The Monday after a weekend always catches me unawares even though I schedule things well in advance. There are days when I feel smug and sorted, because I’ve got things worked out. But, the days I dread the most are those that bring in the feeling of inadequacy when I’ve got my hands full and feel like I’m being sucked into quicksand from which there is no escape.
I’m afraid today happens to be one such day! It’s when one needs a ‘hygge’, I’m told! Yes, you heard me right – a hygge!
Now, if you’re wondering what on earth that is, let me assure you, I was as baffled as you probably are, when I heard it for the first time, this morning. Apparently, hygge – both the word and the concept are taking the world by storm at the moment. Hygge (‘hoo-ga’ or ‘hue-gah’) originally a Norwegian term for wellbeing, means ‘cosiness’ or ‘togetherness’ in English. It is more of a feeling or a mood; a sort of mental state, rather than a physical one. It’s more to do with how comfortable you feel in your clothes rather than how you look. The Danish see it more as a ritual of enjoying life’s simple pleasures with the friends or family, soaking in graciousness and feeling contentment. In other words, doing simple things like enjoying your morning coffee with a friend, having a fragrant scented candle lit nearby while you curl up with a good book, even going out with friends for a meal.
I now begin to understand how hygge makes the Danish brace the dark depressing cold winters when there is very little daylight. (Come to think of it, being happy when you have every reason to be depressed, is not easy at all!) No wonder, they remain the happiest people in the world.
It is not easy to think of happiness when conflicting demands on our time and effort pull us in too many directions than our energy permits. At times when stress is increasingly becoming a part of our lives, it helps to know that we could all do with some more warmth, some positivity, some more respect for each other and the environments we share.
Some food for thought on a Monday morning.
Does hygge look like something you could benefit from? Does the concept make sense to you? What are the different things that you would like to do to enhance this feeling of wellbeing in your life?
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(Linking this with #microblogmondays and #mondaymusings.)
I spend Mondays recovering from Saturday and Sunday, and I usually need a “huggle,” which is a word my son made up when he was young by putting hug and cuddle together.
What a cute word -Huggle! Kids make up words all the time..(my son does too!) I definitely need some huggle this week !!
I love the way you write Esha. I had heard about hygge a few days back elsewhere and was quite taken up by the idea of it, who wouldn’t be! Hygge moments make life worth living … the quiet, low-key but precious moments that bring a smile on your lips and fill one with contentment….. may we all have many such moments
Thank you so much for your lovely words, and so glad to see you here, Liz! Yes, what an amazing concept. I think we’re all at a stage when the hygge moments make complete sense to our stressful lives, a brilliant answer to let our hair down, relax and bask in the bliss of comfort.
I always enjoy reading your posts, Esha. A new word that I read today and it makes total sense for us to reclaim our mojo!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Vishal! Wonderful word and the concept just spoke to me, you know! I had to share it with you all 🙂
Indeed, Esha. It speaks to the heart, soul and senses that reverberates with power vibes.
It sure does 🙂
Ahh this seems similar to the concept of mindfulness and yes, I could so with some. Not to sound like a broken record but I am not happy with my job and desperately looking for a change, nothing seems to be working out so yes, I do need a hyyge 🙂
It is, Nabanita. You’re right – very similar in principle to mindfulness and its more to do with being in the company of people who you connect with at a deeper level, that give you the sense of comfort. I can understand how hard it must be for you going through this tough phase, but fingers crossed, you’ll land something more worthy of your effort and time very soon, so keep your chin up and hope for the best. It’s the darkest before dawn, they say!
Hygge looks like a cool idea. Being an introvert who prefers to be in solitude more often, even a person like me feels nice with experiencing the cosiness of being with like-minded and positive people. I can clearly imagine what the dark depressing winter days are like and how hard can it be to stay happy in such weather.
It sure sounds like we could all do with some hygge, couldn’t we? I’ve experienced the warm feeling with people I connect with, and I’d say it makes me much more productive and write better on those days, knowing that I’m feeling good inside 🙂
I need one hyyge .. When the Monday you know is dreadfully loaded, switching directly to the last gear on in the first minute at work is hectic.. Let me get that coffee first.
Oh, talk about it, Lata. I can perfectly understand the feeling. Hope your coffee made your morning a little more manageable. I wish the week ahead is, too!