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The Wisdom of Taking Hygge Breaks

1/9/2019

12 Comments

 

My memory of it is a little hazy, but I believe I read an article a few years ago that said that research suggested that it's better to pause before moving from one activity to the next every day.

That somehow, overall, it conserves more energy? Not sure. I have gist memories, unfortunately, so now I have this image in my head of a woman sitting on the sofa without leaning back and to me, it means, don't rush to the next thing.

So while we're pausing, why not make it hygge?

Picture

The Hygge Break

Pronounced "hoo-ga," 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 on a snow day, you've experienced hygge without even knowing it. --What is Hygge?..., Country Living magazine

Actually, Country Living, I believe it is pronounced "hue-ga," but that definition does capture the essence of it. So 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.

But I also believe that hygge can be its own reward, so I often create hygge moments for no particular reason.

Hygge Moments


When was your last hygge moment?

I have them every day, several times, if I can. I drink a big cup of tea, mid-morning, while reading a book. I often light a candle, for cozy ambiance, even when I'm working on a blog post, etc.

My son and watch TV together & pause what we're watching several times to discuss what's happening. Last year, when my mom was sick, but before she died, we watched two seasons of the reboot of One Day at a Time. Then, we spent the summer watching 7 seasons of West Wing.

And we've just started Madam Secretary. Being him while we watch it is hygge, but the tension & stress I feel during danger moments on the show is not. I've told him we will see how it goes.

We also hang out during The Good Doctor & This is Us. Did you know that watching TV as a family could be hygge? It can.

Almost anything can, depending on how it feels. If it brings coziness and warmth, or a sense of wellbeing, it's hygge.

If you aren't familiar with creating it on purpose, tell me what you'd like to try first. If you were with me through months of diving into it as a blog topic, are there any ways I inspired you to try it yourself?

My hygge intention this year is to rest more, and to rest with hygge comfort, even when I am sleeping. For example, my sleep situation isn't as cozy as it could be when I'm going to sleep and I am going to work on that this year. Also, I think I might like to add back a bedtime cup of tea.

What would your hygge intention be?

See you tomorrow!

Love, Jeanine

12 Comments
Roy A Ackerman, PhD, EA link
1/9/2019 11:38:06 am

I guess I'm really lucky. I love what I do- so I don't need a break to rejuvenate.
OK. I am old enough (as in WAY TOO OLD) to not sit at my desk for 18 hours a day enjoying what I do. So, I do take breaks- maybe a few jumping jacks (I don't like those! but, I need them), a quick bike ride, a few laps in the pool (only once a day, alas), or running up the 29 steps in my house and back down.
But, we all know that you would not consider those hyggae.

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Jeanine Byers link
1/10/2019 12:02:14 am

Well, it depends. If you don't like doing them, then probably not. But if you love them, then, sure. It's wonderful that you love what you do!

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Jyll Hoyrup link
1/9/2019 03:43:15 pm

I've seen Hygge before but didn't know what it was! Very interesting! I have a list of Daily Action Habits and many of those would be considered Hygge. Meditation. Visualization. Perhaps even writing Affirmations or Journaling. One of the things I am working to incorporate in my daily life this year is rest and stillness - not meditation but sitting quietly. Also I feel a need to sit on my porch more, look at the trees and listen to the birds.

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Jeanine Byers link
1/10/2019 12:03:19 am

Oh, I love it! And I am hoping for more rest and stillness, too.

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Doug link
1/10/2019 12:24:13 am

I pronounce it " ahhh " it is the sound I make when I sit back in a comfy chair with my cup of cafe-mocha.
I was told by a man one day that his doctor recommended regular "SCANS". He went on to explain that is a Senior Citizen Afternoon Nap".
So, between naps or Hygge breaks, Blog on!

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Jeanine Byers link
1/10/2019 09:52:03 am

Sounds fantastic, Doug! I love naps, too - especially, the coziness of them - but it rare that I take them anymore because they keep me up at night.

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Daria link
1/10/2019 12:52:00 am

I spend so much time making the house cozy for everyone else that I don't notice or seek out the hygge moments as much as I should. You make a good point about intentionally making them happen. Thank you!

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Jeanine Byers link
1/10/2019 09:52:59 am

Thanks, Daria!! That's great that you already know how and now, can just in on them, yourself. :)

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Shubhra Rastogi link
1/10/2019 01:22:57 am

I love my coffee breaks, hot showers, and at night after my daughter sleeps I like to curl up in front of the television. I didn't know these were hygee moments. I am so thankful that I know now and shall enjoy these more.

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Jeanine Byers link
1/10/2019 09:54:18 am

Yay! That's how I felt, too. That now that I understood what it was, I could do it even more or double up on it.

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Pam link
1/10/2019 06:39:59 am

I first read about HYGGE in an article about practicing HYGGE with your dog! Shocker right? NO, I'd read about doing anything with my dog(s).......I may just take some HYGGE breaks with my dog today!....Maybe as I ride out east today I'll ride with my dogs and try to enjoy driving again today!

Picking up a drink along the way?!?!?

My dog Liberties HYGGE moment.....https://youtu.be/O38OXWQAzSY

Whatcha think?

Reply
Jeanine Byers link
1/10/2019 09:55:05 am

Wow! I love the idea of giving your dog hygge moments!!

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    Jeanine Byers

    Lifestyle blogger & hygge hermit who will help you conquer mornings & create a slower, more family-present lifestyle in a single bound.

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