What Do Hygge and Spa Days Have in Common?

What do Hygge and Spa Days Have in Common?

Happiness

What do hygge and spa days have in common?  They bring happiness.  Happiness has also been shown to build a stronger immune system and helps us recover faster from illness or injury.   And Happiness helps us to be more resilient to the stressors in our lives.  All of these are so important given the fact that we are still dealing with an ever-changing global pandemic.

The World Happiness Report tracks the happiest countries in the world.   And the Danish are routinely in the top of happiest people.  Which may seem hard to believe given that we know winter with its cold temps and limited daylight can affect our happiness.

What is Hygge?

Hygge is essentially a Danish word for cozy.  More specifically its feeling warm and happy.  And personally, I always feel that way when I am in a spa robe.  But back to the Danish people.  Hygge (pronounced Hoo-ga) became popular here a few years ago when it was first hypothesized that Hygge is the reason why the Danish are so happy.

 

Happiness & Wellbeing Connection

Have you ever noticed that when things go bad, they tend to spiral down?  There’s an old saying, when it rains it pours.  My woo woo side, knows this is the law of attraction at play.  But you may know it as a vicious cycle.

But we can also create a virtuous cycle.   Happiness allows us to make better choices.  Those better choices are more likely to be right for us and agree with us and keep us on track to our goals and dreams.   And so, these better choices make us feel better.   Creating a happiness virtuous cycle.

 

The benefits of happiness

1. Wellbeing

There is a growing body of research on happiness.  From the Happiness Project by Gretchen Ruben to the Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor, among others.   What we’re finding is that happiness improves not only our emotional or mental wellbeing, but it improves our physical wellbeing.

I often talk about the interconnectedness of mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical wellbeing and this is one more example.  As I mentioned, happiness boosts our immune system, the body’s ability to heal and our resilience to stress.  But happiness can lower your risk for cardiovascular disease, it lowers blood pressure and improves the quality of your sleep.

 

2. Better Decision Making

Happiness affects our decision-making process.  It’s hard to make the right decisions when you are coming from a negative place.   From a place of happiness, we make better choices, including those that relate to food choices and exercise.  It’s easier to start and maintain behaviors that support your goals.

It’s partly one of the reasons why happiness does help your physical wellbeing.  But it also helps you to be more successful.  Think of all the decisions you make in your life in a giving day.  Making decisions from a place of happiness makes those decisions easy and with less wavering and more conviction.

 

3. Success Mindset

Positive minds believe they can achieve their dreams and goals. It’s so hard to believe in possibilities when you are in a negative space.  We know that mindset is so powerful in being success and happiness naturally creates a positive mindset.

 

The Happiness Equation: Hygge, Spa Living and Self-Care

So, is Hygge a happiness secret weapon?  Yes and no.  As a concept, Hygge is really about the pursuit of everyday happiness.   But it is nothing more than self-care.

Hygge is generally described as being snuggled up on a winter day, under a blanket, in comfy clothes – leggings, sweater, socks and hairy in a messy bun, reading a good book and drinking a hot beverage.   Maybe with a good stew simmering in the kitchen.   Hygge traditionally honors the winter, but it really is a year-round concept. Especially as the essence of hygge is a feeling.

 

Spa Day vs Hygge

Aside from the actual spa treatment of a massage or facial, what is the best part of a spa day?  The relaxation.  Putting on the comfy spa robe, messy bun, and relaxing in the lounge, with a spa blanket, maybe curled up with a book, but sipping some hot tea.  Maybe its winter, and the spa lounge has a fireplace.  That’s basically Hygge.

So, then it’s not necessarily Hygge or a Spa Day for that matter that makes you happy, it’s what they entail.

 

1. Mindful indulgence

I mentioned that hygge was about everyday happiness. Both hygge and a spa day are about mindful indulgence.  In today’s world, taking time to relax, and sit still can feel like a luxury.  The simplicity of lounging at a spa or at home, in comfy robe or clothes with a blanket, tea and good book allows us to appreciate these simple pleasures.

 

2. Connection

Both things cause us to slow down, disconnect from the outer world for a bit.  Technology takes a back seat, and simple low or tech activities get the focus.  This allows us to be in the present moment and to reconnect.  That could be with ourselves, or with those that we choose to hygge or spa with.

3. Lifestyle

Hygge and my Spa-losophy or Spa Living are really about lifestyle.  A lifestyle where we proactively take the time we need to renew and recharge so we can stay at our peak – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  That’s the secret to succeeding as a Super Mama.

No Spa Needed Hygge Inspired Happiness Picks:

1. Blanket or Throw!

If there’s no blanket, it’s not Hygge.  A good spa for me, features a chaise lounge and blanket to snuggle under.  And the best part if you don’t need to be at the spa to enjoy this simple indulgence. My favorite spa blanket is from Keiki & Co.

2. Lounge Wear or Spa Robe

I’ve said that putting on spa robe, feels like a warm hug.  I love the time I spend in a spa robe.  And yes, you can have a nice spa robe at home.  But to be honest, in the winter, sometimes you just want some warm and comfy lounge wear.  Especially socks to keep the footsies warm. I love these moisturizing fluffy socks.

3. Candles

Candles are synonymous with spas, but they are also an important element to Hygge. The glowing flames create a calm, relaxing and even romantic environment. And scented candles can add a little aromatherapy in to the mix.  Taking your Hygge into a little bit of spa therapy at home.  Of course the Spa Day scent is my favorite!

4. Warm Soothing Drink

Again, a feature of both spa days and hygge are relaxing with a warm soothing drink.  Spas typically feature teas, especially herbal teas.  But since you are at home, you have the option for an indulgent cup of hot chocolate.  I even know of a collagen and bone broth hot chocolate product.  Or chaga mushroom drinks have become quite popular these days.  The possibilities are endless.

5. BookS

And curling up with a good book. Of course, if you don’t want to read a book, you don’t have to.  You could easily flip through a magazine. I sometimes do this with my spa and travel magazines.  Or you could even breakout the board games and connect with a loved one over a game.  Of course, if you are looking for some books to read, you can see the picks from Love to Spa’s book club.

Summary

From curling up under a blanket with tea and book to comfy lounge wear and candles.  What makes Hygge is also what makes a spa day so good.  Take a secret from the Danes about why they are so happy and embrace a spa lifestyle.  And you don’t even have to go to a spa, you can practice this right in the comfort of your own home.  Happiness and better health are another reason to practice self-care and to take the time you need for yourself to recharge.

 

If you need help taking time out for yourself, then let’s work together to find more time in your day and get over the guilt of taking time for yourself.  Learn more here. 

 

Note:  this blog is a lifestyle blog and not a source for medical advice.  Severe health issues, such as cardiovascular disease or depression and anxiety should be advised by qualified medical professionals. If you are facing depression, please seek professional assistance.   You can use the resources here.