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AT PLAY

For the home enhancers, the foodies, the wanderers

Hygge? You know your soaking in it…

Hi, there beautiful people, looking forward to emerging from your cocoons, the ‘bubble’ you’ve been in these past 12 weeks? Must admit, I’m not ready to leave mine yet. Been relishing the fresh air on long beach walks with the man, the simple pleasure of an almond milk latte reward, home-cooked meals, lighting candles once reserved for special occasions, reading, writing, reflecting, giggling at TicTok revellers – the little pleasures I’d once reserved for ‘when I had time’. Then it dawned on me – COVID-19 and ensuing isolation have been our catalyst for implementing the Danish concept of ‘Hygge’ – the Danes would be proud! The past few months have taught us (me at least) the secret to their contentment first hand – we’ve been soaking in it! Thought I’d reshare a post I wrote this time last year on the art of Hygge. Read on to see just how you’ve been adopting the concept of Hygge.

July 14 2019: Hi, there lovely readers, I’m jumping off the “love your work” theme and taking a moment to pause, reflect and consider the flip side of our working life, the stuff that fuels our capacity to show up and deliver in the first place. I’m talking downtime.

As the crisper eves continue, it’s the perfect time to settle in, get cosy, and indulge in a little comfort and self-care with friends, loved ones and fur-babies. The Danish way. The Danes tie the ideas of companionship, wholesomeness, and contentment into one harmonious whole and call it “Hygge.” Come with me as we explore the Danish world of “Hygge” – pronounced “HUE-guh” – a delightful word that has no exact equivalent in English but loosely translates to ‘cosiness.’

Hygge?

Coming from an Old Norse word, “hugga,” means to comfort or console, also the source of the English word “hug” and that’s all about warmth, comfort, and closeness – all the feelings you get from a hug. In Denmark, Hygge is a central part of the culture, one of the reasons happiness economists rate Denmark as the happiest country in the world, in spite of a wet, chilly climate where it rains for nearly half the year.

Country Living describes Hygge as “a feeling of cosy contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life.” British journalist Helen Russell, author of “The Year of Living Danishly,” calls it “taking pleasure in the presence of gentle, soothing things.”

Examples of hygge?

Hygge life typically shares five main features:

Comfort. Snuggling around a crackling fire, cosied up in woollies with a cup of mulled wine, that’s the Danish way.

Companionship. Sharing that fireside and mulled wine with an intimate group of friends and fur-babies.

Relaxation. A leisurely walk, kicking back with a good read, immersing one’s self in creative hobbies, taking time to breathe, meditate, be still.

Connecting with Nature. Immersing oneself in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature, feeling raindrops on our face, marvelling at cloud formations as thunderstorms roll in.

Simplicity. Enjoying that morning coffee snuggled in your bathrobe while sitting by an open window and listening to the birds’ songs. So Hygge!

Show me how to hygge?

As you can see, the Hygge lifestyle is within anyone’s grasp, essentially, it focuses on slowing down, embracing nature and making more time for friends. Keen to immerse yourself in this way of life? Here are 12 suggestions to get you started…

1. Light a candle (or ten)
A big part of the Hygge gig, so no surprises that Danes go through more candles than any other nation on earth, they even use the term “lyselukker,” meaning “someone who puts out the candles,” to refer to a spoilsport. Many stores carry large bags 100 tea lights for under $15, too easy! I’m a sucker for both these and scented candles.

2. Light that fireplace
If a tiny candle flame is cosy, a fire is even cosier, after all, who doesn’t love watching flickering flames? A chance to toast a few marshmallows as well. No indoor fireplace? Why not stream a video of a crackling fire on your TV. You may not feel the heat, but you can still watch the flames flicker and hear the logs pop. There’s an app for that, and Youtube has10-hour videos as well.

3. Snuggle into comfy clothes
Jump into something easy and comfortable. Bulky sweaters and knitted socks or your favourite snuggly leisurewear, long as you’re comfy. I indulged in a set of cashmere pant and cardigan while settling into a cold Europe a few years ago and they’re still my winter faves.

4. Take a walk
Danes love a pleasant walk in all kinds of weather. Especially lovely with a friend or a group of friends, or just you and your dog – a great way to get closer to nature.

5. Ride a bike
Bikes are so Hygge because they move at a slower pace than cars, giving you time to enjoy the scenery. Already own a bike? Go for it! Or jump on one of the many yellow jobs lurking around our fair cities. Why not make the fresh food markets your first stop. Why?

6. Share a meal
Bring the outdoors in by gathering fresh, natural ingredients for homemade muesli, pancakes, fruit compote, roast lamb, meatballs, just some of the Danish faves, the focus being on comfort food rather than haute cuisine. If cooking for a crowd is not your gig, have your friends bring their favourite cosy dishes to share.

