Care for yourself while self-isolating
The world may have gone crazy but do these 3 things and you might just stay perfectly sane.
What is Hygge and why should you make your life more hygge-ish now?
Hygge is widely defined as that “warm & cozy feeling you get when spending time doing what you enjoy with the people you love, a complete absence of frustration or anything emotionally overwhelming”. Well, sounds just like these past few weeks, doesn’t it? Ha. Not really.
With COVID-19 taking on the world by storm, most of us might feel slightly out of phase with ourselves, struggling perhaps to find a new “normal” amidst the current turmoil. Nonetheless, now may also be the very best time to slow down a while and find that extraordinary quiet within.
Tip #1: Exercise
This tip is no secret. Exercising not only helps you control your weight (working from the kitchen table isn’t exactly your diet’s best friend, is it?) but also helps you boost your mood and energy levels all while reducing stress (endorphins, I love you).
If you live close to a forest or large open space, head out for a walk (alone is obviously preferred) or maybe even a jog. Just a little time in nature will work wonders on your mind, you will see. For those of you with less access to green, solitary landscapes, there are still plenty of options for exercising in self-isolation right from the comfort of your own home.
Brussels Yoga Loft has LIVE online classes, offered free of charge every day for the time confinement lasts. Youtube also has a host of resources available for those looking to get active without leaving the safety of their living room. Brett Larkin is a great instructor for both beginning & experienced yogis while Blogilates will have you break a sweat to the rhythm of hit music and PopSugar get you working out to routines tried and loved by the likes of Victoria Secret Models. Whatever your fancy, chances are you find it online.
Pulled out the exercise mat yet? 😉
Tip #2: Cook, Bake, Eat, Repeat
We all know it, a home alive with the warm, comforting scent of homemade goods slowly baking away as time quietly inches by is THE most Hygge moment of all. You can make the magic happen even with just a little flour, a few eggs, some butter, sugar and a dash of chocolate. We are absolutely head over heels in love with this chocolate chip cookie recipe from The Boy Who Bakes. These are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or a cup of tea, a good book or simply the quiet company of your thoughts.
Photo credits: thegreenkitchenette
Photo credits: theboywhobakes
Oh. So. Delicious.
If you’re more of the adventurous type, you can also spend a few hours exploring some of our favourite Belgian classics. Elle à Table has some great recipes for you to try, including this decadent recipe for Carbonnade Flamande, a hearty ale-based stew sure to bring a ton of Hygge into your day.
Photo credits: Elle a Table
Photo credits: Brussels Kitchen
On warmer days, have a visit with Brussels Kitchen who exceptionally shares with us not only recipes from acclaimed restaurants in the city but also live (and free!!!) cooking classes held with some of the top names on Brussels’ culinary scene! Make Ben van Hoo’s Pine-Smoked Mussels recipe on a warm (almost) summer’s day, sit in the sunshine, bask in the daylight and remember, everything will be alright.
Tip #3: Have a Spa Day. At home.
What better Hygge activity than to take time off to pamper body & soul? For most of us, nothing feels quite as relaxing as a day at the spa and, if we cannot go out, all we need is just bring it home! The single most important thing to keep in mind when having a spa day at home is the quality of the products you use. For the ultimate Hygge experience, we suggest going the slow route with all-natural and preferably handmade cosmetics that will leave you feeling like a queen.
Photo credits: Les savons de Lyna
Photo credits: Les savons de Lyna
If you live in Belgium or in France, Les Savons de Lyna is your one-stop shop for all the products you might need for the perfect home spa. In normal times, a visit to their pretty little boutique in the heart of the quaint Marolles District would be a must for the senses but in this age of Covid-19 we find their online shop just as pleasurable to wander around.
You’ll want to get yourself some bath soak, exfoliating rub, a face mask and some moisturizing cream. Choose plant-based products to fully benefit from their soothing properties. Remember different plants will have different benefits so read up on each before you purchase them to find the perfect fit. We favour lavender, ylang-ylang and chamomile for relaxation and love citronella, rosemary and fir tree oil for energy and vitality.
You can also try your hand at making your very own face masks by following our recipes given in this article for 3 face masks to make with ingredients you can find at home.
Now just let all your worries slowly drift away…
Stay connected with #myhyggemoment
While we may not be able to keep physically in touch, there certainly is nothing stopping us from staying connected the virtual way! We would love to see how you Hygge-up your life in this time of self-isolation. Whether you share your take on the above or simply share the pretty moments stolen from the ordinary of life, use #myhyggemoment on Instagram for your chance to be featured on our feed and stories. 😊
Stay safe, keep well and cultivate always the beautiful art of wellbeing.