It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're running errands, commuting to work, or working on a project at home it can be hard to find time to truly unwind and relax.

We do it here at Happy Hippo too.  Sometimes we get so caught up in developing new products, rushing to get orders out, responding to your questions on social media, that we forget "Hygge".

Personally, I think it is important that we take time out of our day to embrace the art of Hygge. The Nowegian and Danish word, "Hygge" has many meanings but is most often translated as coziness and relaxation.  It doesn't necessarily mean solitude, but most definitely includes a sense of safety and love.

At it's core, Hygge is enjoying the simple, everyday moments in life with your loved ones and feeling content. Achieving this state of mind can be as easy as lighting some candles, drinking some hot cocoa, reading a good book or just taking time for yourself to do something you enjoy. I have found that there are many different ways to embrace Hygge and I am excited to share them with you!

I'm a bit of a workaholic.  I think about soap, shampoo, bathbombs, lotions and scrubs all the time, so for me every time I embrace Hygge there's one thing I have to do - become present

1. Be Present

Being present means eliminating things that take you away from the present, cause unexpected and unnecessary interruptions, or present problems that you don't need to solve in the moment.  For me that's my phone.  Admittedly I'm addicted to it and have to turn it off, leave it somewhere, or put it on do not disturb in order to become fully present.

Here are a few other ideas to help with being present

• Turn off your phone
• Don't use any electronics that have a feed, advertisings, news unless absolutely necessary
• Give yourself time to not rush.  If you want to spend an hour, allow yourself two in your schedule so you can arrive early and leave late.  Rushed isn't Hygge.
• Take slightly deeper breaths.  It helps.

2. Set the mood and the space.

What is cozy?  It's a little different for everyone often depends on where you are.  Cozy at home is different than a cozy night out with friends, but it's important to be aware of the mood when you choose to embrace cozy.  

Lighting is always important.  Warm, lower levels of lighting definitely help instill an natural inclination towards cozy.  Smell is also important as is your own interpretation of the feel of the space you're in. 

Here are a couple of ways to set the mood and the space:

• choose warmer, lower levels of lighting such as candles
• light a fire
• use a diffuser and your favorite oils to scent the space
• use blankets, pillows and comfy furniture.
• Clean and tidy the space so it's comfortable for you
• Choose a space you find safe and choose people you feel safe with.
• add music you love - and maybe even sing along...out loud.

3. Relax and have fun

Just be.  You're uniquely you, so relax, have fun and embrace yourself and your preferences (quirks and all).   When I get cozy you can find me in Uggs, sweat shorts from my college days and a hoodie that should probably have been tossed a decade ago or maybe in a bath swirling the colors of mini bubble bombs trying, and failing to recreate the sky from Starry Night.

Here are a few things you can do experience the cozy:

• Coffee date with a friend
• Take a long bath
• Re-read a favorite book while curled up
• watch a favorite movie while under a giant pile of blankets
• have an at home spa day with your bestie
• Do something you find sooo satisfying. 

When you are able to do these things successfully, your brain will release oxytocin which is known as the “feel good hormone” that makes us feel calm and contented.

So how can you embrace the art of cozy? The first step is deciding what type of cozy experience you want; think about whether you would like a small get together with friends or perhaps an evening alone reading in the bath by candle light while sipping on some hot cocoa (or tea). Once you know what type of event/experience suits your needs best, then take time preparing for it.  It's worth it.