Hygge
As regular readers will know I have seasonal affective disorder. I manage it in a variety of ways, one of which is to have an intentional list of the things I can enjoy and look forward to over winter. This list includes fully embracing the idea of hygge. I have a lovely book, The Little Book of Hygge – The Danish Way to Live Well by Meik Wiking. The introduction begins, “Hooga? Hhyooguh? Heurgh? It’s not important how you choose to pronounce or even spell ‘hygge’. To paraphrase one of the greatest philosophers of our time – Winnie-the-Pooh – when asked how to spell a certain emotion, ‘You don’t spell it, you feel it.’”
Wiking goes on to say that “hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things.” As I write this I’ve created a very cosy atmosphere. I’m on my sofa under a faux fur throw. I’m wearing warm, comfortable clothes and have a hot rooibos red chai tea in one of my favourite mugs. A lovely scented candle is burning and the fairy lights are on. I feel safe, warm and relaxed.
I took my Christmas decorations down on 5th January. The thought, as usual, filled me with a quiet dread. Christmas over and at least two more months of winter weather and low light levels to contend with. But I was determined to create a hygge atmosphere even without the help of Christmas decorations. As well as the aforementioned faux fur throw I have lots of candles and I’ve swapped my Christmas cushion covers for the softest faux fur. There’s a cosy wool throw on my second sofa, lots of fairy lights and I kept out the candle holders that were winter, rather than Christmas themed. By the time all the Christmas decorations were away I sat down in the candle lit room with a well-earned mulled wine and felt thoroughly cosy.
When I shared my list for an intentional winter in December I asked what you loved about winter and time after time the answer was the cosiness. I’ve definitely achieved that this year. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had days when the SAD has made it’s presence strongly felt. We had eight straight days with no sun at all and I really felt it. But I know that between the hygge, self-care and being as intentional as possible it won’t get the upper hand. Already the mornings and evenings are getting just that little bit lighter.
My intentional winter list includes:
Decorating for winter and making the house as cosy as possible after Christmas.
A winter walk in the nature reserve, preferably with a friend.
Having a hygge weekend in London with my friend.
Wearing sequins in January and February (sequins are not just for Christmas parties people!)
Appreciating the first signs of snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils.
Learning to cook a new seasonal recipe.
Having a facial.
Enjoying winter scented candles.
Lots of fairy lights.
I’m doing well so far. The house is decorated and cosy. I’ve been on the winter walk and the sun shone. It was an amazing couple of hours. My hygge weekend in London was lovely and I wore my red sequin hat! The snowdrops are out in my front garden. I’m loving my winter scented candles and my fairy lights and the facial is booked for next month. Pretty good going. I still need to cook a new seasonal recipe. All suggestions welcome!
How would being more intentional at this time of year improve your life?
