Hygge Morning Routine

Hygge (prounounced “hoo-gah”) is a Danish concept that emphasizes a warm and cozy environment along with feelings of good wellbeing. Completing a hygge morning routine, or as much of one as time will allow, can help set a positive tone for the rest of your day.
 

If you’re looking for a nice calm way to start your day, look no further! In this post we’re going to explore several easy but effective ideas to include when you’re designing your own perfect hygge morning routine. One of the keys is to act intentionally, but also keep things simple.
 

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Rise Early

Waking up early is one of the best ways to maximize your day. Being up earlier also gives you more time to relax and enjoy your morning. You can take your time in the morning instead of rushing.

Your body tends to wake up more quickly than your brain, which is why you can sometimes feel disoriented first thing in the morning. This is a completely normal part of the waking process, but it can take a while. By waking up earlier, you’ll allow more time for your brain to fully wake up.

By rising early, you’ll also be able to better plan your day ahead and increase your productivity.

 
 

Stretch

Having a good big stretch in the morning can help relieve the tension of sleeping in one position for hours. It also increases blood flow to the muscles, helping energize you for the day ahead.

A prolonged stretching session as part of your hygge morning routine can help your body feel relaxed and help your mind feel centered.

 
 

Bathe

Bathing either by taking a bath or a shower can help to wake up and refresh your body.

Bathing can be a relaxing part of your hygge morning routine, relaxing your muscles and reducing tension.

Take the time to focus on the sensations of the water moving over your body. Use scented soaps, scrubs, oils or whatever products you have on hand.

 
 

Skin Care

Take some extra time for yourself and do a full skin care routine. Really engage your senses as you apply the serums, creams and other products.

Your skin is the largest organ of your body, so it’s good to keep it healthy and hydrated. Using natural and organic products can also be a way to connect to nature – another important aspect of a hygge morning routine.

 
 

Get Comfy

Comfort is key. Feeling comfy cozy is a natural human desire, who doesn’t like it? Feeling comfortable can promote relaxation, help reduce your stress and improve your mood.

So put on your fuzzy socks, yoga pants, a robe or over-sized sweater.. whatever feels comfy to you!

 
 

Affirm

Both affirmations and visualizations can help promote a more positive mindset. You want to repeat positive affirmations and visualize positive and calming scenes.

Take the time to focus on your thoughts and nurture positive thinking. This can help you start your day feeling more centered and happy. Repeating daily affirmations has been shown to activate the reward centers in your brain.

By visualizing yourself having a good day, you can help yourself stay focused and motivated.

 
 

Walk

Taking a walk outside early in the morning is a good way to boost your energy. The light of the morning sun will signal to your circadian rhythm that it is morning and time to be awake!

Walking outside will help you connect with nature, another essential part of any hygge morning routine.

If you get outside early enough, you may even catch a beautiful sunrise.

 
 

Sip

There’s just something about hot beverages in the mornings. They provide both warmth, and comfort, making them an essential part of a hygge morning routine.

Many hot beverages contain caffeine, which can give you a boost of energy – but isn’t necessary. So make yourself your favorite hot beverage and savor a cup of it in a comfortable spot in your home.

 
 

Nourish

There’s nothing like a hot breakfast to really warm up your soul in the morning. If the weather outside is chilly, the effect is even greater.

Try creating a nourishing breakfast with the protein you need to tackle the day.

Ideally during this cozy morning you will be able to cook your own meal from scratch. Sometimes though, conditions are less than ideal.

A nice hot breakfast may include breakfast porridge, oatmeal, grits, eggs almost any way, sausage, biscuits, cinnamon rolls, pancakes, waffles or maybe even just some buttered toast.

(Can you tell I really like breakfast food?)

 
 

Be Mindful

Being mindful is being present and fully engaged in the moment.

Spend some quiet time practicing mindfulness. Take a few moments to breathe deep and be present with your thoughts. Mindfulness is an essential element to any hygge morning routine.

Pausing to meditate can help you appreciate the current moment and let go of worries.

 
 

Listen

Calming music or sounds have been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in your body. Calming sounds also help to drown out any background noises that could be distracting, helping to keep your atmosphere peaceful.

Listening to calm music or sounds is a simple but powerful way to start your day off right.

Though not really music, you might also want to consider a calming guided meditation. There are many different types of guided meditations for whatever you might want to achieve during your day.

 
 

Light Candles

The earliest known use of candles is considered to date back to Ancient Egypt. We may no longer use them as sources of light, but often still use them during celebrations.

But truthfully, you don’t need a reason to light a candle. They are a good way to bring a sense of relaxation to your space. The soft light of a flickering flame is very different from the constant glow of a bulb.

Scented candles provide not only fragrance, but atmosphere. Candles just help create a cozier environment, no matter the time they’re burned.

 
 

Get Creative

You can fit some creativity into your mornings in several different ways. One great way to start is with journaling or writing out morning pages to help get those creative juices flowing.

The morning is a good time to journal your thoughts and set intentions for the day. By writing out your intentions, you’re more likely to achieve them.
 

 
Another way is by listening to a podcast, reading a blog post that inspires you (hinthint) Or you could do something with your hands like doodle, draw, paint or knit.
 

 
 

Tidy Up

Take care of your space. Keeping your environment neat and organized can helps promote relaxation. A cluttered space often clutters your mind too.

This is just a tidy though – not a full on top to bottom house cleaning. I recommend a 10 minute tidy.

If you’ve never tried a 10 minute tidy – they’re magical! A 10 minute tidy is exactly what it sounds like, you set a timer for 10 minutes and spend that time doing uninterrupted cleaning. You’ll be surprised at how much you can get done before the timer goes off.

 
 

Read

It’s better to pick up your book and flip some pages in the morning than it is for you to pick up your phone and scroll through social media.

It’s also good to read in the mornings because reading can help improve your focus and stimulate your creativity. Reading a book that you enjoy can truly transport you to different places.

Make reading a cozy activity. Bring your blanket and pillows to the comfiest spot you can find. Add in some of the other suggestions above, like lighting candles, to really bring the hygge into your hygge morning routine.
 
 

Gratitude

Gratitude promotes a greater sense of contentment, which is an important aspect of hygge.

Regularly practicing gratitude and feeling grateful can literally change your brain by creating new neural pathways.

Over time, gratitude leads to increased happiness and can reduce some symptoms of depression.
 

 

Gratitude can help reduce your stress by shifting your focus from the negative to the positive. By expressing gratitude towards those you appreciate, you can also strengthen your relationships.

Speak out loud, or write down the things that you are grateful for each day to cultivate the practice.

 
 

Your Hygge Morning Routine

The best morning routine is the one that you actually do. Take what you need, leave what you don’t and customize your hygge morning routine to be perfect for you.

 

 

A Hygge morning routine is likely not one you’ll have enough time or energy for every day. It’s a special routine for when you want to slow down and really enjoy your morning.

Hygge is all about stepping away from the daily grind and slowing down to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.

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