Finding Comfort in the Little Things

Hygge as a Gentle Balm for Low Days

There are seasons when the weight of life feels heavier than usual, when the world outside seems a little too loud, our thoughts a little too unkind, and our spirits a little too weary. In those moments, the Danish concept of hygge can be a gentle balm to your burdened spirit, offering a way to care for ourselves without pressure or expectation.

Hygge is often associated with warm blankets, flickering candles, and steaming mugs of tea (something I have shared here often), but at its heart, it is about creating an atmosphere of comfort, connection, and presence.

When our mental health is low, it is easy to believe that we must fix ourselves and have everything in right order before we can enjoy anything. But hygge invites us to do the opposite! It allows us to find small, simple ways to bring warmth and gentleness into our days, even when we don’t feel our best.

Often, when life feels heavy, we have no choice but to keep going. We push through, show up, and do our best to hold everything together. But if we don’t take time to pause, process, and heal, our bodies will eventually force us to. That might look like illness, adrenal fatigue, or deep burnout.

Of course, some responsibilities (especially as a mother or business owner) can’t simply be put on hold. But aside from the non-negotiables of family and bills, perhaps we need to say “no” more often. By intentionally lightening our load, we create space to breathe and recover.

When I’ve found myself running into a wall of burnout, it has always been a clear sign that I needed to slow down and be gentle with myself. In those moments, I turn to my favorite hygge rhythms for support and remind myself that restoration isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. By embracing warmth, slowness, and care, I give my nervous system the chance to reset. This helps me show up better for myself, my home, and those who matter most.

If this resonates with you, especially after the holiday chaos and winter sickness, I hope these simple practices help you find rest and renewal! The tips I share below have been a source of comfort and restoration for me, and I pray they do the same for you.

Tending to Yourself with Hygge

1. Soften Your Surroundings
   When everything feels overwhelming, start small. Dim the lights, light a candle, put on something cozy. A softer environment tells your nervous system that it is safe to rest! Allow yourself to sink into an atmosphere of warmth rather than productivity. You don’t have to do to earn a break.

2. Engage Your Senses
   Brew a cup of tea, wrap yourself in a warm blanket, put on soft music, or bake something simple and nourishing. When your mind feels tangled in heavy thoughts, bringing awareness to sensory comforts can ground you in the present moment. (If you are in a place where you are unable to cook, order or buy something that will comfort your body and nourish your gut. Sometimes that mac and cheese really soothes a sad heart! But I highly recommend some bone broth or an adrenal cocktail to replenish the minerals you desperately need to feel well.)

3. Choose Gentle Company (Even If It’s a Book)
   When energy is low, solitude may feel preferable, and that’s okay! But consider inviting a pet onto your lap, listening to an audiobook read in a soothing voice, or watching a comforting movie. If connection feels right, a simple conversation with a trusted friend can be like opening a window in a stuffy room. There have certainly been times I needed to sit on the couch and listen to worship music, and other times I needed the safety of being heard while I verbally processed with a friend. What is your heart telling you?

4. Slow, Soothing Rhythms
   Instead of tackling a long to-do list, lean into slow, lifegiving activities. Knitting, journaling, sketching, or simply sitting with a warm drink and gazing out the window are all valid ways to tend to your heart. Let go of guilt for needing rest! Get outside, get the morning sun on your face and breathe in the fresh air. Sunlight helps our bodies produce serotonin and supports our circadian rhythm.

5. Acknowledge the Hard Days with Kindness
   Hygge is not about pretending all is well when it isn’t. Allow yourself to be honest about your feelings, while offering yourself the same comfort you would give to a beloved friend. Speak to yourself with kindness, wrap up in a favorite blanket, and know that this moment will pass. Give your permission to cry and to grieve.

Christians can often struggle with mourning, feeling as though we must always press forward in strength. But Scripture tells us that there is a time to weep and a time to mourn (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Jesus Himself grieved, and we are not meant to bypass our sorrows. Acknowledging what weighs down our spirit is not a lack of faith, it is an act of trust; this allows God to meet us in our sorrow and bring healing.

Glimmers: The Opposite of Triggers

Just as triggers can send our nervous system into distress, glimmers can bring it back to safety. Glimmers are those small moments of joy, peace, or comfort that signal to our body that we are safe. The warmth of the sun on your face, the scent of freshly baked bread, the sound of a loved one's laughter… these are all glimmers that can gently soothe our parasympathetic nervous system, helping us shift from stress to calm.

Intentionally seeking out and savoring these moments is a quiet but powerful way to nurture ourselves when we feel low. When life feels overwhelming and just won’t stop, look for the little things that bring a spark of comfort. Over time, these small glimpses of peace can help anchor us in the present and remind us that beauty still exists, even in the difficult seasons.

Consider Herbal Support

Alongside restful rhythms, gentle herbal support can help soothe the nervous system and elevate our spirits again. Certain herbs, known as nervines, are traditionally used to promote relaxation and ease tension.

Chamomile, lemon balm, oatstraw, passionflower, and Ashwagandha are just a few that can offer comfort during stressful seasons. A warm cup of tea infused with these herbs can be a simple way to signal to your body that it is safe to rest. In my darker days herbal tinctures have been a huge help in calming my nervous and lessening feelings of overwhelm.

While I love researching herbalism and incorporating it into my life, I am not offering medical advice. Always do your own research and consider consulting a healthcare provider or professional herbalist if needed to ensure which herbal remedies are right for you.

A Gentle Reminder

When your mental health is low, grand solutions can feel impossible. Hygge reminds us that care doesn’t have to be elaborate! It can be as simple as a warm cup of cocoa, a flickering candle, or the embrace of a well-loved sweater. You don’t have to feel perfect to offer yourself small, meaningful comforts. You are worthy of care, just as you are, right now.

So today, let the weight of the world soften, even if only a little. Wrap yourself in warmth. Light the candle. Let hygge be the gentle whisper that reminds you: you are not alone, and you are deserving of peace. Be a loving friend to yourself!

With time and gentleness, we can return to safety in our bodies. Our capacity can expand again, and new seasons of joy! It’s okay to not be okay for a while, and healing doesn’t need to fit into anyone’s timeline.

In this tender space, allow yourself to grieve what has been heavy on your spirit. Sometimes we can feel pressure to push past sorrow, but mourning is not a failure of faith, it is an invitation to bring our burdens before God. When we acknowledge our grief, we create space for His comfort, allowing His presence to meet us in the depths and gently lead us toward peace.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

Psalm 34:18