Hygge is a Danish philosophy of living that encourages you to find happiness and comfort in your surroundings. It is about making small moments pleasurable and memorable, and it’s the perfect way to maintain your wellbeing during the colder fall and winter months, helping your body recalibrate after a busy summer.
Why is Hygge Beneficial?
Hygge encourages you to slow down and be more mindful of how and with whom you spend your time. Numerous studies have linked mindfulness to stress reduction and better health. A 2017 review demonstrated that mindfulness activities like meditation significantly reduced physiological stress markers, including cortisol levels, C – reactive protein, heart rate, blood pressure, and triglycerides.
Another practice commonly associated with hygge is aromatherapy, which includes lighting scented candles or using reed diffusers to create a pleasant indoor atmosphere. A 2019 review supports the use of essential oils to manage stress levels in healthy adults.
How to Encourage Hygge This Fall
Curating a hygge lifestyle doesn’t mean you need to decorate your home or change your behavior completely. Adding a few simple practices to your daily routine can help create a cozy, comfortable space.
1. Enjoy Good Food
Hygge in Denmark means comfort food, but it also means slowing down and enjoying food preparation. Invest in quality ingredients and experiment with new recipes and cooking methods to enjoy yourself in the kitchen.
2. Unplug and Unwind
Constant access to your smartphone or computer can increase stress levels. To de-stress and promote hygge, switch off your phone and spend time chatting with friends and family.
3. Dim the Lights
Creating a relaxing space is crucial for practicing hygge. In addition to cozy textiles like throw pillows and blankets, dim the lights or switch them off and light candles. If you don’t have dimmer switches, change your lights to amber bulbs and invest in a floor or table lamp instead of using bright overhead lighting.
4. Fill Your Home With Calming Scents
De-stress at the end of the day with scented candles or essential oil diffusers to make your home smell warm and inviting. Lavender, bergamot, and ylang-ylang are associated with stress relief, but you can use any scent that you find pleasant and calming.
Support Your Mood With Vitality C60
In addition to boosting your emotional wellbeing with hygge practices, you can support your physical health with supplements from Vitality. Vitality C60 Olive Oil is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce stress and inflammation for a calmer, healthier body and mind.
