You’ve seen THAT picture- cup of coffee, a candle burning, and the most cozy throw you can possibly imagine that brings you a sense of being at home within yourself.
And oooh, can we please talk about that throw? How does something look so warm and inviting? You can even see yourself curled up with a book and a bowl of soup while indulging in a few hours of solitary bliss.
You can’t help but feel at peace. It even makes you smile a little.
But then you wonder why those moments are so rare. And how you can create that ambience for yourself. ALL. THE. TIME.
Because who doesn’t want to be happy everyday?
Together, we’re going to help you craft an intentional lifestyle dedicated to hygge in sobriety so you can create moments filled with simple pleasures.
Grab a cup of tea or coffee, get comfy, and be inspired to create that feeling of home within yourself.
We’re going to cover:
- What hygge is
- How to apply hygge in sobriety
- Tips you can do right now
- Creating a hygge lifestyle
WHAT IS HYGGE?
Hygge is the Danish concept of finding comfort and warmth in your life, bringing an overall sense of wellness. It’s about being content in each moment and cherishing the little things.
At its essence, it’s about how you feel. You feel it from the depths of your core- whether you’re lounging in solitude or laughing with friends and family.
Hygge feeling:
- cozy
- comfort
- savoring simple pleasures
- connectedness
- well-being
- soothing
CREATING A HYGGE LIFESTYLE IN SOBRIETY
When I sobered up 5 years ago, I had nothing and no one. Not even AA. I had to create my own sense of comfort, find what happiness means to me, and heal from a heartbreak- both from the man who broke my heart and the unrequited love affair with drinking.
That was when I applied hygge to my lifestyle, though I hadn’t heard of the concept back then.
What hygge means to me is that with each fleeting moment, we savor it for as long as possible- maybe even letting it linger longer than we normally would. To feel peace within ourselves, the sense of security that only we can provide for ourselves.
It may or may not mean the same thing for you. Take a moment to think about how you want to feel- where you want recovery to take you.
Once you’ve reflected, we can start applying hyppe to your home. We know hygge is about feeling rather than possessions, but we’re going to be working backwards, starting with your home. Then we’ll move onto creating a hygge mindset.
Here’s why:
- The cozier your home feels, the calmer your mind will be.
- Even though transformation starts from within, working from the outside (your home) in (your mind) will release stress.
- It’s easier to see physical progress than to witness internal growth.
- Seeing your home as cozy will inspire you to bring it inward.
Take some time to think about what makes you feel content and relaxed. Just in case you don’t know where to start, I made a list of what my cozy comforts are.
COZY VIBES:
- throws
- indie folk music
- French pressed coffee
- homemade herbal tea
- balsam fir & pine candles
- campfire mugs
- ambient lighting
- something baking in the oven
- books
- stargazing with a cup of hot chocolate
- making s’mores around a fire
- homemade soup (eaten out of campfire mugs)
Where to begin:
- Find inspiration. You can use the cozy vibes list as a guide or if you made your own, go for it.
- Pinterest is amazing. Create a board or print out pictures as you pick out anything that gives you that feeling.
TIP: If you print out pictures, you can dedicate a journal to all things hygge for anytime you need a “lift me up.”
The Pinterest board is only for inspiration so if your home doesn’t reflect the pictures, don’t worry about it. The goal isn’t to reenact HGTV’s total home makeover shows. It’s about intentionally cultivating more comfort.
HYGGE IN SOBRIETY
With the inspiration you just found, we’re going to start making some changes that will begin to create a shift in your mindset.
Take a look at the pictures you saved. Find the common decor items in each one that draw you in. You may even have them in your home already.
- Do you have a candle you won’t burn because it’s too pretty?
- Have a throw stored in the closet because you don’t want it to get ruined?
- Have a favorite coffee mug you won’t use because it may break?
Now may be the perfect moment to start enjoying the things you’ve been preserving.
Keep in mind what you may not suspect as “being hygge” can surprise you. So think outside of the box and go beyond pillows, throws, and candles.
Instant cozy vibes:
- take the tea towels out from hiding and have them hanging by your stove/oven
- Display your favorite tea set
- Create a coffee station in your kitchen
TIP: If you have a heat proof container laying around, you can turn it into your own indoor/outdoor fire pit. Talk about hygge vibes. HERE’S a great post with 15 tutorials.
The key is to make small impactful changes. Things that bring you comfort and joy.
We’re getting closer…just some finishing touches and you’re done.
SET THE TONE:
- Dim the lights
- Burn candles
- Trim flowers or greenery from your yard and place them in vases, scattering them around your home.
Explore your imagination and creativity. Whatever brings a smile to your face, go with it.
Hygge activities to do today:
- Make s’mores (if you don’t have a fireplace or firepit, you can make them over a burning unscented candle)
- Put on your favorite cozy outfit
- Read a book
- Have a few friends over for dinner
- Spend quality time with your family
- Dedicate a corner of your home for cozy vibes only (cushion, blanket, pillows, lantern, etc.)
- Make hot chocolate
- Cook or bake your favorite comfort food
- Explore your neighborhood
- Sit at your local coffee shop (without looking at your phone)
- Listen to music (when you subscribe to the weekly emails, I send an Indie song along with inspo every Sunday morning)
HYGGE LIFESTYLE
We want to make sure your mind jumps on board with your surroundings. By adding a few simple lifestyle changes, you’ll have a brand new perspective to carry you in your journey.
Cherish the simple pleasures
The first sip of your morning coffee. The smell of used books. The scent of your favorite candle.
Let those small moments linger for a little longer than you normally would. Smile a little more when you’re savoring each moment.
Be gentle with the words you tell yourself
Words matter. Especially the ones we speak to ourselves.
Pay yourself a compliment every day. Even if it’s just one. It’s going to make a difference in how you see yourself.
Do things that bring you comfort
Slow Sunday mornings with coffee in bed. Afternoon leisurely strolls. Breakfast for dinner.
Don’t deny yourself comfort because you “should” be doing something else. Live in the now, now.
Be intentional about who/what you’re allowing in
Prioritize who’s in your inner circle. If there’s people you don’t vibe with, don’t give your energy freely to them.
Build a trusting relationship with yourself. Listen to your inner wisdom because it will never deceive you.
Dedicate a “cozy day” each week
Watch the flickering light of candles. Roast marshmallows on an open fire. Savor the aroma of burning wood.
Start a tradition of relishing your oasis of solitude. Just one day each week, dedicate time to creating new, healthy memories for yourself.
Now that you’ve gotten a few pointers to a hygge lifestyle in sobriety, you’re well on your way to finding home within yourself.
How are you planning on creating cozy comforts? Let me know in the comments below.
If you know anyone that will benefit from this post, please be sure to share it with them.
I’ll see you soon…in the meantime, love yourself so much that even a Hallmark Christmas movie would be jealous.
