Hygge for your Period

Hygge was the it word of late 2016. Pronounced “hoo-ga,” it's the Danish ritual for enjoying life's simple pleasures. Oxford Dictionary defines it as "a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being." Naturally I took to this concept and bought this and that book, and began to incorporate more hygge into my home and life. So you might be wondering what this has to do with your period. Well, in the last few weeks, as I was doing more research into the menstrual cycle (beyond the hormonal rises and dips). I read that during the first 7 days of our cycle is yin-like and it's a great time for rest and relaxation (aka. don't go hard if you don't have to). (PS. Learn more about your cycle here)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, yin energy is feminine and restful. This makes sense because we're doing one of the most feminine things we could be doing - shedding our endometrial layer and setting the foundation for the next. At this time our some of our eggs are also maturing and getting ready for ovulation. While this may seem consequential - it's an important event that dictates how we will experience our cycle. 

Thus, it's the perfect time for us to take it easy while our body does it's own thing. And who doesn't want to be cozy and comfortable while they relax? 

How to get more hygge in your life

• Warm drinks - ie. tea, coffee - although the less stimulants during yin time, the better

• Wool blanket

• Candlelight - Look for organic soy or beeswax candles

• A good book - I'm currently reading this book

• Hydrotherapy spa - This is my idea of the ultimate self care day! Can't escape Toronto? Visit Body Blitz

• Thick cozy socks - For me, the higher percentage of wool, the better (PS. Be sure to bring them on your next trip!)

• Warm sweaters - I prefer pure cotton blends (but they can be hard to find for women)

• Eating around the table with your partner or family

• Turning off social media - Sometimes it's okay to disconnect for a few hours or days

• Practice gratitude - I bought this journal a couple months back

• Pet a furry friend

• Go for a walk in nature - Declutter your mind

• Display fresh flowers - Bring nature inside your home

• Knit or crochet - Once a couple of years with my mom's help, I knit a scarf. Lately, I've been toying with the idea of beginning a macrame project. 

• Watch the sunrise

• Visit a lake/bay/sea/ocean

• Take a relaxing bath - Add a cup of epsom salts, a couple drops of lavender essential oil and play some soothing music 

Next Steps

Let's be honest, who wouldn't want to practice hygge all the time? Check out my hygge Pinterest board for more ideas of how to incorporate more hygge in your life. Plus, if you love learning about your period, be sure to sign up for my monthly newsletter called The Flow for great and informative content like this! (It's a perfect ready while you hygge!)