Hygge in Winter
I love the concept of hygge, which if you have been around here for a while I’m sure you are aware of. For those of you new to the concept of hygge it is a quality of cosiness, a calm, warm and relaxing atmosphere. Belonging to the moment, to each other, and celebrating the everyday.
It’s not about going out and buying lots of new things but instead about looking inwards at what we already have and finding the pieces that make us happy and bringing them forward to be used and loved throughout this season.
Warm tones
We love to use wood for this but you could also use wallpaper, artwork or blankets; anything you have already, grab it out. I’m thinking browns, reds, oranges and mustard tones (like the Gryffindor common room or The Burrow). This can also be created by using side lighting which gives a cosy orange light instead of overhead lights and fire in the form of a fireplace or candles.
Pillows and blankets
Grab everything you have and pop it on your sofas and armchairs. It’ll make it super snuggly and inviting when your guests sit down and is there honestly anything better than being curled up and tucked in with a hot beverage and squishy cushions all around?
Jumpers, socks, and anything else that makes you feel cosy.
I tend to wear lots of natural and stretchy materials in the winter months; cotton leggings, oversized knitted jumpers, long cardigans and big cosy socks. Clothing that feels nice on my skin, keeps me warm and is easy to move around in without being restricted as we spend a lot of time snuggled on the sofa reading books or on the floor playing with Duplo.
Warm drinks & comforting foods
Take the time to make and enjoy a warm drink in the mornings, whether that’s tea, coffee or cocoa. I also recommend planning your meals so you always have something yummy, comforting and filling to eat together (if you are a family) in the evenings. Having warm drinks and comforting hot food to share together once a day will bring you closer and is a great time to practice gratitude.
Practice gratitude
Keep a gratitude book and write in it every day. We fill ours in over our evening meal and it melts my Mama heart at what my little ones say made them happy each day.
Use your favourite thing daily.
What’s your favourite thing you own? Is it a dinner set or a teacup like me? Is it a particular perfume or face cream or maybe a bag or coat? Whatever it is incorporate it into your routine and use it every day. Using our special items makes us feel special, and being around beauty and beautiful things lifts the soul.
Do something you love, for yourself, for 30 minutes each day.
This can be hard to work in if you have a full-time job, are a student revising or a Mama with young children but I promise you that if you make 30 minutes a day for yourself, to pursue whatever it is that you love, you will feel happier and recharged and thus be better at completing the other tasks of life.
Go outside every day, even if it’s only for a short while.
Going out into the cold or the wet and then coming back inside makes your home feel extra cosy! After our outdoor time is when we’ll all sit around the table together with our hot cocoa and giggle and chat about what we did outside and what books we want to read next.
I’ve also noticed that when we stick to going outside every day, even in the rain, we get less sick. All that fresh air certainly helps keep the bugs away.
No screens once a day.
Have time when you aren’t looking at a screen or scrolling through social media. I find it really calming to do this in the evenings and we tend to get tucked up in bed and read a book or sometimes I like to journal or write (the old-fashioned way). I’ve mentioned in a few other posts how important I think detaching from screens and social media is and I really recommend you give it a try.
I hope you found these tips helpful and enjoy adding hygge into your winter days. What things do you do to create a sense of peace and cosiness in your home? We always love to hear from you.
Love and light,
Livvy and Summer
