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The art of Hygge - enjoying the simple things in life

This week I read in the paper about Hygge (pronounced “HUE-gah”)  the Danish ritual of enjoying life's simple pleasures.  The Danes are officially the happiest people in the world, so it is worth taking a look at their outlook on life.  Hygge is all about looking after yourself, giving yourself treats, making time for yourself, your friends and family. In other words, looking after your health and wellbeing.  It’s about not beating yourself up when trying to lose weight, having too much to do, agreeing to too many things that you can't cope with.

To be honest it’s not rocket science.  We all want to be happy and feel that we are leading a fulfilling life. But in the midst of work, family, personal issues it is easy to forget to look after yourself. 

My new year resolution this year was to give myself a treat a day.  It wasn’t to give up chocolate or to do more exercise, both of which I should do.  These resolutions just add to the pressure.  I just told myself to take a treat a day, whether it was a walk on the moors near my home, a coffee with a friend, half an hour with a good book or a cream cake!  I have to admit, I don’t keep to it religiously every day.  My life still feels as hectic as ever, but if I keep a lookout for the good things in life, the little treats that come my way and the opportunities on offer, it makes everything seem a little easier.

This week it’s been a mixed bag. There has been some illness in the family so I have spent a lot of time on hospital visits. However I have also managed to see Billy Elliot - a birthday treat for my 93 year old mother (which was wonderful!) and a couple of walks in the Yorkshire Dales. In the midst of the mayhem, these treats gave me a breather, time to reflect and enjoy the good things on offer. I still had to return to the difficulties, but the treats provided me with a little order and time to get everything in proportion.

I know that everyone's life is different and it is easier for some than for other's to include treats in your everyday life, but remember that a treat, a break, a breather, whatever you want to call it, all helps you cope with the problems that you face in daily life.  Somehow after a treat, things don't feel quite so bad. 

So take a leaf from the Danes, and learn the art of Hygge!