Learning new things in life as we grow, evolve and move forward, is always an uplifting feeling. I was recently asked if I knew what Hygge meant. I truly had no idea and I had no understanding of how to pronounce the word. I always love a challenge, so I let my fingers do the walking and a whole new concept was presented to me. I had to ask myself, was this really a new concept? The Enlightenment made me realize that I practice Hygge all of the time.
Hygge is a Scandinavian term that became popular in the 1900’s. Many countries practice a Hygee perspective. Norway, Canada, Switzerland, Ireland, Austria and a handful more. It all really begins with our Circadian Rhythm. Circadian Rhythm is the natural flow of our bodies being awake during daylight hours and asleep during the nighttime hours. When the sun is out it sends a message to our brains to release the Hormone Serotonin which is our Happy Hormone. When darkness comes our brain is sent the message to release Melatonin, which is the hormone that makes us tired and sleepy. I am sure you have seen commercials or bottles of Melatonin in the pharmacy section of the store. There are a lot of natural Melatonin aids out there to help when you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Our bodies work optimally with 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of nighttime. Of course this may not be your norm due to where you live or the type of job you might have. The winter months can be a challenge for many due to the short days and long nights. Nurses work all types of night shifts that lends them to sleeping during the day and up at night. This throws the Circadian Rhythm off.
Seasonal Affective Disorder can occur during the winter months. The days are very short and cold. This refers to the fact that many people may feel more depressed, sad, isolated, anxious and agitated during the winter months, Seasonal Affective Disorder. Biologically, this happens because your body produces less Serotonin “The Happy Hormone” because the lack of sunlight and more Melatonin because of the prolonged darkness, hence leading to feelings of depression and or sadness.
Scandinavians, needed to adapt to the long dark days that they experience most of the year, to combat mental health issues and Seasonal Affective Disorder. The “AhHa” moment is Hygge! Hygge refers too cozy, warm, inviting, relaxing and peaceful. Hygee is not just a feeling but it is the environment in which you surround yourself with. The concept is, even though the days are short we can create an atmosphere in which our brains continue to create enough Serotonin. This will keep our mood elevated for longer periods of time so that our bodies produce 12 hours of Serotonin and 12 hours of Melatonin. This creates a perfect balance of hormones to keep us emotionally stable.
I will share briefly with you some ways to create Hygge in your life and take a listen to Episode 97 of my podcast where I really lay it all out for you to create Hygge in your life. It starts with finding a small corner or place in your work and home environment. It’s about creating a mood through colors, comfy furniture, cozy blankets, cozy socks and inviting aromas. This space become your Hygge Space. It is a place you can go to that will help to continue to release the Serotonin which in tern helps fight the Winter Blues. Hygge can me found indoors and outdoors, in many different environments. Once I learned what Hygge meant I realized how much Hygge I have naturally incorporated into my daily life and surroundings. I hope you are intrigued enough to check out my podcast where I will give you the skills and knowledge to create a healthy balance in your life with a little Hygge sprinkled in there. The challenge is for you to Live a Hygge Life.
GO OUT AND EXPLORE ALL OF THE WIDE OPEN SPACES IN YOUR WORLD
POSITIVE THOUGHTS CREATE POSITIVE ENERGY
CIAO,
ILISE
