Although ‘hygge’ can’t be directly translated from Danish to English, it can be described. My understanding of hygge is that it is a feeling of contentment, cosiness and safety. It’s more than that but I believe those feelings are at the core of it. That’s where it’s at for me anyway.
Today was my first day back at work after more than 2 weeks off. Believe me, it was quite a thought to go back into the clinic! I tried to think of ways that I could make going back a bit easier. I know that hygge is something I can pull on to make myself feel better so this is the angle I took to better manage my day.
I walk the dogs every morning before work and today was yet another beautiful day. We are being spoiled with the weather in Orkney just now! It was still, calm and the sky was full of pinks and purples as the sun came up. I tried to walk mindfully, taking in the sights and sounds. This nicely encompassed the ‘contentment’ element of hygge to get my day started.
To travel to and from work, I wear my ‘day clothes’. I love having something cosy and comfy to look forward to putting on when I finish work. For me, this helps to draw the line between my work day and when it’s home time! Today, I felt I needed a bit more of a boost! So I pulled out the big guns…
This jumper was knitted by my granny Peggy. I think it was possibly made for my Dad. My granny passed away when I was 4 years old so any connections to her are really special. I nailed this beauty out of my parents attic a few years ago. In all honesty, I hardly wear it as I don’t want to ruin it! I felt that I could justify wearing it today though, it’s kind of like wearing a cuddle (although a bit more scratchy…). I felt that this pulled in elements of both cosiness and safety for me and gave me a small thing to look forward to and the end of the day.
I think this is par of the way forward for me. Keeping hygge at the forefront of my head along with my other ‘tools’. Using things that make me feel ‘hyggelig’ (this word comes from the old Icelandic word ‘hugga’ which means to embrace or to soothe – love that!) as a method of self care. Trying to take it easy on myself. Doing small things that make me feel better, more content, cosier and safer.
One day at a time.
Hygge For Happy 
I also like the Swedish word ‘lagom’, which also hasn’t a ‘perfect’ English translation but you can get a good sense of what it means.
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Yes this is a good one! And as a Scottish person ‘coorie’ is a good one too.
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Yes, though I had to google that one!
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