Whenever I am stressed or need to rejuvenate I hide myself away in my home and find ways to get cozy. Sometimes it’s a hot bath and then snuggling under the covers with a book. Or its lighting some candles and watching a period piece on Netflix. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I realized that the self care I had been practicing all these years was the Danish concept of hygge!
For those of you new to the concept, hygge is defined as a feeling of coziness and more broadly a lifestyle that embraces life’s simple, warm pleasures. According to “Hygge House” its “a feeling or mood that comes taking genuine pleasure in making ordinary, every day things more meaningful, beautiful or special.”
Hygge helps me relax and feel safe, so I’m sharing steps that can be used at home to embrace hygge and recharge this winter.
Set the mood with candles
What is more cozy than having soft, flickering light all throughout your home space? My favorite candle scents are the spicy ones, think cinnamon and vanilla flavors. Affordable, large candles can be found at Marshalls or TJMaxx. Just make sure you buy the ones that are made with soy wax since they burn the cleanest!
Declutter your space
Before I can begin to relax my home has to be tidy, if not clean. This doesn’t mean I’ll whip out the hard core cleaning supplies and start scrubbing, but I will do things like make my bed, fluff up my pillows, and clean up the toys Winston loves to scatter all over the floor. Having a tidier space helps me start to unwind and feel cozy.
Enjoy a hot beverage in a pretty teacup
Whether it’s a warm cup of hot chocolate, tea, or even mulled wine – put it in a pretty glass or teacup. It adds a bit of luxury to simplest of pleasures.
Update your lounge wear
When you’re enjoying a quiet night in with hygge inspired activities, you’re probably wearing old sweat pants and T-shirts that you don’t necessarily feel your best in. I recently invested in updating some of my lounge wear and love how it makes me feel (think soft sweatshirts and fleece lined joggers). When I come home and change out of my work clothes I feel like less of a bum and a little cuter when indulging with a night at home.
Learn a new craft
The social scene really slows down in Chicago due to the cold so staying in is a perfect time to learn that new craft or project. I love nothing more than a night of bookmaking or playing with watercolors. I turn on one of my my relax playlists on Spotify and just enjoy the quiet time.