7. Bring nature indoors
While foraging at the markets for that fresh produce, grab a bunch of fresh flowers, foliage or branches from your garden, pine cones, anything that will fill your home with nature’s glorious work.

8. Share a warm drink

The Danes love a glogg or spiced mulled wine. Yum! However, any kind of hot drink – coffee, tea, hot chocolate -will add to the hyggelig atmosphere. Nothing cosier than sitting snuggled with a steaming mug in your hands on a cold, wet winters day.

9. Read a Book
A fabulous way to slow down and detach yourself from the busy, fast-paced modern world. Hard copy or Kindle, doesn’t matter (though my Mum would beg to differ – she loves the smell of a good book), as long as you can lose yourself in that story.

10. Indulge in a TV binge with friends
The Danes especially love police procedurals about deranged killers, and they’re pretty fond of scary movies too (stick to fictional scares though otherwise, you’ll be creating the wrong mood entirely!), feeling safe and cosied up amidst their friends. Doesn’t matter your preferences, as long as you’re relaxing.

11. Play Board Games
Yep, that’s a very Hygge way to spend an evening while ticking off three Hygge boxes: companionship, relaxation, and simplicity. Cards, board games, participation games abound.

12. Snuggle
I love a good snuggle, after all, what could be cosier than cuddling? Again the elements of Hygge – comfort, relaxation, simplicity, and spending time with people you’re close to. Snuggle with your partner, your kids, your bestie, your pet. Heck, why not all of them at the same time. It’s warm and joyful, and it costs not a cent.

Our world is hectic, we tend to take pride in who’s put the longest hours in, is working the hardest, and that’s precisely why Hygge is so useful for us. Hygge forces us to slow down and relax. Kick off with this top twelve and before you know it, you’ll be embracing the Danish ‘Hygge’ with ease.

Feel free to share your own Hygge ideas won’t you…

Ripping up paper the right way…

Hi, there lovely readers. Introspection. I suspect we’ve all been indulging in this of late – examining our thoughts and feelings as we reconcile with COVID-19. For me, exploring my own company one week, my loved one’s the next as I flit between two homes; work kit in one box, temperament in another. No children involved. I can’t begin to imagine what life’s been like for those who’ve been juggling partners and kids 24/7. Make or break, survive, thrive or implode. How many words expressed that were better left unsaid?

For the most part, expressing ourselves is vital, for effective communication with family, friends, and work colleagues is critical for healthy, harmonious relationships. There are also times where suppressing them is even more critical. We pat our selves on the back for being so disciplined as we keep those thought bubbles intact yet all that pent up emotion can have disastrous emotional consequences. So how can we let those thought bubbles burst without potential blowback? Journalling my lovely friends. Journalling.

"There are no accusations with writing, no judgment, no shame, only freedom "
(Jessica Sorensen)

Psychologists, sport and otherwise, recommend writing for it’s an effective way to check in with our thoughts, feelings and emotions, positive, negative, or otherwise. An opportunity to process the noise in our heads and allow the subconscious to have a voice. Just enjoying the physical act of putting pen to paper can be a panacea for the soul. No surprises then, that paper journals have been enjoying a resurgence of late. They’re considered the new ‘mindfulness’ app, as evidenced by the volume of beautiful paper journals currently on the market. That said, for those planning to explore the beauty of journaling, opening to that first crisp white page can be quite daunting. What to write?

How to acknowledge thoughts through words and drawings

Keen to totally immerse yourself in the moment as you take your favourite pen to your brand new paper? Why not start by engaging all the senses? It’s simple. First up, create five columns. Now head them up with ‘Smell’, ‘Touch’, Taste’, ‘See’, and ‘Hear’ (or descriptors that personally resonate for you). Now jot down all the fragrances that appeal to you in the ‘Smell’ column. Roast lamb, roses, the ocean, mown grass, wet cats, forest floors – whatever your bliss, jot them all down. Repeat for the remainder. Oh! And be sure to surround yourself with at least one from each list daily – a great way to reconnect with the simple joys of life.

Dealing with a difficult person or situation? Or someone who elicits strong positive or negative emotions but to whom you might find it difficult, if not impossible, to talk to in real life? Let those thoughts and feelings bleed onto your paper. Don’t judge, criticise, or censor your thoughts or pay any attention to spelling, grammar, or tidiness, just let the words flow. Don’t lift the pen, simply keep those emotions flowing. Ahhh… now doesn’t that feel good?

Trying to reconcile with past experiences? Journalling by way of a letter to a person with whom you may have had, or still have, a challenging relationship issue, can also be helpful. It won’t be posted, but it may help you make peace with yourself.

Hampered by creative block? Doodling, sketching to visualise ideas, jotting down keywords, end goals, plotting thoughts all have the potential to unblock. Take a peek at Visual Journalling on Pinterest for inspiration.

