How to Get Hygge

Pronounced, “hoo-gah”, Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word (used as a noun or adjective) to describe a state of coziness and warmth, like creating a certain atmosphere that illuminates the soul. Hygge is about surrounding yourself with feel good things: people, food, drink, activities, decor. Simply put, Hygge is self-care and a state of mindfulness.

Have you ever wondered why Nordic countries are always top of list for happiness? Hygge is their way of life. In the US, we often feel pressure to pursue the future, rather than savoring this moment — What can I buy next to feel more fulfilled? Where can I travel next to be happier? When will I get the next promotion? How can I be more successful?

What if we took a break from the demands of life to enjoy the process of it all, allowing ourselves to indulge and listening to what our bodies really wanted? Hygge is less about minimalism and more about feeling present and comfortable; it provides a friendlier and more forgiving lifestyle.

Some ways to turn up your Hygge lifestyle include having a movie or board game night, connecting with kith and kin, cooking a soup or baking a cake, brewing a fresh cup of coffee or tea, cuddling with a fuzzy blanket, putting on your favorite loungers, reading a good book, lighting a candle, taking time to be outdoors every day, or even by adding low-light lamps to create a peaceful environment. Hygge is whatever is wholesome and nourishing to your soul.

Although a Hygge lifestyle can be implemented all year round, it can also help with “SAD” — seasonal affective disorder, because Winter is the most Hygge time of year. Think about it — candles, cozy socks, hot cocoa, and lounging fireside! Implementing Hygge year round means finding joy in even the most mundane tasks (hence: mindfulness) and doing things that are simply just good for your soul even in the coldest of weather.

Contentment, comfort, and connection are the perfect ingredients for a Hygge lifestyle.

Milk Alternatives

Over the past few years, we’ve seen an increase in non dairy substitutes for milk. Most grocery stores carry a range of types and brands of milk alternatives, coffee shops offer beverages with soy, almond, coconut, and oat milk, and there are plenty of recipes out there on making your own nut, oat, or seed milk. 

Many people are switching away from cow’s milk due to a milk allergy, lactose intolerance, dietary restrictions, and potential health risks. Did you know that around 75% of the world’s population is intolerant to the sugar found in milk called lactose? Other people stay away from milk for ethical or health reasons, like being vegan or wanting to avoid ingesting potential hormones or antibiotics in milk. Some people switch to alternative milk options because they simply prefer the taste. Whatever your reason for exploring non dairy substitutes for milk, read on for potential swaps. 

Soy Milk

Soy milk offers similar nutrition to cow’s milk. It is a plant-based source of high-quality “complete protein,” meaning it provides essential amino acids. Soy products are somewhat controversial, in that they contain isoflavones, which can affect the way hormones function in the body. 

Almond Milk

Compared to cow’s milk, almond milk contains ¼ the calories and about ½ the fat. Almond milk contains Vitamin E, made up of antioxidants that can protect the body from free radicals. One downside to almond milk is that it contains a lower concentration of beneficial nutrients found in almonds, because the majority of almond milk is made up of water.   

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is low in protein and carbohydrates, making it a good option for people looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake. The majority of calories in coconut milk come from saturated fat, including medium-chain triglycerides. Some research shows that these fats can help with weight loss and improve blood-cholesterol levels, while other research indicates that coconut oil may raise levels of total and “bad” cholesterol. 

Oat Milk

Oat milk has large amounts of total fiber and beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that binds to cholesterol to help lower LDL cholesterol and improve heart functioning. 

Hemp Milk

Hemp milk is high in protein and provides essential amino acids, including the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid and the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid, which the body cannot make on its own. 

There are many other milk alternatives available, each one possessing pros and cons based on your needs and what your body can tolerate. When purchasing a non dairy milk substitute, be sure to read the labels, because many options contain added sugar and gums to improve texture. The cost of different brands and varieties can also range significantly. If you’re interested in making your own nut, seed, oat, rice, etc. milk at home, take a look at these recipes: https://minimalistbaker.com/guide-making-dairy-free-milk/

References

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-milk-substitutes#section11

Making Time for Pleasant Activities

When life gets stressful, we can feel quite overwhelmed by the difficult situations we face. Maybe you’re weighed down by work demands that require constant attention. Maybe you’ve got a lot on your plate and are trying to juggle the needs of others and yourself without completely burning out. Or possibly you’re dealing with interpersonal conflict that weighs heavy on your heart and mind--say a difference of opinion or an argument that’s unsettling. 

When things don’t go your way, or you’re feeling stressed out, how do you tend to respond? It’s quite typical to become anxious, worried, and overwhelmed. Sometimes we think we can just “work a little harder” to resolve the stressors. We might jump into problem solving mode and add more expectations to ourselves, thinking this will help. In other situations, we may have urges to throw up our hands and give up, since the problem seems too big. Giving up can then lead us to feel disappointed in ourselves and prompt further sadness. Another option, which you may already be practicing, is making time for pleasant activities. Often, one of the best things we can do when dealing with a stressor is to take some time and space away from the situation. By engaging in something pleasant, we create distance from the stressor, tend to our self-care and mental health, and can usually return to the issue with a new perspective. 

Instead of viewing pleasant activities and events as things we can enjoy after we’ve tackled our work or responsibilities, think of them as vital pieces of our lives that deserve to be prioritized. Consider scheduling fun activities throughout the week, carving out longer windows of time on the weekends or as possible. Making sure pleasant events are part of your weekly routine will help reduce stress, boost mood, and help you feel more balanced and present. 

Ideas of Pleasant Activities

• Go to the lake or a river

• Pick up a pencil and paper and draw

• Go for a bike ride

• Stroll around your neighborhood

• Try out a new recipe

• Give a gift card or handwritten note to a friend

• Do a puzzle

• Take a walk in a park or on a trail

• Spend time gardening or tending to an indoor plant

• Play board games

• Color a coloring page

• Exercise and move your body

• Find a new hobby

• Book an appointment for acupuncture, massage, or reiki

• Have a picnic

• Do a house project or rearrange furniture

• Reach out to an old friend

• Stargaze at night

References

“Pleasant Activities to Do.” Retrieved from https://livingwell.org.au/well-being/mental-health/pleasant-things-to-do/