The last month of the year is arguably the most magical one. The holiday spirit is in full swing with cute decorations, thoughtful gifts, and the promise of gathering with loved ones to celebrate.
But more often than not, hopes for a joyful season are extinguished by the unfortunate reality of long checkout lines, bumper-to-bumper traffic in bad weather, and busy schedules that never seem to align. Those warm-fuzzy December feelings are quickly dampened by circumstances beyond control.
So how do you keep the spirit of the season alive when you’re overwhelmed by the demand of the holiday rush? Enter: Hygge.
What is Hygge?
Pronounced “hyoo-guh,” this Danish word means “a cozy quality that makes a person feel content and comfortable,” according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
You know that feeling you get when you cuddle up on the couch with a warm mug of tea, a candle lit on the table beside you, and snow gently falling outside? Or when you’ve finished a delicious dinner surrounded by good friends and family, and you’re fully appreciating the happy moment?
That, my friends, is hygge. A state of being in which you are at ease and content. Below are four ways you can incorporate this Danish concept into your own life and embrace contentment this holiday season.
Slow Down
It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of rushing through your day. Our overfilled calendars remind us loudly that we’re already late to the next task, and staying in the moment has never been harder thanks to a million things tugging at our attention. The best way to combat this constant state of go, go, go, is to stay in the moment. Try simple grounding techniques like breathing exercises or focusing on your senses.
Express Gratitude
Take time throughout your day to breathe deeply and practice gratitude for the chance to live that exact moment. Contentment begins with appreciation for what you have, whether big or small. According to Luna Greenstein for the National Alliance on Mental Health, expressing gratitude can greatly impact your self-confidence, and ability to connect with others, and even “build resistance to depression.”
Up the Cozy Vibes
Hygge isn’t just about your mental state; it’s about the environment you surround yourself with. Turn off the overhead lights, keep a candle lit, and dress in soft, warm clothing. Choose activities that don’t overstimulate your brain. Coloring, reading, journaling, or playing an instrument are great ways to keep your mind calmly engaged.
Lean on Community
For a truly hygge lifestyle, community is a must. Fill your home with people you love, and enjoy the process of building on those relationships. Invite people over for a game night, themed dinner, or a bring-your-own-craft party. Hygge and community go hand-in-hand, and you may find that by investing in the people around you, your sense of self is positively impacted.
