A friend of mine travelled to Copenhagen a few years ago and returned talking about something called hygge (pronounced hoo-gah). I had never heard of it before but I loved the concept. And then I quickly forgot about it. Until today. I came across this article and the timing could not be more perfect. Here I am, freezing cold, cranky now that it’s January, the holidays are over, vacation is over, I’m back at work, and it’s still dark as I’m driving to said job. I may have missed a workout this week too. This concept of hygge flips that attitude about the long, cold, seemingly endless dreary days of winters on its head.
Quite simply hygge means coziness, and who doesn’t love a cozy atmosphere? But not just staying indoors by the fire with a hot cocoa, which is definitely hygge, because there’s a lot more to it. Finding the lovely in the winter, enjoying the snow rather than shaking our fists at it. Having the proper gear always helps. I have brand new snow tires (thanks mom and dad!), and good winter clothing to keep me warm – both for work and for exercise. So being warm when we’re outdoors helps our hygge because we need the little bit of sunshine to boost our spirits, but it also helps us to get out and socialize. Cobra Strike informed me yesterday that he volunteered us to help his school with a giant community project. I can’t think of anything more hygge than to give back to others in their time of need (and spend time with my main squeeze, obviously).
So how will I be flexing my hygge muscles this winter? In addition to the cups of hot cocoa by the fire with a dog in my lap, I’ll be adding more color and lights to my spaces. I’ll do as many of my workouts as possible outdoors. I’ll enjoy our hot tub and use my snow shoes and go out and visit friends. There’s lots of ways to bring more hygge into our lives and why not? It’s such a lovely concept. And winter is going to be here as long as it wants, so let’s make the best of it.
On to other topics…
The big question on my mind today: is there a nail polish or manicure that will withstand my weekly swim workouts? My nails are dry and cracked due to the season, and the chlorine isn’t helping that. Plus I’d love to add a little color – something pretty to look at when I take off my winter gloves… now that I’m thinking of adding more color, today seems like a good day to get a pedicure. Hygge is about pampering oneself too, I’m pretty sure.
Speaking of workouts, my week started off pretty well: 2 rides on the trainer, 1 swim, and a 3 mile run after school (plus all the strength exercises I have to do after my cardio), and then I got the stomach bug that has taken down everyone around me. So I missed a swim and a run. But I had a long chat with my coach and he’s “very happy with my results and dedication, by the way”, which is the feedback I’ve been needing. Right now we are building my base for training. So I’m not going to worry too much about missing a couple this week. I got 8 of the 12 workouts in and that’s pretty decent. Well it’s a solid C, which is very average, but that’s ok. It’s a long process and my word this year is “Patience”, so relax a little, Sally.
So that’s the news from here this week.
To Do:
- Take down the tree… finally
- Buy some new snow pants
- Meal planning and grocery shopping
- Pedicure!
Stay warm and get your hygge on.
ROTH
Running Over the Hill 
[…] Speaking of training, I hit all 12 of my workouts this week (A+) – much better than my 75% (solid C) – last week. I even met up with my running group on Saturday for a lovely 4 mile jaunt around a local reservoir. It was 19*, but the sun was bright and there was a hot coffee and pumpkin spice muffin waiting for me at the end. I had never run at this location before, even though I drive by every single work day. I will be back for sure. There’s something so peaceful about running by a frozen lake in the winter. Getting outside for some fresh air and exercise plus a lovely breakfast with my running buddies is definitely hygge. […]
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