Hygge & Healthy Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe

​Hygge is a new buzz word in the health and wellness world. It is raved for holding the key to happiness. So, obviously I just had to learn more about it and share with you!
 
Pronounced /hoo-ga/, hygge is a Danish concept of coziness, comfort and feelings of wellness and happiness. Hygee is about sharing, togetherness, feeling at home, eating comfort food with your favorite people. It is a lifestyle that celebrates simple things in life. Like a cup of hot chocolate. It is basically the art of creating happiness and coziness in everyday life.
 
So, how can we create hygge and bring more happiness to our lives? I put together a mini hygge list and a delicious hot chocolate recipe for you to experience hygge at your own home!

Do
1. Light candles.
The fastest way to create hygee anywhere is simply lighting a few candles. Turn down the lights and relax with the candles flickering. I think candles really do bring a feeling of cosiness and happiness to a place.  
2. Be Present. Turn off your phone.
Stay in the present moment and find happiness and joy in doing simple tasks. Just focus on the tea you're drinking or the conversation you're having with your friend. Be totally here and now. 
3. Indulge yourself.
Fresh coffee and home-made cake!
4. Get comfy.
Take a time out and rest. Get in your soft PJs, put on warm socks.
5. Count your blessings.
Be grateful. Literally write them down. Be grateful for the food, the health, the family and friends you have.
6. Spend time with loved ones and build experiences.
As I've already talked about this in one of my very first posts, material things don't really make people happy. Experiences and spending time with family and friends makes us happy. So, build experiences and stories. 
Drink
Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe
Hot chocolate, next to matcha latte, is my favorite drink during winter. This is a healthier version of the classic hot chocolate recipe. It’s dairy-free and is so simple to make. So you can enjoy this deliciousness without any guilt. 
You'll need: Cocoa powder, almond milk, vanilla, natural sweetener of your choice. 
Method: Mix 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 cup of almond milk, half a tsp vanilla and 2 tbsp maple syrup (or 1 tsp coconut sugar) in a small pot and heat over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Pour into a cup and add a dash of cinnamon if you like, enjoy! 

 Read

Here are a few amazing books to learn more about Hygge lifestyle.
​

1. The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well

3. American Cozy: Hygge-Inspired Ways to Create Comfort & Happiness 

2. Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness 

4. How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life

Hope this post brings a little happiness and coziness to your life!​ Which one of these "hygee" things you like the most? Do you  practice hygge at home? Let me know in the comments. Stay cozy and stay happy friends! 
Lots of love,
Hande