For all you northern Hemisphere folk that are deep in the holiday season here are some reminders when you are deep in the festivities to look after yourself
For those of us in the South the need remains
AUTUMN SELF-CARE
Make time for yourself!
Try out a new hobby
Bake with apples!
Slow down and savor the moment
JAM
Go on a nature walk
Enjoy warm socks & pjs
Enjoy a cup of tea
Embrace hygge
Drink spiced cider.
Make a soup or stew
Write down what you want to let go of.
Go to a Farmer's Market
Decorate pumpkins or make pumpkin bread
For more ideas: BlessingManifesting.com
Hi Heath & Friends,
Does anyone have any recommendations/resources about how to practice Hygge? I've heard about it and would love to learn more!
Thanks,
Katina
This New Yorker from 2016 is perhaps helpful.
I've sent out that question to my Scandinavian autistics.
There is a book! "The Little Book of Hygge." From what I understand, a huge component is cozy lighting...so lots of candles and warm light. Also spending time with friends. Our new music director is Danish and I remember him talking about it last year in an interview!
Nth German Autistic friend fed back with:
"Hygge (/ˈh(j)uːɡə/, H(Y)OO-gə; Danish: [ˈhykə]; Norwegian: [ˈhŷɡːə]) is a word in Danish and Norwegian that describes a cosy, contented mood evoked by comfort and conviviality. As a cultural category with its sets of associated practices hygge has more or less the same meaning in both places and in both languages;[1] however, the emphasis on hygge as a core part of Danish culture is a recent phenomenon, dating to the late 20th century. In the 21st century, the concept has also been familiarized abroad. "
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My diagnostician's office was hygge: weighted blankets, no shoes-rule, plenty of fidget toys. It looked more like a cozy living room in a mountain hut than a therapist's office. It put us both somewhat at ease. (Heck, I just thought about her table she balanced on her lap while taking notes sitting down. It was essentially a mixture of pillow underneath and a flat surface on top) Hygge for you personally can be snuggling with your cats in your bed. So, in general, a snuggly safe space, be it physically or mentally.
Thank you Heath and Chelsea - I'll be sure to check out the book and work on implementing more cozy into my spaces. I think I was doing it without even realizing (we got into the low 40s in Pittsburgh so I pulled out my weighted blanket) so the opportunity to be a bit more mindful in the practice is what I'm going to work on! Appreciate your replies :)
Katina, what kind of weighted blanket do you have? I'm shopping around for one.