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If you’ve never heard the word “Hygge” before (pronounced HUE-ge), you might be curious why I’m posting about it on an AIP recipe website. Since I always intended this site to be about so much more than filling your bellies, I’m sharing this to fill your soul. Hopefully it will inspire you to make simple changes to your AIP lifestyle that can help reduce stress, decrease anxiety and disconnect from the pace of everyday life and the sometimes harsh realities of our limitations due to our illnesses.

Hygge is about joy and contentment. It is about experiencing happiness in simple pleasures and knowing that everything is going to be okay.

If you’re like me, thinking about creating a self-care routine just sounds like more work that you don’t have time for – am I right? Thankfully, the reality is that hygge can be as simple as dedicating time for yourself to enjoy any activity that makes you happy. It’s about intentional being more intentional with cozy wellness and small steps toward self-care. Snuggle up in a cozy pair of PJ’s with a warm, soft blanket and a favorite soothing drink, carve out time for art-therapy using paints or coloring books, listen to soft music, enjoy some aroma-therapy and some AIP comfort food or snacks. 

What is Hygge?

The Danish word “hygge” is about the art of getting comfy and cozy, it’s a way of life, one that makes ordinary moments feel special, pleasurable, and meaningful.

According to Meik Wiking, New York Times Best Selling author of The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living, “Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things.” It’s also about creating a comforting social and emotional environment or support network for yourself – which, if you’re paying attention you’ll know that having connection and a good support network is an important part of the AIP Lifestyle.

Benefits of Hygge

  • Calms the Mind
    Intentionally taking time to create a hygge atmosphere, get cozy and slow down is important for our mind and soul. You’ll find a sense of calm, and stress-less when you unplug and wrap yourself in the feeling of safety that this comfy lifestyle provides.
  • Relaxes Mind & Body
    Climbing under a snuggly blanket or into a hot Epsom salt bath with the intention of relaxation (not to curl up with your phone in hand) helps us to relax and unwind. Allow your cozy blanket to be the trigger that reminds you to be mindful of your breathing, to be present. Drop your shoulders and let the tension go.
  • Nourishes Your Body
    Consuming wholesome, home-cooked AIP comfort foods, and even an indulgent AIP treat now and then, nourishes your body. You’ll feel your best when you concentrate on eating “real,” nutrient-dense foods. There’s also something about cooking simple meals that really provides food for the soul – it’s reminiscent of cozy family meals growing up.
  • Promotes Connection
    Hygge isn’t about being alone, it’s about being with loved ones. Slowing down to truly connect with friends or family in a positive, comfy environment helps increase happiness and feel-good serotonin levels.
  • Relieves Strain
    Creating an atmosphere of hygge with candles or dimming the lights goes a long way to promoting relaxation and relieving tension that we may not even realize we have from the constant bombardment of blue light from devices and fluorescent lighting.
  • Improves Sleep
    Learning to hygge helps us “unplug” from our hectic lives. Practicing self-care with hygge promotes an atmosphere of comfort where we can feel relaxed and safe. Removing negative feelings and slowing down should help reduce stress hormones and help improve sleep.

How to Hygge

  • Be Present
    A hygge lifestyle is about being in the moment. Get rid of the distractions, turn off the phone and connect with friends and family or just re-connect with yourself. Learn to really relax by creating a bedtime ritual (see my post on sleep struggles for more), or create a morning routine perhaps with gentle stretching and meditation that helps you get in the zone for the day.
  • Get Cozy
    Think cozy sweaters, thick socks or slippers and warm blankets. Have you tried a weighted blanket? I hear it’s like being wrapped in a warm hug, and they can help with anxiety and stress.
  • Set the Mood
    Candles and scents are a huge part of hygge. But since we’re careful on the AIP to remove toxins from our lives, be sure to choose unscented bees wax candles, and use quality essential oils to create a luxurious atmosphere with an ultrasonic aromatherapy diffuser.
  • Quality Time
    Schedule hygge time – make it a special event – whether that be a casual dinner with friends, game night with the family, time to read a book or just relax and connect with your significant other. Carve time out of your busy life for this self-care practice, indulge in a special treat that you might not otherwise buy for yourself (check out my round up of delicious AIP snacks or try a cup of tea or AIP coffee that won’t make you wired).
  • Practice Mindfulness & Gratitude
    Mindfulness and gratitude are key elements of hygge. If you’re new to meditation and mindfulness, try using a simple app like Insight Timer (it’s free), or simply make it a practice of recounting 3 things you have to be grateful for each night before you drift off to sleep. If you’re looking for more guidance on being mindful, I highly recommend the book by Eileen Laird called “Healing Mindset”
  • Comfort Food
    And here we are – right back on track with the food and recipe theme of this website! I know you’re probably saying, “but my old comfort foods really aren’t AIP compliant!” I hear you … and quite frankly, that’s how this post actually came to being – because so many members of my AIP Recipe Collection Facebook Group requested comfort food recipes in a recent poll! Click here to reach the search results for “AIP Comfort Food” – this will get you started! Let the search results there inspire you to search for more recipes in the group.

