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Do you feel rushed as you go about your day? Research suggests that 28% of Americans always feel rushed, and more than 60% say that they don't have enough free time. And according to research detailed in a post on Wamu.org, the people who report being happiest say that they almost never feel rushed. So if you want to be happy, you'll likely need a slower pace and dedicated breaks that could be considered free time. And if you really want happiness, make those breaks hygge ones. Our pace is determined not by the length of our to-do list but by whether we pause (and for how long) in between the items on those lists. -Keri Wyatt Kent, Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity  What is Hygge?"Hue-gah" - this Danish concept cannot be translated to one single word but encompasses a feeling of cozy contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life. If you've ever enjoyed reading a book indoors on a rainy Sunday or a cup of hot cocoa Take Hygge BreaksWhat does it mean to take a hygge break? Hygge breaks aren't just a temporary pause in your day, they are moments you create on purpose, to engender coziness or wellbeing. It would mean sitting on the couch and leaning back, while reading a book for a few minutes. Curling up under a big blanket and having a cup of tea. So that each big activity in your day was broken up by pleasure moments that give you a break. Hopefully, a refreshing one, so that you feel better and find it easier to resume whatever you were doing, or move on to the next thing. How could you create more room in your daily schedule for hygge breaks? See you tomorrow! Love, Jeanine P.S. Some of this post's content revives a post I wrote several years ago. For more info on hygge and slowing life down, check out these posts... https://www.meetjeanine.me/blog/sabbath-simplicity-lifestyle https://www.meetjeanine.me/blog/how-to-create-sabbath-lifestyle https://www.meetjeanine.me/blog/daily-sabbath-lifestyle https://www.meetjeanine.me/blog/hygge-breaks
22 Comments
Brenda Marie Fluharty
1/4/2022 02:07:05 am
Thanks, I have found myself trying to rest center and let. Maybe, I have put too much pressure on myself and I need to empty my cup a little. 1/4/2022 09:44:31 am
I think it's a common thing for women and moms. I catch myself doing it, too! But I think if we pause to get centered every time we notice it, being grounded and centered becomes a habit. 1/4/2022 05:49:35 am
I'm more inclined to hygge breaks in the winter because summer in SC is NOT cozy. I should start working on that for this year! Maybe more lake/ocean living. 1/4/2022 09:46:39 am
Ooh, lake & ocean living + hygge sounds like paradise! Whenever you can do that, always do that. :) I'm in the south, too, so I know what you mean. But when summer comes, you could do a search here on this blog, for summer hygge ideas. 1/4/2022 07:29:55 am
Whenever I think about it, slowing down to accomplish more is alway something that makes my head explode! How can that work?!?! 1/4/2022 09:47:53 am
YES! You have just described my learning process with the slow living thing. I'm so glad you have noticed that, too. I think my body and brain are so set in ways that I can't seem to slow down. I've been on the go for 72 years and just move from one project to another. If I was to take a break between projects, I might fall asleep and not wake up until morning! LOL But I should try something because I don't even get a restful sleep. 1/4/2022 09:50:32 am
I've read a lot about sleep and sleep deprivation, and they say that if having quieter moments makes you sleepy, you have a sleep debt. They also say that chronic sleep deprivation will shorten your life. Yikes! So I am trying to sleep more. And I am proof that an old dog can learn new tricks! OTOH, you have such a youthful spirit and a sharp mind, I'm not buying it about not being able to change. ;) <3 1/4/2022 09:51:45 am
You're so welcome, Hanna! I always need the reminder, too. Especially at the beginning of the year, when I am paying attention and thinking about change. 1/4/2022 01:13:13 pm
Jeanine - 1/4/2022 06:30:20 pm
Oh, thanks so much! I have found that I not only have to plan them, I have to insist on them, with myself. Because otherwise, plan or not, the time will just fritter away and I'll miss out. 1/4/2022 06:45:37 pm
Or, you could do as I do- be more selective in what we do- and vbe more efficient as we do so. So, we accomplish more. 1/5/2022 05:32:47 pm
Hmm. Well, it's the rushing and the busyness I was talking about, so if you combine added efficiency with taking breaks, you get more accomplished, but at less cost to you. Works for me, Roy! 1/4/2022 09:36:09 pm
Last night I sat in front of the television for a ridiculous yet comforting television show and drank a cocktail out of a pacman glass. I know, not conventional hygge, but it was nostalgic, quiet and fun. I definitely felt better for experiencing it! 1/5/2022 05:36:17 pm
Comfort, nostalgia and fun? Sounds like hygge to me! I think once we look at a sort of generalized description of what hygge is and feels like, it's important to personalize it so that it makes sense in our own lives. Your hygge doesn't have to be like anyone else's. :) 1/4/2022 10:40:18 pm
Jeanine, this is so important. Slowing down for hygge breaks gives similar benefits to meditation-- slows the metabolism, relaxes the muscles, and allows the brain to work more clearly. All that would increase intuition also. Do you find that? 1/5/2022 05:38:09 pm
YES! Absolutely. And over time, it can actually rewire your brain, because of the oxytocin you experience, so that you are less tense and stressful in general. HI Jeanine. Thank you for sharing this post. I never thought of this, but I tend to do these more during the winter as I like to take a break and have a nice cup of tea and relax a while. While it's too hot in the summer for hot tea, I enjoy cold tea but doesn't have the same feeling. What I do most days is read during my break (lunch). I find that it takes me away from my world and whatever is going on, and I can escape to another place for a while. Not sure if that is the same thing, but I thought I'd share. Enjoyed the post and hope you have a good hygge break today :) 1/5/2022 05:39:38 pm
Thank you, Samantha! Your hygge break can be anything that tops the momentum for a bit, and relaxes you. Reading a book is perfect. 1/5/2022 05:41:34 pm
That's fantastic! I completely agree that it can help you avoid burnout, especially if you take those kinds of breaks every day. And you're right - being home more gives you lots of time to practice. Leave a Reply. |
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