Hygge for Your Health
Danish for cosiness and comfort (especially over the darker months) the concept of ‘hygge’ has been embraced by many interior design magazines and as a way to sell scented candles. But is there more to this winter trend than luxe interiors?
Embracing hygge is a way for us to acknowledge the importance of downtime. Quiet resting time at home is not often how we spend the winter season. Quite often December flies by in a whirl of Christmas parties, mulled wine evenings and over-committing to catching up with friends and family, all whilst the days are getting shorter and colder. What would happen if we just took a step back, and deliberately scheduled in more quiet time at home?
In an exercise programme, it is the rest in-between workouts when the body builds muscle and repairs itself, stronger and more robust for the next challenge. As an experienced Personal Trainer, I often find myself reminding regular clients to enjoy downtime and let their body recover. This is especially important for keeping a healthy immune system.
Try and schedule at least one evening a week to yourself. For your physical wellbeing, and for your mental health. Try and do it without doom-scrolling social media or the news. Switch your phone and laptop off! Find a book or magazine you’ve been meaning to read for ages. Have an easy dinner prepped, preferably with lots of veggies (soup is ideal) and enjoy having a whole evening to yourself. You may like to have a bath (Epsom salts are excellent for muscle condition), or a shower with your favourite smellies. Indulge your senses and do nothing. Snuggle up on the sofa with a warm blanket, let yourself get bored, then go to bed early. The busier or more active you are, the more you will benefit from an evening (or more) of self-care. I like the analogy that you can’t pour from an empty cup, so if you have lots of people relying on you, all’s the more reason to look after your own resources and give yourself permission to have a break. And refill your metaphorical cup.
If you take time to rest and recover your body will thank you – and then you can achieve even more in your workouts and exercise time.
Personal Trainer Tracy Griffen trains individuals to meet their own health goals, whether it’s running a marathon, or being able to walk with confidence to your local shops. It’s all about YOU!
