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I have seen the word “hygge” all over the place lately. Pronounced as “WHO-guh,” the Danish concept is about incorporating quality of coziness within your life to feel more content and comfortable. My thoughts are, “where the hell do I sign up?!?” I need more of that in my life! I would almost bet you do too! Who doesn’t love an environment of ambiance, surrounded by calming scents and comfort foods? Since switching to veganism in my food choices, I have been more mindful of knowing when to relax and be kind to myself. After all, one of the most rewarding aspects of living a vegan lifestyle is feeling compassion. More importantly, it has taught me about self-compassion. It wasn’t hard for me to figure out all the right elements to kick up that vegan hygge life!
That Vegan Hygge Life
The idea of enjoying and indulging in the small good things in life can be purely magical. When we slow down and take the time to relax from our days of overwhelm, we are doing our bodies right. Hygge isn’t just about candles and cozy sweaters but rather a healthy mindset. Here are some ways I have been living that vegan hygge life as of late.
Ambiance and Warmth
At workday’s end, I want to kick up my feet with a warm cozy drink and a journal. Some evenings, a hot bath and a good book is in order. With it being the winter season, it is more exciting to indulge in a mild caffeine-free tea option to wind down from the day. August Uncommon Tea is the mack daddy of all loose leaf teas, in my opinion. They have so many exciting combinations of flavors for tea lovers. Some of my other favorites you can buy at grocery stores are Pukka Tulsi Clarity and Twinings Chai Tea.
Another great way to turn up your hygge is to light a few candles. My soul sister and friend, Trista Price, has a fantastic website called Healing Sacred Space in which she and her husband, Chad, sells the most gorgeously scented reiki-infused candles. What’s even more significant is that a portion of their profits goes to various organizations and animal sanctuaries. I dig these two, not only because Chad is in a band with my husband, but because they are real. Trista was a massive inspiration for me when I chose to begin my vegan food journey. Please check out their website for super cool merch and other beautiful offerings.
Cozy Spaces
Hygge is all about calm, soothing, and comfort. Finding that particular space in your home can come in handy when you need to retreat to serenity. Heavy blankets (no wool, thank you), lovely fluffy pillows, and mood lighting are superb elements for your snuggly space.
A Good Read
Picking up a good book to read is the right prescription to shut off the day’s stressors. For me, it’s yoga for the brain! I also love being able to leave my work at the door and open a new world, not my own. The books I choose are usually autobiographies, not fictional reads, because I love glimpses into others’ lives. I guess you could say I am a bit nosy. So far this year, I have read Acid For The Children by Flea and Ghost Rider by Neil Peart, one a pile of jibber-jabber and the other a complete masterpiece. I cannot wait to get through my wish list of “books to read.”
Garlic Pasta Nests with Spinach and Shrooms
Ah, winter, how I love thee! You are the reason I enjoy comfort foods galore on cold wintery evenings. Although hygge gears more around hearty dishes containing meat, there are so many excellent vegan comfort food recipes to prepare all over the internet. A pure delight in my life is to have a heaping plate of yummy spaghetti! This recipe for Garlic Pasta Nests with Spinach and Shrooms is divine in every sense of the word. I don’t need thick marinara to enjoy my “noods.” Please give me a tasty garlic sauce, and I will be the happiest woman alive.
Other ways to live that vegan hygge life
In my bullet journal, I devoted a page to list my hygge habits. These are just ideas to help you recognize the hygge in your own life.
Home
- cozy blankets, twinkle lights, candles, thick socks, throw pillows
Flavors
- Comfort foods, hot tea, flavored coffee, warm bread (mmmm)
Company
- shared meals (dinner parties), try to stay away from politics, cards, and board games, value one another
Hobbies
- painting or drawing, journaling, reading, cooking, walks outdoors
Mindset
- gratitude, meditate, savor life and each moment, sit in silence with ordinary experiences
So what will you put into your hygge practice today? I promise you will love incorporating it into yours. You will have less stressful moments and learn to be open to practicing a little self-compassion. Go on, begin loving yourself today!
*Faux Sheepskin Throw in the featured photo taken by Alisa Anton
