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I don't know about you, but in my household 2019 has been a roller-coaster year, one of those years that I can honestly say I am ready to see go! I am simply ready for some peace and calmness, but this time of year can be anything but that. It seems like everyone is on this constant quest to bring in the holiday season and end the year in the biggest way possible. So while the world is in a frenzy to make this season the biggest and the best, I find myself intrigued with a new concept for settling into the winter months. Hygge is a Danish word/concept and it literally means to be cozy, comfortable and content, the Danish people are arguably some of the happiest people in the world so perhaps this concept is a part of that! Worst case scenario it cannot hurt to add a little more cozy to your world, and the best part is you can integrate Hygge into your life with out spending a penny!
Simply Be There
Technology, work distractions and unfinished tasks can all take away from your free time and make it less than enjoyable. By simply instituting a distraction free time block everyday even if it is just 20 minutes can improve your mood, your relationships and your outlook on life in general. So turn off the TV, put down the phone and ignore the emails and talk to each other, or simply spend the time in silence!
Read....Read....Read!
I am not going to go on and on about the benefits and the studies regarding how much simply reading a book benefits you both mentally and professionally, by now you have heard this enough from other people that you get it. Ask yourself this question though, when was the last time you truly lost yourself in a good book? For some of you I am going to guess if you are honest it was when you were a child! If so you are long over due so fix a cozy drink and devote a block of time each week to simply escaping in a book. Don't like to read? Find a magazine, a comic book, a joke book something that sparks your interest!
Lighting
Oh those harsh overhead lights, I personally hate them! I am a huge fan of natural lighting and avoid using artificial light whenever possible, but this time of year it can be a struggle. Luckily I love candles and for me nothing is cozier and more relaxing then spending the evening curled up with a nice blanket surrounded by candle light.
Food
It is soup season! Nothing is cozier than homemade soup and bread. Even if you are not a cook, a crock-pot and a bread-machine can give you the confidence you need to spend some time in the kitchen creating cozy and comforting meals to share with your friends and family.
This list embodies everything that is comfortable and cozy to me, but it may look very different for you. There is no wrong way to Hygge, it is the simply an quality of coziness that makes a person feel content and comfortable. So take some time and think about what these ideas mean to you and find small ways to implement them into your daily routines.
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