Hygge, The Journal

Books are great tools for learning about mental health, and reading is scientifically proven to increase our level of empathy towards one another. It gives us a window into the lives of others. Hygge Savannah is taking time to acknowledge May as mental health awareness month. If you haven’t yet connected the dots between hygge and mental health, stop reading this and go back to catch up on our previous journal entries. 

It seems only fitting to share some of our favorite reads that address these topics and--big sigh of relief--some that don’t address them at all!  Here’s to hoping one of these picks brings you a better perspective on yourself and others, and encourages you to extend an extra hand this month to even those who seem like they have it the most together.  

“It’s just not my thing.”  Look, I get it. We have a lot to do in the short time we’re on Earth.  But you might consider the harmful chemicals that seep into our water supply and the soil where our food grows.  And hoping for a one-way ticket to Mars one day won’t solve the problem.  Just like we wear our seatbelt in case of an accident, or incorporate more vegetables into our diet, composting is one more thing you can do to care for the health of your family and yourself.

As with anything, getting started is the hardest part.  There’s lots of resources out there about starting and maintaining compost piles.  Personally, it wasn’t until a good friend had her own simple system in our small, fenced in yard of our condo complex that I took the leap.  Sometimes all we need to know is the simplest, fastest way to put something into action.

Let’s address the elephant in the room right out of the gate: how do you pronounce it?!  If you've ever been caught saying “higgy” (like my sister, recently) or “hiyga”, you’re not alone.  We understand that this is not part of the English language, and Google is sometimes too far out of reach, so let’s settle it once and for all.

“Hoo-gah” or “Hue-gah” 

Both will get the job done!  For those who aren’t familiar, the term is, in fact, Danish, originating from the country, Denmark.  And yes, I did feel like I needed to say that.  Norwegians know a bit about this concept too, but it’s more ingrained in Danish culture.

Imagine candles, wool blankets, fuzzy socks, puzzles, hot cocoa, fireplaces and a book.  Are you thinking of quarantine 2020?  It’s actually not too far off from what we’ve all been forced to do this past year.  Focus on spending quality time with our family, at home, doing activities that we otherwise are too busy for.