Creating a sanctuary in the middle of the mundane
The back story and inspiration behind Healthy Hedonism.
They were bright pink and felt like the next best thing to slipping my feet in a warm bath — just what a brand-new visitor to cold cold Iceland needed.
I was at a conference … and with my room key came a pair of thick woolen socks.
The hotel staff firmly encouraged all participants to leave their shoes at check in and embrace the snug, informal footwear — the first speaker opened the event in a bright yellow pair. This small gesture kept more than just our feet warm for the rest of our week.
Over the next few days, hosts carved out enough time for a dip in the hot springs, a walk in the forest or just quiet contemplation by the fireplace…
That is how I was introduced to Hygge. The concept needs no introduction but here is my favorite if I had to pick one: “a practical way of creating a sanctuary in the middle of very real life” author Louisa Thomsen explains in The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Contentment, Comfort, and Connection.
To experience Hygge, you don't have to take a flight to the nordics and spend a day in a sauna. You can bring Hygge into your life right where you are, no matter what time of the year.
Why does this Danish form of self care resonate so much with the Ayurveda practitioner in me?
There is something these two have in common — a holistic, frugal, pleasurable approach to wellbeing.
Ayurveda, a sister science of Yoga believes that wellbeing is a balancing act between how we eat, rest and spend our energy. The idea of creating a sanctuary in the middle of everyday real life is at the core of wellbeing.
It is also the inspiration behind Healthy Hedonism.
Today, I share with you a round up of tips that have resonated the most with readers of Healthy Hedonism over the last two months.
I hope these bring in a little more ease into the last weeks of winter as you count down to spring:
1. Sit down for a cup of Ginger chai
Ginger has a special place not only in Ayurveda (a sister science of Yoga). Apothecaries in the west had recognised it’s super powers and in 14th century England just one pound of ginger could be traded for one whole sheep!
Ginger raises body temperature and will help you stay warm naturally. It will boost digestion, prevent weight gain and regulate cholesterol levels — making it a superfood all year round. So…
Make yourself this cup of spicy and comforting ginger chai, put on some music, phone a friend or simply enjoy a silent break.
Get the recipe here
2. Roll out your mat for a Yoga Nidra
This is better than a power nap! The practice of Yoga Nidra is all about slowing your brainwaves down such that you reach a state of relaxation bordering between sleep and awakeness. In this state of deep rest, your body begins to heal from fatigue and past traumas. You may even have creative insights!
This 20 minute guided session is a good place to start and will help you recharge your batteries.
Lizzy Hill > Listen hereOR chose from a playlist I share in the original post here.
To make the most of your experience — Have no expectations from yourself. It is ok to feel restless or fall asleep in the beginning. The more you practice, more rested you will feel. Advanced practitioners are able to guide themselves into this blissful state, sans instructor!
3. Nurture your Sangha
Yoga sees Sangh (togetherness, community in Sanskrit) as an accelerator for wellbeing and spiritual development when you choose with caution — when you include in your Sangh those who energise and uplift you. There are many versions of how you may nurture your Sangha.
Hear it from my friend Maria whose audio letters inspired this one. Here is how she has revisited the forgotten art of letter writing.
Social withdrawal is a common experience in winter. A symptom of what science calls Seasonal affective disorder, commonly known as winter blues. As days get longer and brighter, our appetite for connection gradually resurfaces, but if you are not at your 100% social best…
Show yourself some compassion and find a way to connect that feels doable and pleasurable to you — leave a voice note, send a card, invite a friend to take an online yoga class with you, suggest a smaller gathering…
Wellbeing is a balancing act between how you eat, work, play and rest. Personalised guidance and having someone hold your hand through the journey makes all the difference.
That is why I choose to work 1:1 with you. We start with you and your goal. You walk away feeling in control of your physical and mental health.
If you feel ready to make your wellbeing a priority, so that you may be present for what matters to you, let’s work together to make that happen.