Hygge in the Summer

Well as the song goes….Summertime and the living is easy….so hygge during the summer months is also nice and easy. In the northern hemisphere, the winters can be long and cold and wet, so when summer is here, and it is warm and sunny (not always guaranteed mind you!), most people are desperate to be outside in nature and enjoying the longer days. Whether it is a picnic in the garden or park, a visit to the beach, a walk in the woods or a hike up a mountain, to be immersed and connected and out in nature is a hugely hygge thing to do.

So make the most of the long summer nights, the swallows screaming overhead, and engage all of your senses to take in the sight, sound, smell, taste and feel of those long hazy lazy days.

So here are some suggestions for you to be able to do just that:

Get out for a walk in the sunshine. It boosts your mood, lightens your step and warms the inner person. Even if you have limited time, try and get out in the sunshine and go for a stroll…it doesn’t have to be a long quick march, but a stroll in the sun does you the power of good.

Get out on your bike. During lockdown last year, when we had all that glorious weather, I spent a lot of time out and about on my bike, more than I had done for many years. With hardly any traffic around it was glorious to sail along country lanes listening to birds and feeling the cool breeze on my face. Now however, please take care, as a lot of areas haven’t got specific bike lanes and sometimes it can be a bit hazardous. Going at a weekend and hopefully going with friends or family really brings the hygge spirit alive.

Make a summer hyggekrog. If you haven’t already, get yourself a comfy chair, and a quiet spot in the garden, and settle down with a good book, a nice cool drink and give yourself some ‘me’ time. If you want to, take a small table and create a craft work corner where you can enjoy creating.

Spend the afternoon with friends. There is nothing better than having a get together with a group of close friends. Invite them round for a picnic in the garden, or maybe evening drinks before the sun goes down. After dark, wrap up in a blanket and enjoy a get together under the stars.

Join a group. If family and friends aren’t that close around you, think of activities that you enjoy and join a group. There are rambling groups, running groups, cycling clubs, and hillwalking clubs that bring people together and really develop a sense of community and togetherness.

Going on holiday in the summer can sometimes be stressful, and especially at this time, when we are not actually sure if the holiday will actually be able to go ahead. So bring hygge into it and see if you can travel with more ease and less stress.

Pack light. We all do it, we pack far too many clothes and end up not wearing half of them. We pack things….just in case. So try and be ruthless in how much you pack. You probably don’t need ten pairs of shorts and five pairs of shoes. If you are lucky enough to be flying this year, try and pack what you need into a bag that you can carry onto the plane. It saves time and stress.

Dress comfortably. Comfort equals hygge, so don’t try and squeeze into that little cocktail dress while you’re away. Think smart, casual and comfortable! Wear comfortable clothes to travel in, especially if travelling by train, car or plane.

Slow down. Holidays are for relaxing and chilling out and refreshing the batteries. Take time to sit and relax and rest. Chill by the pool. However, if you enjoy exploring new places, by all means do just that, but take it at a leisurely pace and really enjoy it.

Be social. Be your own true self and get to know people while you’re away. Or plan to meet up with friends while you’re on holiday. Get together, enjoy the lovely weather and each other’s company. And also enjoy meeting and getting to know new people.

Enjoy and appreciate your surroundings. Take the time to really look at and appreciate where you are. Pay attention to the bars and restaurants you visit, really savour the food and the surroundings. Soak it all in and make happy memories.

Enjoy the summer. Relax, soak in the warm sun, enjoy the longer days and until next time, take care and peaceful wishes.