Spending all day dancing is the dream, but it is essential to take time outside of the studio to unwind and relax your muscles and your mind. One way to do this is to explore the practices and ideas that make up hygge.
What is Hygge?
A Danish custom focused on being positive, comfortable, and generating the intimate, open feeling of being home, hygge is a practice that has made its way around the world as a system of “cozy” practices. Many people approach hygge simply by lighting candles and getting bundle up in soft blankets, but the goal is to be comfortable emotionally and physically. In hygge there is no bragging, boasting, or complaining.
Hygge After Dance
1. Be Conflict-Free
Put aside any anxieties and drama and instead focus on positivity. In an interview about the Danish tradition of hygge, Danish anthropologist and hygge expert Jeppe Trolle Linnet said, “Conflicts or conflicting opinions are not perceived as hyggelig. Should someone disagree on a subject and a discussion start, you can be sure that it will be put to an end with a quick remark. Often using the famous sarcastic and ironic Danish humour.” Remember, no bragging, boasting, or complaining. Hygge is positive and welcoming.
2. Put Away the Screens
Scrolling through Instagram or digging into the latest Twitter drama isn’t ideal for creating a hyggelig atmosphere. So, put away your phone and put on some soft music or pick up a book. Or, invite a friend into your hygge routine. Spend time talking and enjoying one another’s company and undivided attention.
3. Get Cozy
While aesthetic isn’t everything, being cozy is important to hygge. Pull out comfy blankets. Put on your fave hyggebukser (you know, those cozy pajamas or sweatpants you can’t get enough of) and a pair of warm socks. Lighting a candle or two for some warm, calming lighting is perfect for creating a hyggelig atmosphere, too.
5. Journal
After dance class, you stretch your muscles to cool down, but at the end of the day, it can be good to set aside time to cool down your mind as well. While you’re making your space and your routine more hyggelig, including some time for journaling can be the perfect exercise in reflecting on the things that make you happy.
