An Active Lifestyle is Hygge

When most people think about Hygge they think about being curled up in the comfy furniture, under a blanket with hot chocolate in front of the fire. They aren’t wrong, this is a small part of living a Hygge lifestyle. However, the Danes balance that comfortable relaxing with being active in their daily lives. Having an active lifestyle is Hygge too.

It’s Day 14 of my 30 days of Hygge challenge and I was tasked to be more active. I’ll be honest with you, I wasn’t interested in doing this task after being on my feet for a 10-hour workday. My feet were not thrilled with me at all!

I put on my comfy shoes and we went for a walk this evening. It rained on us but we survived. The smell of the air was refreshing. We goofed around during the walk and shared some laughs as my husband tried to do dance moves that our daughter was doing during the walk. During the walk, we were even blessed to see a double rainbow.

I noticed that I have more energy and am clear-headed after the walk tonight. The stress from the day is gone, and I feel more connected to the family.

Join the Hygge Challenge

Danes have an active lifestyle, where they tend to walk more or bicycle to where they are going rather than driving short distances. They will choose to do activities they enjoy that are active. This might not include going to the gym because being outside is naturally Hygge.

When I was thinking about ideas to do for this task, I decided to try to list a few things we could do together or ideas I could do that might be different and still enjoyable.

Here’s a list of Hygge type activities to consider:

signup for an adult dance class
go for a hike at a local national park
walk around the neighborhood
go for a bike ride
sign up for a Kangoo Club class
take the kayak out for the day
go for a jog/run (If you see me running it will because someone or something is chasing me. I’ve dreamed of learning but have never been a long-distance runner.)
rollerblading
retro games with the kids like hopscotch, hula hoop, or jump rope
water balloon fight with the family
trampoline fun
go swimming at an outdoor pool
tobogganing
ice skating

The challenge is to do something you enjoy. If going to the gym is something you enjoy then great! I personally enjoyed my kickboxing gym for many years. Our family enjoys walks around the neighborhood, hiking, and the odd bike ride. Rollerblading happens now and then when I’m feeling brave. During the summer we might have a water fight to cool off the kids. Let loose and have fun with the family. The housework can wait. Have some fun with the family and live a more active life.