Embrace Hygge with Journaling and Essential Oils

While the term doesn't have a direct English translation, it embodies the essence of creating a warm atmosphere, reveling in the joy of comfortable companionship, or enjoying the solitary serenity of one's own company. 

I first experienced hygge in Denmark in 2000. 

I was living with a  couple while in country on a teacher exchange program.  After a full day of teaching, my hosts didn't come home, rush around the house getting the meal ready, and all the things we tend to add to the chaos of preparing for the next day of work, they practiced hygge.  

This sometimes included a walk to the stream with a fly rod or gathering at the outside picnic table with a guitar for beverages, homemade bread, and slices of cheese.   It was at times silent and at times noisy with a spontaneous singalong or lively discussion of possibilities and dreams.

As we searched for our version of  hygge here at home, we discovered that the closest recreation of the hygge experience was with a harmonious blend of journaling, essential oils, and a dose of nature.

Journaling, the timeless act of transferring thoughts onto paper, serves as a gateway to our inner selves. 

To begin, it's best to find a peaceful setting and check in with your senses.  When you start, journaling lets you release the thoughts on your mind, helping you clarify, organize, and gain a sense of perspective. As your brain, hand, and eyes coordinate the effort to release what's on your mind, you embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the depths of your emotions, desires, and reflections. 

The act of journaling under the ethos of hygge transforms this practice into a soothing ritual, a quiet moment carved out of the day dedicated to release, introspection, gratitude, and personal growth.

Enter the world of essential oils, nature's liquid gems that encapsulate the very essence of harmony. 

Premium essential oils are much more than their fragrances; they are wellness supporters in a bottle, each drop a gift of tranquility, vitality, and balance. When integrated into the hygge lifestyle, essential oils provide a conduit for emotional and physical harmony, enhancing your environment and influencing your mood and cognitive well-being.  

Imagine coupling the introspective practice of journaling with the sensory wellness journey of essential oils. The combination creates an environment ripe for reflection, self-expression, and emotional cleansing. As you uncap your favorite essential oil and breathe in its purifying essence, you become anchored in the present, ready to let your pen flow with your thoughts onto the journal pages.

Consider diffusing a blend of lavender and frankincense to cultivate a space of calm and clarity, their soothing properties setting the stage for profound self-reflection. Or consider an invigorating citrus blend as you outline your goals and make plans, or organize your space to make room for what lies ahead.  Their uplifting aromas will fuel your drive and determination.

Creating your personal hygge sanctuary is important for nurturing your mental and emotional well-being. 

Consider each of your senses. The space you create needs to be calm without chaos and distraction. It doesn't need to be big or fancy—simply a location where you can create the hygge atmosphere.

If you have the opportunity to include nature, several of the benefits are already incorporated. If you need to create your space, then make sure to incorporate calm sounds.  Check to see that the spot you've chosen is comfortable enough to sit for a while and relax.  If that can include soft birds or gentle water sounds, that would be great.  The natural scent of fresh air with the gentle essence of essential oils is lovely.  You can use a diffuser, apply the oils topically, or use a diffuser bookmark.  A view of nature with pleasant lighting that makes it easy to see your page but not too harsh for eye strain.  A writing tool of your choice with good flow and a beverage, tasty mint, or snack of your choice.

In this hygge setting, journaling acts as the cornerstone of self-discovery, while essential oils play a pivotal role in enhancing the sensory experience, each blend a supporting aspect of each story. Together, they form a powerful duo in cultivating an environment of peace, introspection, and joy.

In embracing hygge, remember the simplicity found in the act of taking pen to paper, surrounded by the comforting embrace of nature's fragrances. Here, in our sanctuary of solitude and serenity, we find ourselves truly at home, at peace, and in harmony with the world around us.

So, as you consider ways of embracing  hygge in your time and space, remember that the peace you seek may just be a journal entry and a drop of essential oil away.

If you enjoyed this article, you'll like Nature's Trilogy for Wellness: Journaling, Essential OIls, and the Great Outdoors.