Cheap Thrill #13: A Winter Walk - lucky for us!

So Christmas is over, I feel fat and sluggish and kind of down. Even though I haven't had the ‘joy’ of going back to work, I’m still experiencing that post Christmas malaise that is unique to January. Time for a cheap thrill methinks.

Definitely made for walking!

On Thursday I should have played tennis, but for the second week running, the courts were frozen solid. In serious need of some fresh air, I dragged my husband on a winter walk. We are lucky enough to live in an amazing part of the world, where we have the choice of both countryside and coast. 

Dangerous sausage rolls nearby!

If we walk along the beach, we usually end up in a fine cafe, eating sausage rolls so, in the interest of our waistlines, we opted for a countryside walk.

Much safer option!

Burgh Castle is just a short drive away and has a lovely circular walk, with some glorious views. As my husband is a volunteer guide there, it also affords him many opportunities to display his extensive knowledge of the Romans and their engineering feats! Despite this, it really is an enjoyable way to spend an hour or so. 

I think the view across to the Berney Arms Mill is one of my all time favourites, and a marsh harrier swooped across as we were standing near the river - stunning.

Stunning view with important added life philosophy!

It wasn't a long or strenuous walk, just beautiful and calming. I felt so much better when we came home, especially as we rewarded ourselves with home made soup and hot drinks! 

Not any old reward, a hygge reward!

So, if you are feeling jaded, drag yourself out for a walk. Wrap up warm and go. It costs nothing, will blow the cobwebs away, and the thought of hot chocolate when you get home will make it all worth while!

Wishing I was Danish!

Time for candles and relaxation!

I underestimated November. It has been so ridiculously mild and sunny that I quite forgot that it can be cold. I went to the football yesterday totally underprepared - no hat, gloves, thermal socks or warm coat - and it was freeeeezing. And wet. And miserable. This, combined with my team’s unfailing ability to clutch defeat from the jaws of victory, meant that I spent the majority of the second half feeling thoroughly peed off and wishing I was Danish!

Last autumn I shared an article on facebook, saying that I at last knew what I would be doing in my retirement. You can read that  article here: How to banish the winter blues – Danish style 

Since then hygge has become very trendy - lots of shops are embracing all that is hygge, and selling the accoutrements required for a hygge lifestyle. 

Blogging, hygge style!

For those of you that don’t know, ‘hygge’ (pronounced ‘hyoogah’ apparently) is a Danish concept and way of life that embraces all that is cosy, comforting and relaxed. Rumour has it that this has helped the Danes become one of the happiest nations on the planet, although their vast consumption of anti-depressants may also be a factor!

Whatever the rationale, the idea of hygge really appeals to me. It is about appreciating the small things - comfy blankets, daft films, hot chocolate and good company - but more importantly about valuing these things as something worth doing, not an indulgence when you really should be doing something perceived as more ‘useful’. My friend over at The Salted Tail recently wrote about making time to be kind to herself, and this is at the heart of hygge. It’s about snuggling up and reading a book, or enjoying a coffee with a friend, but more importantly about seeing that as the activity in itself - not about thinking, ‘This is nice, but I really should be getting on’, and feeling lazy or non-productive.

The Salted Tail: being kind to herself...

This has been an unsettling year, for me, personally, but also for lots of others - Brexit, whatever your feelings about it, has certainly made us all wonder about what is coming next, and the upcoming US election could yet add another scary layer to that uncertainty. 

Comfort food for changing times

So maybe its time to take a leaf out of the Danes book. Develop an appreciation of all that is cosy. Spend time with our friends and families and value every second. Slow down and make tea in a teapot, or cook comfort food to relish and enjoy. Then do what I intend to do this afternoon - snuggle under a blanket and watch some ludicrous film that will do nothing but entertain. 

Hygge (which will be forever ‘higgle’ thanks to Apple’s ridiculous self correcting software) - embrace and enjoy!