How To Hygge (Ways To Actually Enjoy Winter)
Explore 7 ways to keep happy, mindful and healthy this winter as Fiona Adams explores Scandinavian concepts of hygge, seasonal vegetables and discusses fitness with Caroline Ross.
Swedish-born personal trainer Caroline Ross lives in Chiswick and specializes in postnatal fitness and wellbeing. She is also passionate about inspiring people to get out and embrace winter.
When Government guidelines allow, Caroline runs Forest Bootcamp and BuggyFit classes as well as one-to-one training sessions.
1. Start the day right
Get outside first thing in the morning for daylight and fresh air. Grab a coffee and the dog. Take your kids. This sets the tone for the rest of the day. Benefiting you both physically and mentally.
A morning walk in the fresh air will increase the amount of serotonin also known as (the happy hormone) your body produces. While providing you with time and space to reflect and appreciate the little things in life, a very important act of self-care in this strange time.
2. Don’t let the weather dictate what you do – dress for it
In Sweden, the mindset is very practical and pragmatic, if it’s snowing we wear snow boots, if it’s raining, we put on full waterproofs and we have lots of thermals. No-one likes getting wet and cold, so dress well and get out and have fun.
3. Exercise outdoors throughout winter. If you are lucky enough to have snow, go cross country skiing, ice skate or just have a snowball fight. For Londoners, get out into our many beautiful parks and move your body in any way that feels good. Once you’ve warmed up, I guarantee you won’t feel the cold.
4. Go Hygge
Create a cosy interior. We light lots of candles in Scandinavia to bring light during the darker winter months and to also use the darkness as a positive reason to create more cosiness indoors.
The word 'Hygge' originates from Denmark and is thought to be one of the reasons they consistently rank amongst the happiest countries in the world. There are countless variations of the term throughout Scandinavia all with the same core principles and aim which is comfort and joy.
It is estimated that 28% of Danes burn candles every single day, with 31% burning more 5 at a time.
Other highly regarded aspects of hygge include hot drinks, board games, cooking and music. So make a hot cup of tea, curl up on your sofa and read a good book.
5. Explore seasonal ingredients
Now we've all heard of the saying You are what you eat
. This month nourish your body and treat your senses to a selection of beautiful seasonal fruit and veg. As you start feeling better from the inside out. Get inventive and create meals using broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kale, cabbage and leeks. Don't forget to top up on vitamin C with citrus fruits like lemons and grapefruits now they are in season.
6. Take care of your skin and hair
It is no secret that the winter is not always kind to us, Often drying out our skin and hair. This is due to the drastic changes in temperatures they face, from the warmth of our homes to the fresh winter air.
To combat the effects on your skin, dry brushing and body scrubs are suggest and of course, make sure you are applying an SPF moisturizer daily. This will protect your skin from harmful UV rays that exist all year round. As for your hair try weekly masks and serums that nourish the hair and help to lock in the moisture.
7. Finally, treat yourself!
Whether this means a relaxing bath, a glass of wine or a spot of retail therapy. Do something completely selfish, or something you've been putting off because you ''didn't have time''. After the winter you've had, you deserve it.
For more information email: hello@mamaste-fitness.com