Winter Warmers: Wellbeing at Home
Ten hygge inspired ways to stay cosy at home and boost mental wellbeing.
If the first lockdown taught us anything it was that it's ok to slow down, look after our wellbeing and enjoy the simple things in life. Many of us embraced simple daily rituals as a way of creating a routine in our lives. As we are asked to stay at home once again, this time in the middle of winter, it's important to make it as enjoyable as we can.
Hygge may not be in the press like it was back in 2019, but as we reach peak Winter in lockdown, it may be more essential than ever before. Hygge is a Danish concept which has no literal translation but roughly means creating a quality of cosiness and comfort that provides a feeling of contentment or well-being. It could be grabbing a good book, snuggling up with a blanket and enjoying some “you” time. It's about finding joy in the little things (which may actually be the big things) and creating a cosy, relaxing home environment.
Here are some hygge inspired ways to enjoy your time at home and boost mental wellbeing.
1. Set The Mood
Creating an inviting home environment makes all the difference. During lockdown, when many of us are at home most of the time, it is more important than ever to create a cosy, relaxing atmosphere. Clear away the clutter and light some candles. Candles are wonderful for instantly creating warm soft lighting, perfect for relaxing. Try a scented candle for extra ambience!
2. Layer Up
When the days are short and the weather's cold its time to get cosy! Be snug as a bug and wrap up warm with layers of jumpers and plenty of blankets. Don't forget some snuggly socks and your favourite slippers too.
3. Eat Well
Staying home during lockdown gives us a rare opportunity to slow down and cook tasty meals from scratch. We've got lots of inspiring recipe books to help you create some delicious homemade meals.
Don't forget to give yourself the odd treat too, it's a lockdown after all - we need the find the joy wherever we can! Order the takeaway, eat the chocolate, it's all good.
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4. Enjoy A Hot Cuppa In Your Favourite Mug
Whether your go-to drink is coffee, tea or hot chocolate, there is nothing quite so comforting as a warming cuppa! Slow down and enjoy a quiet moment, use your favourite mug and sit by the fire (or the radiator) for the ultimate cosy hygge experience.
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5. Start A Journal
Putting a pen to paper can be a great way to process your day, help to keep track of intentions, set and achieve goals and reduce stress. Read more about the Power of Journalling here.
As we enter lockdown 3.0, many of us (once again) find we have a lot more time on our hands, providing us with the opportunity to pick up hobbies we may not have had the time for in our pre-covid lives. Taking 20 mins out of our day to write down our thoughts, feelings or goals is a great way to embrace these slower days.
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6. A Long Bath & Skin Care Rituals
Take some time for yourself and enjoy a long, hot bath with some relaxing bath crystals. If you're more of a shower person try putting some fresh or dried eucalyptus in your shower. The steam from the shower releases eucalyptus oil compounds into the air with an instantly relaxing effect, a gentle boost for mental wellbeing.
Practising self-care is so important as we find ourselves in these strange times. Whether you are isolating, working from home or still going to work, changing your skincare routine or adding a new ritual could be just what you need to give you a pick me up! Check out these Skin Care Rituals ideas.
7. Find Ways To Stay Connected
One of the core elements of hygge is togetherness, small things like sharing a pot of coffee between friends. This is a little harder at the moment, as we are kept apart from friends and family, but it's actually more important than ever to check in with each other and stay connected. Luckily thanks to FaceTime, Zoom and social media there is a host of ways to for us to keep up with our loved ones.
If you're feeling like you've done enough zoom quizzes for one lifetime don't worry, you're not alone! Check out this guide for some other ideas on How To Stay Connected With Friends.
8. A Jigsaw
Finished everything on Netflix and looking for something else to do? A Jigsaw is a perfect activity for slow days at home, a challenge for just yourself or the whole household. The more pieces the bigger the challenge, a 1000 piece puzzles can keep you busy for days. And slotting that last piece in place? One of the most satisfying feelings there is!
9. A Good Book
Grab a book and snuggle up under a blanket with a cup of coffee. Taking time to read a good book is a wonderful way to enjoy a little 'me time'. This mood-boosting activity is a great pass time, reading for fun exercises your brain and can help improve mental wellbeing.
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10. Whatever Makes You Happy, Do More Of That
There is no right or wrong way to get through a lockdown. If you want to bake banana bread and do yoga every day - you do you! Likewise, if you want nothing more than to binge Netflix series in your PJs then that is absolutely what you should do.
Whatever brings you joy, try to do a little more of that. Look after your wellbeing by being kind to yourself, do a handful of things that give you that warm, fuzzy, cosy feeling every day.
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