Hygge in Heartbreak

First, I would like to preface this post by saying I am so happy that this concept and lifestyle of hygge is catching on! My grandma showed me an article by Cathy Hobbs titled "Hygge for the Holidays" that was in a newspaper recently.The article entailed how to incorporate hygge into your life and lists the basics (fairy lights, cozy sweaters, calming hobbies, etc.) and that "the holidays are certainly the perfect time of the year to introduce some hygge." I hope with the new year ahead of us, we can all try to incorporate hygge into our daily lifestyle, even when times don't feel so happy.

Now, let's dive into today's heavy topic. I'll keep it short since it's more serious than what I normally write about and I like to keep this environment light and relaxing. Because I'm writing late tonight, I made myself a cup of Yogi Bedtime tea with milk and honey, which is certainly relaxing. Whatever time of day you are reading this, I hope you are feeling cozy with something delicious to sip or snack on.

I think it is important to remember that you can find, or allow, hygge in heartbreaking moments in your life. Heartbreak does not have to be specific; it can be a myriad of experiences, such as losing a loved one, a relationship ending, not getting the job, your favorite restaurant closing, etc. Heartbreak usually means that something is ending, but that also means something else is beginning. Or if you're losing something, then maybe you are gaining something else. Though at first glance, heartbreak can seem negative, you can make it positive. I don't believe that healing happens over night. Lorelai Gilmore told her daughter, Rory, that she has to wallow before she can move on, because to move forward, you have to feel your current emotions. Rory wasn't ready to wallow at the time, and maybe you aren't either, and that's okay, but it's important to know that wallowing doesn't have to be scary. Wallowing can be relieving, and it won't allow for the emotions to carry on into the next chapter. For some people, it can be difficult to feel feelings, so maybe it's better to think of it as a refresher, a breather.

Though meditating would be a great way to redirect yourself, meditation can seem daunting. Instead, I suggest using the hygge basics. Light your candles, draw your bath, make a calming drink, read a favorite book, and make this a nightly or morning ritual to reset yourself. Not only is this hygge, but it's self-love. Making a space for hygge in your daily routine is soothing for the self and it will help to remember that despite all the pain and hurt, you love yourself. You are giving yourself the space to heal.

I would also suggest journaling. For some, feeling emotions is difficult, so jotting down anything that is felt in the moment can be helpful, or whatever comes to mind, including what has caused the heartbreak. I've kept journals since I was little, but personally, it's difficult to remember to journal by the day's end. However, I don't let that "bad" habit bother me. Instead, when I remember my journal, I take it out and set it on my desk or in a space where I'll see it, and that way I can hold myself accountable. This is important because not only are you releasing negative emotions and thoughts from your body, but now you can tangibly see how brave you were to face them, besides the event that caused the heartbreak.

I hope this helped and please keep this post in your back pocket for when you need it because, let's face it, heartbreak happens all the time. It is an inevitable part of life, but that's what makes us stronger. Otherwise, life would be kind of boring. Thank you so much for joining me. Until next time <3