Hygge Time
I realise this is a bit of a 2016 buzz word and usually I’d be the one rolling my eyes at everybody jumping on the band wagon of something but I absolutely LOVE this concept!
If you’ve managed to escape hygge then let me tell you what it is and just why I love it.
Hygge, pronounced hue-gah, is a Danish word to describe a mood or a feeling that comes from taking genuine pleasure in everyday activities or moments and make them extra special. This can be something as simple as switching the lights off and lighting candles while you have a cuppa on the sofa. It can be described in English with a combination of words such as comfort, cosy, happiness, security, familiarity or simpleness.
It’s thought that the Danes are one of the happiest nations because they bring hygge into their daily life. They do this in the most simple of ways and are thought to do so to bring some pleasure and comfort to cold, long, dark days. As I’m writing this I’m sat with a glass of mulled wine, the fire is on and the Christmas tree lights are twinkling. I think I’m having some hygge time myself!
So, why do I love it? As a family we spend a lot of time together. The hubby and I are lucky to work from home most of the week and get to spend a good chunk of time with the kids each day so that isn’t really an issue for us. But, how much of that is actually ‘quality’ time? Probably not much. Let’s face it, yelling at the kids to get ready for school, or bed or to eat their tea isn’t exactly enjoyable!
We’ve made a conscious effort over the past few months to just stop. Take time out. Put the iPhones down (and out of reach!), choose a family film and snuggle up. The kids love it and so do we. You get extra cuddles, much needed down time and the closeness you feel in that moment is something to cherish. The kids were sitting happily in the living room this morning making paper chains and chatting away so I made them both a flask of hot chocolate to drink while they were sitting there. Their little eyes lit up. Such a simple addition to the activity. Hygge!
As for us grown ups, it’s so easy (and I’m COMPLETELY guilty of it myself) to take your opportunity to ‘get stuff done’ while the kids are happy in front of the telly or sat colouring in. Yet maybe those are the moments that we should choose to take 5 minutes ourselves to join them on the sofa or to colour in a flower on their picture. It’s easy as a busy parent to forget to recharge your own batteries and that’s why making some time for hygge is so important for your own mental health and wellbeing. Might sound dramatic but it’s about taking time out to be there and enjoy the moment not just go through the motions. The simple concept of hygge is definitely one to try…
