This month we will attempt to build hygge (hyoo-gah), the Danish word for "cozy togetherness". Take it from one of the happiest countries on the planet, that slowing down, curating a pleasant sensory environment, sharing tasty meals, and being grateful for the present moment can have significant impacts on your quality of life. 

Seasonal living is more than just eating seasonally, it’s about taking cues from nature to bring balance to all that you do. With the days getting shorter and darker, it only makes sense that things slow down a bit. If the trees are resting, and the cat is unapologetically sprawled out napping on your laptop, why not you?

When the going gets tough, the tough get napping.

Prioritize sleep. Our furry friends never ignore the lull of a good nap. We would never deny a dog or cat or our children a restful sleep. Why not be kind to yourself? Not getting enough rest can zap your energy and slow down creativity and productivity. It also puts a strain on the immune system which is not what we want during the winter months. Find a warm blanket, a good book, and a mug of something warm and just stare out the window. Watch the squirrels and birds. Take a long siesta. You’ll be much more ready to take on whatever comes your way after.

Delegate and plan.

You may worry that napping would throw off your schedule - so then schedule in a nap! Be prepared and make it a habbit. Then you don’t have to think about it. If there are too many chores to do, try and ask for help and spread the load. Cats are experts at getting others to pitch in for them.

Hunt down some nutrition.

It’s so important to feed your mind and body nutrient dense foods. (May we suggest locally grown meat, dairy, and produce at your local farmers market?) And although it’s tempting to order in or go out - slowing down and spending time cooking something simple for yourself and others is such a good bonding activity. It helps you reconnect with your food and is a good creative outlet that doesn’t require going out when the weather is bad or traffic is a mess. You can even create a whole mood and theme around a meal to make it more fun. Happy hunting!

Spend time together.

Oxytocin. The hidden ingredient in our lives. It’s what binds us all together. It reduces cortisol and inflammation in the body and helps regulate everything from mood to immunity. Spend some time with your friends, do something kind for someone else. Make sure you check in on people. Whether you’re just going to have a grooming session or chase a laser beam around, doing it together makes is just purrfect.