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Hygge Exercise: How it Can Help During Winter

1/7/2018

12 Comments

 
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"In the wintertime, it is easy to feel stuck inside. And while it can be hyggeligt to relax with your book & a cup of tea, it is even more hyggeligt after you have spent a day in the snow. So gather a group of people and head for the hills."~ Meik Wiking, The Little Book of Hygge

"When you're exercising with a hygge mindset, you should make sure it's pleasant. 'It's walks in nature (with loved ones adds extra hygge), relaxing bike rides through pretty scenery, dancing with your partner, hikes with picnics, and for some people even going for a run is meditation for them,' she says. 'Being outside in general is a great way to be more hygge while exercising. Really appreciating nature for what it is—stopping to smell the roses, as they say.'" ~Pia Edberg, The Cozy Life
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The most important way to hygge exercise is to choose to move in ways that bring you joy. And of course that's your best chance of continuing to do it, they say.

But knowing all of that was usually not enough to get me moving during winter.

Is that true for you, too, at times? At a time when becoming one with the couch seems like a good idea, how do you get yourself moving?

For me, it takes determination. That's what I have to feed.

Are you determined yet? If not, Google and then, read more about the power of exercise to create feel-good chemicals and improve mood.

But once you are determined, choose something that is easy for you & feels good when you do it.

For me, easy is jumping on my rebounder. I don't even have to leave the house. Other homebodies, can I get an amen?

But feels good, for me, is dancing. And sometimes, they merge.

My mom, who is in her 80s, walks around her house for half an hour several days a week & goes to chair yoga class once a week.

What kind of movement feels good to you? What is it, that once you were doing it, would make you glad you did?

Now, whatever you just thought of, keep it in your mind for a minute and imagine it making winter better. What would that look & feel like for you? Stay there for another minute or two, just seeing it unfold.

Making a commitment to "exercise more" has rarely worked for me. Does it work for you? It was always something else, like looking better in my clothes or having more energy, losing weight, even. But "exercise is good for you" was never enough by itself.

If that resonates with you, try making a commitment to your winter blues plan first. Then decide if exercise is going to need to be part of that plan.

If so, then you just have to find a way to make it fun. Or create rewards.

Many years ago now, the gym I went to was right across the street from a Boston Market. And February was rough. So I bribed myself.

I set it up so that during the week, a friend would join me and we'd talk the whole time. On the weekends, though, if I went to the gym, I got to go through the drive-thru, and order whatever I wanted.

What would work for you?

See you next time!

Love, Jeanine


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12 Comments
Kemkem link
1/7/2018 02:19:01 pm

Like you mom, walking has been my most consistent and effective form of exercise. I slacked off in summer due to the hot weather, but l am loving it now. Bonus..we live right in front of a park :-). Good luck .

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Jeanine Byers link
1/7/2018 02:33:39 pm

That is a huge bonus!! I live in front of a courtyard, with lots of bog oak trees, and for a while, there, was walking around it every day. But I got SO bored! Good on ya for walking.

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Elynn Price link
1/7/2018 04:34:30 pm

In today's rush to get things done we forget to take the time enjoy the view. Walking and playing outdoors has been a lifestyle that I like to keep. I am disappointed when I miss my daily walks, it is what helps me get through the day and even better sleep at night, which I do enjoy my sleep.

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Jeanine Byers link
1/7/2018 06:54:40 pm

That's so great to hear, Elynn! I'd love to get to the point someday where I miss daily walks if I don't get them. You're so right about missing the view!

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Martha link
1/7/2018 06:48:26 pm

Unfortunately I don't exercise as much as I should but I keep saying I'm going to get in a routine. Maybe this will inspire me!

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Jeanine Byers link
1/7/2018 06:56:00 pm

Martha, I am hoping it will inspire me, too! When I wrote this post, in preparation for this month's challenge, I was exercising more often than I am now. I need to step it up!

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Alice Gerard link
1/7/2018 08:43:02 pm

I love to go outside for a long walk but it has been too cold for the past two weeks to do that. Tomorrow, I will take a walk, as it will be warmer. I also do Zumba twice a week. If I were able to go to dance classes (i.e. had transportation), I would like to do tap dance and maybe jazz. I find dance to be the happiest form of exercise.

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Jeanine Byers link
1/7/2018 11:25:32 pm

Alice, I am so with you on dance being the happiest form of exercise. I'd love to take a jazz dance class again! I used to take them every year growing up. I think it's great that you walk. I haven't tried Zumba yet, but maybe soon I will.

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Aarti link
1/7/2018 09:25:55 pm

I live in Seattle and right now it is soooo rainy!!! finding a relaxing way to work out is hard, but I know some people like to do Yoga. I personally love putting on my headphones and going for a job. On days that its not rainy, I'd love to go for a job outside!

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Jeanine Byers link
1/7/2018 11:32:01 pm

Aarti, from what I have seen on HGTV, I would love the craftsman style homes in Seattle, but I would never be able to stand the rain. And that is so impressive that you jog. I had an asthmatic childhood and am still traumatized by the memory of having to run for P.E. :)

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Maureen link
1/7/2018 10:57:29 pm

I tend to hibernate a bit in winter but I’ve discovered the power of incentive while visiting Seattle. There is a 20 minute walk between me and my favourite coffee shop and I’m impressed with how much walking I’ve done. The thought of a good coffee spurs me on and I’m getting fitter in the process. Love the photos.

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Jeanine Byers link
1/7/2018 11:44:34 pm

Oh, that is just delicious! I think maybe I could walk 20 minutes, too, if it was for a favorite cup of tea or a treat of some kind. That's awesome!

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