Let’s Hygge

Hello, well here we are in January 2022. I am a great lover of snow, so this picture called to me straight away. I know it makes life more difficult with traveling, etc, but there is nothing more beautiful than a deep blanket of unspoilt snow lying over everywhere, with the sun creating millions of glints as though the world was covered with millions of diamonds or stars.

Winter needn’t be a time for hiding away and wishing that the Spring would hurry up and arrive. Take the winter time to slow down a little, enjoy the comfort of your home. Indulge in cosy blankets, a mug of hot chocolate and snuggle up with a book or a board game in front of the fire.

Here’s a few other tips to help encourage you enjoy the winter for what it is…a season to really bring a sense of hygge into your daily life, even for a few minutes each day. And by the time Spring is on the horizon, being able to create a hyggelig in your home will have become second nature.

There is more to hygge in winter than just around Christmas-time and I’m going to highlight the idea that being active outside during the winter can be hugely beneficial and also fun. I’ll also include a few ideas of what exercise and activities are good for this time of year.

It is surprising to know that the Danes, who have longer winter nights than we do here in the UK, really know how to make the most of the outdoors during this season. They really understand the importance of getting out into the fresh air and carrying out outdoor pursuits.

Those that practise hygge don’t let things like wind, rain or snow, get in the way of them getting out and about and enjoying life to the full. If the thought of going for a walk in drizzle, snow or fog can seem a little off-putting, the fact is that spending time out of doors is really beneficial and essential to human health. Research has shown that being outdoors can help alleviate fatigue, has a proven record of helping to de-stress and can fight anxiety and depression. So spending all your days indoors during the winter months, no matter how warm and comfy it is, is just not great for good health, both mentally and physically.

For the more energetic people out there, there are some great winter sports to be enjoyed. Skiing, ice-skating and snowboarding in those areas of the UK that get snow are obvious choices, but for those areas that don’t get that much snow or any snow at all then mountain biking, trail biking, running, hiking, hill walking or mountaineering are all options.

If you want to take the ‘sport’ out of any outdoor activities, then going for a swim in the sea if you live near the coast, bird watching, or simply going for a walk with the dog or with family and/or friends is equally beneficial.

The secret is to get out of doors, and enjoy nature, be energetic, enjoy what you are doing and in the uncomfortable times of being outside, just remind yourself of the hot chocolate, warm fire and cosy blankets that are waiting for you when you get home.

Enjoy this season, it’s a slightly slower one than the others, but it can still be fun, energetic and a good boost.

Until next time, take care and peaceful wishes.