How to Hygge through a Pandemic

I’ve been excited to introduce hygge (hoo-ga) to all of you for a long while now! The timing may seem random but the more I think about it, the timing couldn’t be better. 

Hygge is basically everything I love, EVERYTHING.

The definition I like the most goes as follows: 

Hygge:

A calm, comfortable time with people you love. A complete absence of frustrations or anything emotionally overwhelming, often enjoyed with good food and drinks, warm blankets and candle light. 

Um, OK, I am here for THAT.

And can we just address that the world is so not hygge right now. SO. NOT. HYGGE.

Events are being canceled left and right. Travel plans suspended. And if you come down with symptoms…. Well, we all know what we are supposed to do! So in anticipation of the chance we have to stay at home for a good while, I thought I would throw out some ideas to make your time at home a little more hygge. Read on for some positivity and goodness. 

1. Light the Candle:  Hygge is all about coziness and nothing is more cozy than a lit candle. NOTHING. Rummage through your drawers and cupboards and pull those candles out.  Scents are known to elevate moods, so if you don’t have a scented candle, add a drop or two of some lavender or orange essential oil into your candle for an instant mood boost.

1. Cuddle Up: Stress is high right now for legitimately everyone.  And everyone’s stress is making me stressed! And then kids and other people can feel that stress. So let’s make a collective effort to wash our hands AND calm down. Put on your döz dress, take the ones close to you, snuggle up and read some books, watch a movie (or two or three) and connect. Physical connection is proven to calm and settle.  Hug someone close. (after washing your hands and not kissing or anything because #corona)

1. Bake all the things: (again, after washing your hands because #corona) pull out all the ingredients and bake the bread and the muffins and the cookies. Let your kids help. Let them crack the eggs. Too far? Ok, you crack the eggs but maybe let them stir. Connect in the kitchen and enjoy eating what you made together. 

My middle school teacher had a poster in his classroom that said, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react.” I am going to choose peace and calm and in gratitude take this opportunity to be close (but not too close because #corona) to my family. Add a little hygge and destress from this mess!