for word of the year in 2016.
If it’s good enough for the Danish, then I’m sure it will be good enough for us Brits. Let’s face it we could all do with a bit of Hygge now that the seasons are changing. In addition, we are dealing with the cost-of-living crisis. As the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer, and we move from Autumn to Winter, why not embrace the Scandinavian lifestyle. In other words bringing a bit of calm, comfort and happiness to your home. Be a little more Hygge.
Here are the six elements key to the hygge philosophy according to Meik Wiking from his book The Little Book of Hygge
“If you click on the above link and make a purchase, I may receive monetary compensation. I only recommend products or services that I personally use. And therefore believe to be good for the reader”
Selfcare whitley bay hygge – Atmosphere
Creating the right atmosphere with gorgeous scented candles, warm chunky woollen blankets, soft furnishings and soft lighting and a cosy fire.
Embrace the Danish art of creating a cosy home this Winter and enhance your home with a Scandanavian touch of warmth and comfort. Why not book a candle-making workshop at Re-Create today and make your own aromatic candle.
Hygge – presence
Start a new relaxing hobby or rekindle an old one e.g.,
- start writing a journal
- knit
- crochet a blanket to snuggle (your new Hygge blanket)
Enjoy this time of year and slow down. Want to start a new hobby check out Re-Create today events on Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 2TH Or take a look at our current Events on Facebook Craft Workshops. Choose a workshop or course and invest your valuable time in a new hobby just for you.
Selfcare – Pleasure
Do things that give you pleasure e.g.,
- enjoy a luxurious bath
- book a massage
- read a good book
Eat and drink the food that gives you pleasure. There is nothing like a big mug of your favourite hot drink and a sweet snack (preferably home baked).
My favourite cake to bake is a lemon drizzle I use the Mary Berry classic lemon drizzle cake recipe. It’s great to make with the kids as all the ingredients are mixed together. I also love the indulgence of reading a good book especially when everything else has to wait.
Gratitude
Gratitude is a mindset. So take time to be grateful for what you have. Furthermore, savour the moment and enjoy some time just to sit in silence and be in the moment. Why not write down 5 things that you are grateful for or start writing a journal?
Comfort
It’s important to be comfortable so dig out those clothes that are loose-fitting and luxurious to the touch and make you want to snuggle up with your favourite blanket on a soft sofa and relax. A great way to save energy too as well as make you feel great!
Togetherness
Togetherness is important to value your relationships and take the time to enjoy the company of good friends, family and loved ones.
Spend time enjoying good food together or playing games in your cosy home and value each relationship. Time is precious so spend it with people you love and doing things that you love together. Go on book a lunch date with a friend or meet for brunch after a long winter walk.
selfcare whitley bay – Create an evening Ritual
Starting with a luxurious bath to banish the winter blues. A hot bath at the end of the day a couple of hours before you go to bed will enable you to get a better night’s sleep because the change in your body temperature promotes the production of melatonin (sleep hormone). Furthermore, the ritual of having a bath allows you to reclaim some essential ‘me time’. Try the following Aromatherapy Essential Oil (EO) blend. Dilute the Essential Oil blend in a tablespoon amount of milk or body lotion (never add undiluted essential oils to the bath water). You can order all your essential oils from our Neals Yard Remedies site NYR Organic.
“If you click on the above link and make a purchase, I may receive monetary compensation. I only recommend product or services that I personally use and believe to be good for the reader”
Alison from Botanica Holistic Therapy is a qualified Clinical Aromatherapist and a member of International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA).
Calming ‘Bedtime Bath’ blend
| Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) | 2 drops |
| Neroli (Citrus aurantium var amara) | 1 drop |
| Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) | 1 drop |
| Peppermint (Mentha piperata) | 1 drop |
Caution: EOs must be diluted before being added to the bath water as they may cause irritation if undiluted. Add the above blend to a teaspoon of base oil, bath oil or milk before adding it to your bath water. Take care if using base oil as there is a risk of slipping.
Bathing is one of the best ways to make the most of essential oils as the oils will be inhaled as well as being absorbed into the skin while you relax and enjoy the warmth of the water cradling your body.
Then after your warm bath put on your cosy pyjamas and wool socks. Secondly, make a luxurious hot drink of your choice. And finally sit and watch a classic movie and watch it while;
- wrapped up in a thick warm woollen blanket
- sitting in a room filled with warm lighting
- with the aroma lighted candle.
Note: the company of others is optional… but not necessary as it’s good to be selfish sometimes.
Or read a good book and relish in your tranquil solitude. I hope you enjoy your taste of the Scandinavian lifestyle, and it helps you survive this winter.