Locked Down
Whatever your views are on lockdowns and whether they work or not, it seems clear that Omicron is spreading quickly and, yet again, people are having to isolate themselves from the rest of society. I’m sure we all feel it’s wearing thin now; some of us have had to isolate several times over the past couple of years due to family and colleagues contracting coronavirus. So, here at Baa Stool, we’ve been racking our brains to come up with ten top tips to raise your spirits and keep you happy while you’re stuck at home.
Hygge
As we’ve mentioned in a previous blog, hygge (pronounced ‘hue-gah’, which rhymes with ‘cougar’) is more of an atmosphere than a list of things, but it conjures up images of comfy clothes, woolly socks, warm drinks, scented candles, baggy jumpers, log fires, blankets and, of course, sheepskin… lots of sheepskin! According to the website ‘Almost the Weekend’, hygge can be defined as “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being”. It’s all about being in the moment and feeling relaxed and comfortable – enjoying every sip of that hot chocolate, every crackle of that open fire, and every toe-tickling snuggle of that sheepskin rug.
So, make yourself comfortable and read on!
At Baa Stool, we believe that including soft and warm textures in your home, especially during the winter, can really add to your sense of well-being and contentment. So why not have an early spring clean and transform your living room or bedroom into a warm and soothing place to be. You could include one of our gorgeous sheepskin rugs to add to the cosy ambience of the room.
Of course, some of you will be trying to work from home, possibly while feeling under the weather, so make yourself as comfortable as possible. Wear comfy, loose clothes, have a regular supply of hot drinks on hand and perhaps even consider purchasing a sheepskin seat pad or footrest for added comfort. Pamper yourself a little.
Natural light is super important for lifting our spirits and fighting off those winter blues. So, open up the curtains and blinds and drench yourself in natural light – especially if you’re trying to work at home.
If you’re juggling family and work life while you’re stuck at home, why not set up a ‘hyggekrog’ or a soothing, quiet corner for your children? This could be a little den full of their favourite books, some scatter cushions, a sheepskin blanket or throw, and a soft toy or two. You might want to include a baa lamb soft toy in the hyggekrog, especially if the children are also feeling poorly.
Having a table laden with jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, Lego or art supplies is another good idea as this will allow you to get on with your work (or just curl up and rest!) while the children occupy themselves for a short while.
If you have some energy and are isolating but don’t feel too ill, why not have a decluttering session? Hygge homes in Scandinavia tend to have a clean, refreshing and minimal feel. This could be a great opportunity to decide what stays and what goes in your home. Creating an airy and uplifting atmosphere, with plenty of light and not too much clutter, can really help us to feel upbeat, organised and on top of things.
If you want to rest and convalesce, pick up a good book or watch an old film. Don’t feel guilty about ‘wasting’ time; it’s important to set aside time for your own recovery. But make sure you’re warm and comfortable and drinking plenty of fluids.
Having houseplants in your home can feel both refreshing and uplifting. Bringing plants and flowers inside makes us feel part of nature, part of the bigger picture. While you’re stuck at home, why not spend a few hours tending to your house plants, cleaning their leaves and even repotting them? It will make you feel more alive.
Start or end each day by counting your blessings. This can really help us to notice the good things in our lives – however small they may be. You might want to list the good things that have happened during the day in your journal so that you can savour them later. I’m using Suzy Reading’s Self-Care journal which I’m finding really helpful. Hygge is about feeling appreciative and grateful, so relish these precious moments.
Finally, when you’re relaxing in the evening, try to choose gentle, ambient lighting rather than harsh overhead lighting; this will help you to really unwind. You may want to have a look at our Baa Stool candles to help you create a calming atmosphere.