 

AIP Comfort Foods – A Few Favorite Recipes

This round up was originally shared in my AIP Recipe Collection newsletter. If you want delicious AIP inspiration delivered to your inbox click here to sign up.

AIP Products & Discounts to Help You Hygge

PALEO ON THE GO – Chef-Made, AIP Compliant Comfort Food Delivered to your door! 
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: and Save $15 Off Your First Order with Coupon Code
: AIPRecipes

SIP HERBALS – There’s nothing quite like relaxing with a warm cup of your favorite beverage – try the BEST Coffee Substitute we’ve ever tasted! All the coffee feels without the flaws.
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PIQUE TEA – Top Quality Toxin Free Tea! (Be sure to avoid adaptogenic blends during the elimination stage of the AIP)
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LOVEBIRD AIP CEREAL – Curl up with a bowl of AIP cereal and bring back warm memories of your childhood.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And Save 15% Off Every Order with Coupon Code: AIP

SWEET APRICITY – Decadent AIP Compliant Caramels, Marshmallows and Caramel Sauce- be sure to shop the AIP offerings or give a gift card if you’re unsure!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And save 10% Off Every Order with Coupon Code: AIPCOLLECTION

EAT G.A.N.G.S.T.E.R. – Delicious and Convenient AIP Elimination Stage Compliant Cookie & Cake Mixes.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And Save 10% Off Every Order! Code should apply automatically at check out, but if not simply enter Coupon Code: AIPRECIPECOLLECTION

SWEETPOTATO AWESOME – Truly awesome AIP snacks with simplest ingredients! (Shop the AIP options)
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And Save 10% Off Every Order with Coupon Code: AIPRECIPES

FULLY HEALTHY (formerly SHOP AIP) – Your go-to shop for the AIP – Shop with confidence knowing someone else has read the label! Everything is clearly marked as compliant for the elimination stage or each phase of reintroductions. You’ll find lots of great sweets and treats, broths, protein snacks, pantry items and even personal care products. Gift Certificates Available!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP And Save 10% Off Your First Order with Coupon Code: AIPRecipe

WILD ZORA  – Delicious, comforting AIP meat and veggie bars, freeze-dried stews and soups, hot cereals and more!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And save 10% Off First Order with Coupon Code: AIPRecipe

AIP ON AMAZON – I’ve compiled lots of lists on Amazon for AIPers – pantry items, snacks, treats, hard to find ingredients, AIP Lifestyle products and so much more!
Check out my AIP Lifestyle Category in my Amazon Storefronts – USA / Canada / UK.

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Ready for some sweet and simple self-care? Sweet … simple …. I’m in!  Try this deliciously nourishing Sweet & Simple Lip & Face Scrub with TigerNuts oil!

TigerNuts? Wait, what!? Didn’t we just make porridge and crumble with that? Yes … yes, we did!

So, why TigerNuts oil?  Just because I have it on hand (thanks to TigerNuts USA) and it sounded cool? No – because TigerNuts are legitimately a quality, natural beauty care ingredient you can reach for in your kitchen cupboards!

TigerNuts have a high content of oleic acid, low acidity and healthy fats which makes it exceptional for maintaining healthy, moisturized skin. Plus, this Premium Organic, Cold pressed Extra Virgin Oil has a variety of anti-inflammatory compounds which are good for acne-prone skin and antioxidants that help fight aging. Talk about win-win! You can reap these benefits by simply rubbing a dime-sized amount of TigerNuts oil each night on your face and lips before you go to bed.

Grab your Premium Organic Cold Pressed Extra virgin TigerNuts Oil here at TigerNuts USA and read more about ways you can use this beautiful bottle of liquid gold – click here.

Special Offer

Save 5% Off Every Order at TigerNuts USA with Coupon Code: AIP5
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SHOP

Now that you know this stuff’s legit, let’s get back to that sweet and simple pick-me-up! Prep your scrub and head for a nice long bath with Epsom salts and a few drops of lavender essential oils. Put on your favorite relaxing spa music and lock the door!

Enjoy! ♥

Sweet & Simple Lip & Face Scrub

Sweet & Simple Lip & Face Scrub

Yield: 1 Application
Prep Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 1 minute

♥ RECIPE & IMAGE BY: AIPRecipeCollection.com ♥

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Mix ingredients together in a small dish.
  2. If you haven't already, cleanse your face as usual.
  3. With lightly moistened hands apply the scrub mixture to your face and lips and gently massage your face in a circular motion for a few minutes.
  4. The slight moisture from your hands and the oil will dissolve the sugar fairly quickly so you won't over-exfoliate your skin.
  5. Gently pat your face with a warm, damp wash cloth that's been well rung out. You want to leave most of the nourishing oil on your face ... it feels ahhh-mazing!
  6. Apply a small amount of TigerNuts oil to your lips for a little extra moisture.

Notes

  • This recipe is for a single use but you could easily mix up more and store it in a small glass jar - it's great for hands, cuticles and elbows too. OR just keep this amount on hand as a lip scrub.
  • Feeling ambitious and want to add a little something extra to this? Add grated orange peel and/or a tiny drop of quality lavender essential oil for an aromatic lift (I've been buying my oils for years at KiAroma - I'm not an affiliate - I just love the fact that they're top-quality and very fair prices).