Summertime for Moms usually means finding new ways to entertain the kids, planning and scheduling all of their activities, preparing for family vacations, cooking more at home meals, ensuring that the household is running well, maintaining a work and social life all while never taking a true break for yourself. Trust me, any Mom who has been around the block knows that family vacation translates into “Momming” in a new location with (hopefully) better scenery and never getting a real chance to relax.
So what is a Mom to do to try pepper her Summer with some moments of indulgence without stepping out of the Mom arena? Let me introduce you to the concept of Hygge! Hygge (pronounced Hue-gah ) is simply defined as: “A quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture). Though there are many ways to describe hygge, we see it simply as the Danish ritual of enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Friends. Family. Graciousness. Contentment. Good feelings. A warm glow. Certainly, hygge is intrinsic to the Danish lifestyle, but this feeling of well-being, so deeply satisfying and cozy, is something we all experience, each in our own way.” This is a practice that I have embraced as a first time Mom to a very active and attached child. Every now and then, for your own sanity, you need to steal a few moments of tranquility in which you can let go, breathe deeply and enjoy!
I highly recommend this method because it is simple, can be done anywhere, is typically done with things you already have on hand, and is a nice way to de-stress from all the things us women carry on our shoulders daily. Here are some great examples of how to bring a little bit of Hygge into your Summer!
Set the scene:
Start by creating an ambiance in your surroundings. Add twinkle lights to the patio. Burn fresh, citrus candles at night. Sit on the porch or by a window, with your favorite drink, watching the lightning during a storm. Light your home with only natural light for a day. Have a bon fire. Watch the sunrise or sunset.
Beverages and treats:
Give your plain water a pop- switch to sparkling water and customize with fresh fruits, mint and rosemary sprigs. Eat expensive ice cream (the good stuff) and savor each bite. Eat lots of colorful, ripe fruit. Have a glass of wine after dinner, just sip and take your time. Enjoy a barbecue and indulge in the comfort foods of Summer. Get iced coffee with a friend. Make cold desserts to eat with your family. Roast marshmallows. Sip your morning coffee slowly and add a treat. Grill out.
Cozy:
Turn OFF your phones and devices for the night! Bury your feet in warm sand. Read a book outside in the shade. Make a Summer playlist of slow, breezy songs. Swim at night under the stars. Take an afternoon nap. Go into the woods- camp, hike, picnic, pick wildflowers. Buy new cotton sheets. Take an Epsom salts bath. Make your porch cozy with pillows, throw blankets and inviting colors. Have breakfast in bed.
Experiences:
Host a movie night in with friends- no phones allowed. Take a day trip to a special location. Tell stories around the dinner table. Hand write a card or letter. Go to a movie or music festival in the park. Eat dinner on the patio. Invite family over to watch old home movies or look through old photos. Go berry picking. Make homemade ice cream. Play lawn games in bare feet. Float on an intertube in a pool, lake, stream, or a lazy river. Plant flowers.
Overall just take in the moments. Be mindful to pause, breathe and feel each experience. Summer heat has a way of making everything seem better when it goes slowly, take note and do the same!
