10 Hygge Ideas for Texas Summers

 hyg·ge /ˈh(y)o͞oɡə,ˈho͝oɡə/: quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).

Often bloggers talk about hygge for winter months and ways to embrace the season rather than fight it. The posts are usually about items or activities that help someone focus on the specialness of the season. I happen to LOVE winter and have found it's actually summertime that creates the biggest negative change in my attitude and health. A few bloggers have posted summer hygge ideas too like star-gazing, al fresco dining, or going to a drive-in movie however, I struggle with those because I live in Texas and most of them would put me outside in 100+ weather during the hottest part of our day. That is NOT hygge for me.

Taken during my recent Austin trip - from inside a window because it was too hot and humid!

Below are 1o hygee ideas for those hot Texas summers that would be practical. Enjoy! 

1. Create a summer playlist. Fill it with songs from the Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffet or any other artist with songs that make you think of the beach, summer breezes, and relaxing. 

2. Make homemade ice cream, snow cones, or popsicles (lots of recipes for boozy ones online too). Maybe search for a recipe that's decadent. Be in the moment during the process of making and eating them.

3. Pamper yourself with a cooling facial mask on extra hot days. The "Best of Tips" website had easy recipes with a yogurt base worth trying! I like to use Noxzema cold cream in the summer because it's refreshing.

4. Have a breakfast picnic. Mornings are the coolest part of the day so have a traditional picnic but start early. Just picture a blanket spread out with muffins, OJ/thermos coffee, and fruit with your family and friends around you. Maybe there will be time for a quick frisbee game or kite flying. (still...wear sunblock!)

5. Go to an arboretum and explore. Maybe bring a book along you've been meaning to read. You could also go to a local library to read magazines.

6. Visit a local antique shop, especially one with a tea room. You could have a day of shopping inside where it's cool and have an elegant, light lunch. If any vendors are selling homemade candles, pick up one for your home in a light summer scent.

7. Camp, but inside! Set up a tent or make a pillow fort in your living room for the night. Liz over at "Love + Marriage and a Baby Carriage" pulled together a great list of ideas on her website with her post titled, "16 Indoor Camping Ideas For People Who Hate Nature." LOL

8. Buy a container plant that attracts butterflies and set it outside of a window. Consider counting how many butterflies and bees visit. You could create a hygge like corner by that window with a relaxing chair there to do some reading and butterfly watching.

9. Notice when you hear cicadas. These loud creatures are traditionally known to be announcing the "dog days of summer." Yes, their sound can be annoying but instead reflect on the purpose they serve. It's also just a good mindfulness moment reminder.

10. Finally, one of my favorite ideas. Take a milk bath in flowers or fruit. Here's a link to different types of flowers and their benefits: Flower baths. Here is an idea for a citrus bath too. 

Bonus: From my childhood, running through a sprinkler was totally hygge. Maybe I should do this as an adult? The photo alone to compare side my side would be priceless. Ha!