Hygge – Simple Ways to Stay Cozy and Happy this Season
Grab your coziest blanket, your favourite hot drink, and snuggle up to read some of the easiest ways to enjoy life a little more this season.
September and October are a few of my favorite months. The air is crisp and cool in the mornings, the smell of fall is winding through the trees, and landscapes start to transform into beautiful, picturesque scenes of color. Unfortunately, this season can also bring a feeling of uneasiness, so my goal is to share a few tips on how to find happiness in the small, simple moments throughout these uncertain times!
Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is a word used to describe coziness and contentment in our everyday life. Hygge, a noun, is a quality of coziness and comfortable pleasantness that brings a feeling of contentment or well-being (considered as a defining characteristic of Danish and Norwegian culture).
Try asking yourself the following questions: What makes you feel happy? What makes you feel calm or at peace? What are some things that help you relax? Do you have a favorite spot in your house? Where do you feel the coziest? Have a few things in mind? Excellent! Hygge is something you can incorporate into your home and everyday life if you try! It’s really all about those cozy, stress free, feel good moments and elements in your life. Below is a list of some common hygge ideas to incorporate into your day-to-day life this fall!
• Crackling bonfires
• Mugs filled with your favorite hot drink
• Cozy sweaters
• Warm baths
• Comfy blankets and rugs
• Smells and tastes of baked goods
• Warm, low lighting
• Crunching leaves beneath your feet
• A good movie and a favorite snack
• Sitting out on your deck on a Saturday morning with a cup of coffee
Over the next few weeks, I encourage you to find small moments, items, and additions you can bring to your life that make you happy. Perhaps it’s music, a favorite food, or a great movie. Especially in these strange times, it’s important to find joy in the simple things. Let’s get hygge!
Written by Laura Greer | Quispamsis Education Supervisor, YMCA of Greater Saint John. Read more at saintjohny.ymca.ca/blog