HOW TO PRACTICE HYGGE IN THE WEEKEND

Happy weekend! Time to relax, refresh and recharge before a brand new week starts.

I know everyone is different and we all enjoy different things during the weekend, but I wanted to share a few little tips that might help you practice hygge from Friday through to Sunday the Scandinavian way. These are small things that will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside and will help you enjoy your time off to the fullest. Some of these points might be obvious to some, but it is always nice to get a little reminder (I guess I am writing these down also for my own benefit so I can look back at these to get a little nudge.)

How to have a hygge weekend:

// Enjoy a long breakfast

Long breakfasts are what I live for, and in the weekend I love planning something extra for me and my boyfriend to enjoy. Whether that is going out to buy fresh croissants from our local bakery, making homemade banana pancakes or waffles, or simply visit a cafe for a treat it will for sure set your day and weekend off to a great start. For me, breakfast is the time to reflect and just enjoy time together. It is when we plan our day or simply chat about anything that is on our mind and it is very precious to me.

Advice, if you have some extra time this weekend and want to make some delicious homemade muesli for your breakfast – head over to the first post in new Nordic summer series with a selection of Scandinavian inspired recipes created by Peta Coote. Find the recipe here and enjoy.

// Sprinkle cinnamon on your coffee

This is such a simple thing, but sprinkling a bit of cinnamon on my coffee or mixing it into the coffee always makes it taste so nice and the smell gives me a hygge feeling. I think it must be because it reminds me of cinnamon buns… Cinnamon also have many health benefits, which is great for all us cinnamon lovers out there.

// Read a book

The weekend is the perfect time to open that book that you have been meaning to start for so long but had no time for. Set aside a bit of time in the morning, during the day or before bedtime (depending on your schedule) and get lost in a book.

Advice, check out a list I posted a few years ago with 9 books to read this summer to get into the Nordic mood for inspiration.

// Start a DIY project

What better way to spend a few hours this weekend than making something? Little, fun DIY projects are great to either do alone or together with a friend, and the best part is that you end up with something unique afterward.

Advice, click for a few DIY ideas with a Nordic look to get the creative juices flowing.

// Visit a new cafe or restaurant

I love discovering new places, especially when they have a cozy and happy environment I feel welcome in. A few weeks ago I found a new spot in my town called Q.B. Monza. With delicious coffee & sweet treats as well as fun swing chairs, this is now my new favorite hygge place! From now on, you will find me here enjoying a coffee and a slice of cake… Want to join me?

// Have an aperitivo

An Italian tradition I was very quick to adapt is the popular aperitivo, which means to have a drink with salty snacks and food. Here in Italy all bars and clubs will have aperitivo in the evening during the weekend, and as long as you pay for one drink you can eat as much as you want from a buffet. Going for aperitivo with friends is a great way to start the evening, but if you do not live in Italy and have nowhere to experience it – why not create aperitivo at home? In our household, we have started a new habit of having our own little aperitivo on Sunday evenings. This means instead of dinner we take all the leftover food and snacks we have accumulated during the week and create our own aperitivo.

Advice, I recommend trying Aperol Spritz – the typical Italian aperitif cocktail with just the right bitterness. Prosecco is also a great choice!

// Explore

Weekends are for wandering, so why not go on a little adventure somewhere new? A few weeks ago we did just that with a lovely trip to the Italian Alps where we went hiking near the Dolomites. It is so nice to get out of your comfort zone and explore somewhere new, especially being close to nature with beautiful scenery.

// Cuddle a furry friend

Whether you are a cat person or a dog lover, having a cuddle with your favourite furry friend is bound to make you feel good. It can make us feel more relaxed and at ease while having a positive impact on our mood. One of my favourite times of the weekend is when we are all on the sofa and my dog (Bowie) is extra cuddly.

Advice, if you do not have a furry friend in your life why not sign up for dog walking or to take care of someone’s pet while they are away? There are plenty of people needing help, especially elderly, so check out local websites, apps or talk to your neighbours to see if you can find someone.

// Lørdagsgodt

In Norway we have a thing called lørdagsgodt that translates into “Saturday sweets” (which it literally is!) Growing up we always got candy on Saturdays and that day was the best day of the week. It is a rule I have tried to implement when growing up too, although hard to stick too, so that I have something special to look forward to. The feeling when Saturday evening arrives and you sit down on the sofa for a relaxing evening in with a bowl of pick & mix is the best, and makes the wait feel worthwhile.

// Put your phone away… and just enjoy the moments

One of my favorite new sayings is “do more things that make you forget to check your phone.” It has made me realize that it is so important to have fun and enjoy life instead of being glued to your phone all the time. Because of this, I try to make my weekend less about technology and more about being present and enjoying the moments made.

How do YOU find hygge during the weekend?

// Photo credit: Ingrid Opstad