Finding Hygge in the Void

 Hello and welcome back! I apologize for the gap between posts, but I feel like it’s important to talk about these months between winter and spring. Some of us go through seasonal depression and, for me, it hits hardest when the weather is between gray snowy days and warm sunny days. Specifically in New Jersey, it snows with strong winds one day and the next it’ll be bright and fifty degrees. The spring days we want do not feel like they’re right around the corner.

I’ve got my cup of Lavender and Chamomile tea with milk and honey. The sun is trying to come through the gray sky, and it’s not warming anything, so I’ve got my bright pink Comfy on (it’s like a giant blanket hoodie). I don’t particularly like burning candles in the spring and summer months, but since we’re in between, the warm glow and scent is comforting.

Another way to enjoy these days is making warm food and drinks. Baking fresh bread, in particular, is wonderful because the smell fills your home and the warmth fills your belly. It’s a comfort food that is always welcome. For me, I need tea on hand because my allergies are brutal this time of year. Cinnamon and honey soothe the throat and are perfect in any green tea.

During these days, it’s a good idea to be outside, whether it’s prepping the garden or going on walks, because the changing weather will boost your immune system. It’ll also help feel more positive about the weather. You can plan ahead for nicer days by checking weather apps, or the weather channel, for a nice picnic or date in a local park. It’s also a good idea to pay attention to what your body needs, because even though getting outside and planning are ideal, the body (and mind) may not want to do that. These days, I feel the need to sleep more, whether it’s naps or longer nights. I also need to stretch more frequently and move my body, which yoga is perfect for. Riding bikes is also a great way to enjoy being outside and exercising this time of year.

Because we need patience for these in-between months that feel like a void, it’s a good idea to slow the transition from inside your home. I know a lot of people who quickly de-winterize their homes after December, but this year, I slowly took down my winter decorations. My Christmas ones left the first week of January, but my winter ones stayed for most of February. I took out my pink decorations for Valentine's Day, which have also been put away by now. Currently, I have my Christmas lights around my window, which I’ve decided will remain all year because they make me happy. I have my plush pink blanket given to me by my friend that will stay on my bed until it’s too warm. My weighted blanket, though, has been put away. Soon, I will take out my Easter decorations, which I am looking forward to. They’re not out yet because pleasure denied for now is pleasure amplified. I am enjoying the bareness of my shelves and furniture with the pink and warm glows of my lights for now.

I feel it’s important to slow and enjoy the transition from decorating and even spring cleaning inside the home because it will reflect the weather outdoors, which will allow you to feel the comfort in the changing seasons. If you take your time indoors when the weather outdoors is also taking its time to change, you may feel closer to nature. Also, you may recognize that you’re trying to rush spring along when you decorate for it, which is what I noticed in myself.

Once you do decorate for spring, you’ll feel excited for the warmer days ahead and they will no longer feel so far away. Spring is coming! I wish for you it’ll be the rejuvenating revival you’ve been wanting and all the grass and flowers that grow will reflect your lovely soul. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day! <3