Hygge is a Danish concept of comfortable living. It is gaining a lot of popularity in these times especially when people are feeling burnt out and stressed. A day where you can feel totally in your element without regretting it the next day. Sounds like bliss, right?
So, what do you do on a Hygge day?
Let’s understand the concept a little better.
What is Hygge?
Hygge refers to finding peace, comfort and contentment in simple, little things. Basically, cocooning yourself in comfort all around in the way you live, your surroundings, the food you eat and the things you do. So, starting a self-care Hygge day mainly includes doing and surrounding yourself with little things that make you feel at peace.
How to Set Up a Hygge Day?
I am a little obsessive about planning and lists (but flexible in execution). I like to plan ahead rather than wing it. So, I go ahead and make a list of tasks I like to do, food to cook, things I might need and prepare ahead by buying them and prepping the space. Then I can relax on my Hygge day. To get started:
- Choose a space in your home to spend time in—a little Hygge zone
- Clean that space up, declutter and remove distractions
- Set up the room using comfy pillows, throws and anything that relaxes you
- Scented candles, ambient lights, soothing music is a bonus
- Decide comfort food that keeps you content
- Shop your groceries and keep them ready
- If you are planning tasks that need new items like books, shop them too
- Ensure you have clean clothes. Launder them, if required.
Planning your Hygge Day Start to Finish
- Start with a nature walk—even small parks work well
- Get back home and change into comfy clothes
- Open the windows and let light and air into your “hygge” zone
- Sip hot/cold beverages like chamomile tea, etc to keep your mind calm
- Hot chocolate works in a pinch to uplift your mood
- You can meditate for a couple of minutes just to let the energy flow
- A good breakfast is a must to keep your content mindset
- For at least 2 hours, keep away from technology
- Read a book, write or do creative stuff instead
- For the afternoon lunch, a slow cooked meal works best
- Rest of the day watch movies or do anything you love
- End the day with a hot bath/shower
- A candle-light dinner with yourself also works for the cause
- Dance a little victory jig for a stress-free day before bed!
My Hygge Day in Bangalore
My day started early with a walk in Lal Bagh. The sounds of nature, and the fresh air feels lovely in there. After spending some quality time there, I head home to change into my freshly laundered PJs—comfier, the better. I love Tea Me’s Very Berry Cold Brew Tea. Its refreshing and soothing. I take a cup of that and start my meditation routine. Its just for 15 minutes of deep breathing, positive affirmations and being mindful of my surroundings.
Next, I eat a nice breakfast of lemon rice which is the easiest to make. And then start by dancing around. I do not check my phone for at least 4-5 hours after I wake up because it tends to put me out of my zone. I also ensure my emails and unnecessary notifications are blocked for the day because they distract me. Then I curl up in my living room, on a pile of cushions and read a nice book. I am not much for movies, shows etc. But I take this day to watch at least one.
My lunch mainly is the South-Indian delicacy, bisi bele bath. I love the burst of flavours. I tend to avoid meat during the day because it makes me full and leaves me sleepy. Although Hygge is call to be content, I don’t want to be lazy instead.
In the evening, I order in food. There’s nothing wrong with not wanting to cook on your Hygge Day. So if relaxation means no cooking, then go for it! I did order a Biryani. (If it makes me sleepy, I can sleep all night!) I watch more movies/read books before I sleep. Especially the comedies to keep the mood light and happy.
Things to Keep in Mind for a Hygge Day
- Create a relaxing space
- Don’t restrict your activities to technology
- Use this time to tap into your creative side—paint, knit, cook
- Treat yourself to soothing drinks
- Avoid too much alcohol because hangovers are anti-Hygge
- Be mindful throughout the day
- Eat food you love
- Be guilt-free for this time because you are recharging
Have your own Hygge routines? Tell me in the comments! Let’s help each other out.