Struggling to find grounding? When life seems to have thrown a particularly wicked curveball your way, a gratitude journal is a great way to remind yourself of the positives in your life. It may be as simple as ‘I made someone smile today’, ‘I’m healthy’. ‘I have a roof over my head’. ‘Had a lovely walk this eve’, ‘Enjoyed time with my friend’, had the best almond milk chai latte. A great way to lift your spirit when feeling low.

A bundle of worries cluttering the mind? Write them all down, review, and identify those you don’t have any control over. No draw a firm line through them and contract with yourself to never revisit them. Now jot two things you’ll do to address those you can control on a new page. Voila, your subconscious has something positive to work on while your sleeping. Speaking of sleep…

Counting sheep to find sleep? Experts say we should grab that journal and write the minute we wake, 200 words plus as we release a stream of consciousness in preparation for the coming day. Doing the same last thing in the eve is known to help clear the mind from what I call the ‘chattering monkeys’, instilling a sense of calm as we cruise into sleep. Good night 🙂

Nourishing the senses during iso…

Well hello, lovely readers, still safe and well and enjoying chilling into this new way of working and living? My idea of doing so is to kick a few work goals at one end of the house during the day, take a brisk walk then settle in with a good book, Netflix marathon or playlist at the other end in the eve. That said, the environment in which I relax needs to soothe my soul, and I’m regularly seeking enhancements for making it just so. But is my home soothing my soul as well as it could be right now? Well almost.

We all know that a house that feels like a home is good for health and wellbeing and creating a haven where we can rest, rejuvenate and reconnect with our selves is particularly relevant during these times. According to Grace, a design researcher, surrounding yourself with the things that you love and bring joy – be it patterns, colours, objects, fragrance or sound – nourishes your senses and improves your overall wellbeing. Elena, an interior designer and sustainability and wellbeing expert, reinforces – ‘our space directly impacts wellbeing, and design choices affect quality of comfort on three levels: cognitive, physical and emotional’. ‘For example, logical thinking and detail-orientated processes require lower ceilings, enclosed spaces and sharp edges, while creativity and inspiration need higher ceilings and curved shapes’.

Well, I might not be able to restructure my ceilings to create a cosy ‘cubby’ for my work, but there are several things I CAN do to enhance my wellbeing. Trawling the latest Breathe, a magazine that focuses on wellbeing, mindfulness, creativity and escaping, I came across a great little selection of ideas, sure to thrill the senses and soothe the soul. As we gently ease into the Autumn months of self-imposed exile, why not try a few, all sustainable and affordable. Let me share them with you:

Refresh bedding

My bedroom is my haven so I’ll be bringing out the feathers – 90% down, light as air yet ever so cosy – and swapping out the crisp white doona cover with something more lux. Why not choose a warm colour such as burnt orange or magenta, and layer with a luxurious throw, add a couple of good reads and a candle or two on the bedside table for good measure?

Adjust home fragrances

Speaking of candles, I love a good scented one and, by simply taking the lid off my gorgeous Jo Malone ‘Peony and Blush’ candle, the one that matches my fragrance, my bedroom quickly fills with sensory delight. If you love candles too, now’s the time to bring in the warming scents like vanilla, cinnamon, toffee and amber. A bunch of richly scented flowers while on the supermarket run is a perfect alternative.

Declutter

How quickly do cupboards and drawers fill huh? I’m planning on organising my linen, kitchen and bathroom cupboards. In this era of living in lifestyle gear, aka gym pants, I’m also a little ashamed of the volume of clothing bursting from my wardrobe. In preparation for post-apocalypse, I’ll be ruthless and pare back to just the items that make me feel fabulous, confident and put together (provided the stuff still fits!). Why not get the whole fam involved by having them do the same in their respective domains?

Swap out the accessories

Like the bedroom, I’ll be bringing the snuggly winter cushions and matching throw out of storage to add a little more texture. Having just purchased lamp globes that can be modified using smart technology, I’ll soften the bulbs to a more sultry tone as well. Luxurious textures, such as faux fur, velvet or wool with thicker weaves, a throw to snuggle into during those movie marathons, a small batch of (battery-powered) flickering candles and a scented real one and there you go.

Create a feature wall

Last year, I painted my office wall a deep rich tone, added a few prints, a pile of books, a plant and a couple of treasured ornaments that evoke fond memories when I view them. Why not choose a wall or small room to repaint and create a cosy atmosphere; colours from the yellow family can add brightness and happiness when opening up dark areas while purple hues can create a luxe calming effect.

Upcycle furniture

Sustainability right? Why not give a piece of tired-looking furniture a new lease on life by painting it a happy colour – if that’s not your thing, it will make for an excellent little task for family members who love to get their hands dirty.

I’m sure you have many more ideas to share, please, please do so, meanwhile, enjoy! Oh, and here’s a link to a recent post discussing Hygge – Let’s Hygge where the Danish do exactly what we are discussing here beautifully!

Stay safe lovely peoples x

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