Health Connect Series: Hygge Throughout the Year

It’s the first week of March and the start of spring is only a couple of weeks away. We may all be wondering the same questions. What happened to winter? Is the one week in January all the winter we get? We may not find those answers, but here’s another related question: As you transition from winter to spring, have you secured a place for hygge in your life? With its candles, cozy blankets, and fireplaces, hygge is easily associated with fall and winter months, but no matter the season, there are key components that can make any moment a hygge moment – nature, togetherness, food for the soul, being in the present.

Fun Fact: There are two first days of spring! March 1 is the start of meteorological spring based on the annual temperature cycle. In March, April, and May, the northern hemisphere transitions to the warmest time of the year. Astronomical spring is the Vernal Equinox, based on the position of the earth relative to the sun. It starts early on March 19 this year—because of the Leap Year.

Get Outside. Home may be the hygge headquarters, but it’s possible to enjoy hygge outside the home as well. Being in nature encourages you to slow down and enjoy the many benefits of the great outdoors. It’s easier to feel nurtured by nature when you are hiking, going barefoot, camping, canoeing, star gazing, or getting dirty in the garden. Breathe in the fresh air and soak up the much-needed sunlight for vitamin D as the days get longer, and the sun feels warmer.

Fun Fact: June 23 is St. John’s Eve. On this night, the Danes celebrate the Summer Solstice. In Denmark in June, the sun sets close to 11:00 p.m. and provides the perfect backdrop for picnics, bonfires, and games. The last day of spring this year is June 19, putting the Solstice this year on June 20.

Togetherness is Key. You can hygge by yourself, but the most hyggelig moments seem to happen in the company of people. Good company leads to good conversation which leads to good memories. Give your social health attention by combining a hygge lifestyle with a seasonal lifestyle. Consider picnic potlucks, campfires, outdoor movie nights, or Moon Tunes at Riverside Park.

Food for the Soul. Food and hygge go naturally together. As the seasons change, so does the food on your table. We are entering a wonderful time of growth and fresh foods in the Midwest. Embrace it. Grab herbs and produce from a local farmer’s market or pick your own berries at a nearby farm. Enjoy the casualness of cooking over an open flame or the slowness of grilled dinners. And although we have the luxury of purchasing any food at all times of the year, our bodies let us know what foods we need for nourishment as we move from season to season.

Being in the Present Moment. It’s the greatest component of the hygge lifestyle. It’s not limited to where you are, what you are eating, or what the temperature is outside. Taking the time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and being thankful has no boundaries. Literally stop and smell the roses and the freshly cut grass. Listen to the approaching thunderstorm and the birds singing. Savor the taste of strawberry shortcake or a gooey campfire s’more. Feel the cool grass on bare feet as the sun warms your skin. Give yourself the freedom to recognize there is nowhere else to be.

Embrace the Hygge. As spring and summer approach, and the hygge Health Connect series concludes, remember to include some hygge in your lifestyle. It’s no surprise that embracing every season for the gift it brings is very hyggelig.

Sunshine Spring Herbal Tea. If taking a moment with your tea has become a morning or evening ritual this winter, don’t stop just because the weather is changing!

1 teaspoon orange peel

1 teaspoon peppermint (dried or fresh)

1 teaspoon rosehips

1 teaspoon hibiscus flowers

1 teaspoon pink rose petals

2 Tablespoons honey

Combine the herbs into a mason jar and pour about 4 cups of room-temperature water to the neck of the jar. Fasten the lid onto the jar and place outside in a sunny spot for at least one hour, shaking occasionally. A deep rich color will develop. After sitting in the sun, add the honey to taste and shake well. Enjoy with fresh mint, a lemon slice, ice cubes, or a splash of seltzer water.

Heidi Kutz

Education Specialist, ViaroHealth

For questions or comments, contact wellness@viarohealth.com