Hygge, a term pronounced as “hoog-uh” is a Danish concept of seeking joy in whatever situation you find yourself in. The mantra that accompanies the practice has a positive impact on our overall well-being. While some of us have used the quarantine to get into tip-top shape, dietitian-nutritionist Cheshire Que says that there are more reasons to ease back into exercise without burning out too quickly.
“I often hear from people that it’s hard to prioritize self-care, particularly for those who are driven in their pursuit of life goals. However, intentionally scheduling activities that will make you feel more grounded and centered is the key to keeping yourself at your best during the worst times. It’s also important to remember that self-care makes you a better family member, friend, businessman, or employee, this translates to quality work and relationships,” Cheshire says.
To create or experience hygge, consider restorative activities to destress with people that matter. While hygge advocates creating a cozy atmosphere, it’s built on comfort, not luxury. “Meditative writing, guided imagery, and visualization have a cortisol-lowering effect and help you cope with stress and trauma,” Cheshire explained.
According to Cheshire, when the body is under severe and continuous stress, various stress hormones are being released by the adrenal glands. These, in turn, can affect urine flow and trigger symptoms such as frequent urination.
Learn to destress without the cold beer, glass of wine, or alcohol as this habit can be potentially addictive. Instead, take advantage of the opportunity to adopt new habits, like learning how to make a wellness mocktail such as this Blue Ternate Tea and Old Orchard Cranberry Granita recipe from lifestyle expert, Joy Felizardo.
To make the ternate tea, combine 1 tbsp. organic blue ternate powder or 2 tbsp. brewed dried ternate flowers in a hot cup of water and sweeten with 1 tbsp of honey. Put 2 cups of the ternate tea and 2 cups Old Orchard Cranberry Juice in separate containers and place in the freezer.
Once frozen, scrape both frozen liquids with a fork. Scrape from the edge of the pan to the middle. Put back in the freezer and let stand for an hour and scrape again. Repeat the scraping at least 4 times with a min of 60 min. interval. To serve, put the ternate tea granita first and top with the cranberry granita.
The granita is a refreshing and guilt-free sipper that’s great for bladder health. According to research, cranberries contain the active ingredient proanthocyanidins that are highly capable of preventing E. coli bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall that causes UTI.
