It’s spring, the perfect time for everyone to get out after being cooped up all winter. Yet, there is an order for us to stay home. So what do you do to keep yourself sane? You learn to Hygge.
What does it mean to Hygge? The Danish word Hygge is to create contentment and wellness by creating a cozy, warm, and comforting home.
I’m guessing if you are on lockdown, you are starting to feel the effects of being cozy with your family. Life has changed, and the unfamiliarity of what we are all experiencing is creating anxiety and stress. What you are feeling is entirely understandable.
I’ve already heard plenty of stories where people are spending the majority of their time watching television all day because they are bored and have no idea what to do. Watching TV or using electronics all day is not physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy.
I grew up in rural America and raised that the television doesn’t come on until the end of the day. I raised my kids the same way. On dance night and game night, the tv never came on. I didn’t know it then, but we spent the majority of our time finding ways to create togetherness without electronics.
Your mindfulness challenge for this week is to create togetherness with your family. So lets all Hygge.
Here are some ways to Hygge while being on lockdown.
Nature is an essential part of our wellness and health. If you have a place to go outside, why not practice walking meditation, touching the earth (also known as grounding), or even sitting in nature to bird watch and listen to nature sounds.
You can bring nature inside by cutting flowers, growing plants from seeds, or even opening the windows to letting in some fresh air. Why not raise some chickens (which will soon provide you with eggs) or start a worm farm?
It is also a perfect time to simplify your life by decluttering areas of your home. People feel less stressed when they are organized. You can even get the kids involved by having them declutter a space of their room. My dad used to be able to get my brother and me to do all kinds of chores most kids would hate. He did this by making it fun, singing, and laughing while doing chores.
Additionally, getting home repairs done and beautifying your home. If your home is dark, lighten it up with some fresh paint, which will also help lighten your mood.
Why not get everyone involved with baking or cooking? If you are not a cook, challenge yourself to bake something. It’s the perfect time to cook up meals and put in the freezer for those times you are in a hurry to get dinner ready. Make hot chocolate or herbal tea to enjoy together.
Exercising is also essential during this time, and something the entire family can do together. Even pets! My dog is right next to me when I am doing my yoga. If you’ve never started an exercise program, now is the time to do so. Start small and see how great you all feel, then increase your exercise time each day.
Knowledge is power, so why not start a family book club or designate a time for reading and journaling? It will help you and the kids write out their feelings about what is happening.
Other ways to encourage wellness and practice Hygge in your home are: Create art, play games, get cozy on the couch and have deep, meaningful conversations, dance, laugh, and have fun!
Practicing to Hygge is about enjoying the moment with what you are doing and with whom you are doing it. It’s about living life slowly and with purpose. The coming weeks are said to be some of the worst here in the United States. I hope that practicing togetherness with those in your home will help you get through this with less stress and anxiety.
The greatest legacy we can leave our children is happy memories.” – Og Mandino
Let go of the way you think life should be and for now, join the slow living movement.
Check out last week’s challenge: Mindfulness Challenge, Focus on Your Locus
If you or someone you know would benefit from these mindfulness challenges, please sign up for our mailing list here. I would love for you to be a part of our mindful tribe.
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