Hi loves, it’s been a while.
I apologise for being MIA, much has been happening, some good,
some bad, and alas, time (and inspiration) has not been abundant.
That glorious, golden tinge has begun to settle over the
northern hemisphere announcing autumn’s arrival (my favourite season), and as
such I’ve begun my usual hunt for warming recipes and cosy activities, plus indulging
in the purchase of a jumper or two, anticipating the chill. I always feel at my
most positive during autumn, safely wrapped up in scarves, clutching hot drinks
and watching the leaves make their final glorious display before making way for
bare branches. I decided last year to start making the most of this feeling, to
try and adopt it throughout the year.
I began following the concept of hygge (hue-guh) a few
months ago, the Danish concept of living in contentment and well-being. It’s
marvellous how much positivity comes with taking time for yourself, allowing space
for enjoyment of the things you love, those Danes are really onto something.
Reading, sipping tea, listening to music or podcasts, painting, spending time with
friends, or simply sitting in quiet contentment. Hygge encourages creating
comfort, whether that be within your home, in your relationships or simply
yourself.
I decided to pursue a hygge frame of mind in the aftermath
of an anxiety diagnosis. For a long time, I felt unease in the way my thoughts
operated, constantly feeling a low level of panic, not sleeping and questioning
interactions with others. Finally seeking guidance from my doctor gave me the
clarity and support I needed. With that came the realisation that I needed to
review the way I choose to live, leading to the discovery of hygge.
There is no right or wrong way to attaining a feeling of hygge,
it’s a personal journey that only you can take. But I’m happy to share with you
how I approach it.
The first piece of my puzzle fell into place when I
realised, after years of thinking the opposite, that I am (much to everyone in
my life’s disbelief) an introvert. Not in the misunderstood sense – a
discomfort of being around people or being active in social discussion – but in
the sense that, after socialising, participating in discussion or time spent
with loved ones, I need time to decompress on my own, in my own company, in my
own safe space. It allows me to reset and prevents becoming overwhelmed by the
constant barrage of information and attention that comes with venturing out
into the world.
Hygge helps me tackle this. At home, I burn candles with
lovely scents, have soft lighting, and a sofa covered in warm blankets. It’s a
safe environment built for comfort and relaxation, a sanctuary from bright
lights and overbearing noises.
I endeavour to spend 30 minutes at least every day, indulging
in doing some of my favourite things. Reading has played an enormous role in my
life, so it seems only fitting that a giant bookcase (thank you for this most
appreciated of Christmas gifts mum and dad), stuffed to the brim with fiction,
fact, recipes, crafts, horror, fantasy and humour now resides in a cosy nook in
my living room, a lamp and a comfy seat tucked by its side.
I’ve always been a huge true crime fan (not particularly in
line with the hygge mentality I know, but you can give me this one), so I made
a point to discover and listen to podcasts focussed on this (albeit morbid)
interest of mine. Those combined (respectfully) with comedy are a favourite, as
I’m sure any fellow murderinos can agree (SSDGM).
Hygge doesn’t have to be kept to the confines of the home.
Taking a walk around your favourite landscape, whether that be rolling hills or
bustling streets, can play its part. As can trips to the cinema, pub, library,
the gym (not a part a hygge for me, but sadly still a necessity), eating out,
farmer’s markets, craft fairs, bell ringing, you get my point. Find your
contentment, your fulfilment, and embrace it. Allow yourself the indulgence of
time for you and your loves. Celebrate the smaller things, create rituals that
fill you with joy. In a world of never-ceasing negativity and conflict, make
your own peace. And if that peace is to be found in the middle of a concert, so
be it.
In the approach to winter (except for you spring-bound Southern
Hemisphere-ers) with dark mornings and darker nights on the horizon, there isn’t
a better time to start appreciating the things that delight you. Hygge is an
all-year, all-time endeavour, but in the face of the cold, murky months you may
find that you are more eager to seek out the blissful things in life before the
weather catches up.
