Hygge Homies
An online, 4 week program designed for men to enhance their self-growth through discovering their character strengths and mental wealth!
In recent years, the conversation around mental health and well-being has grown louder and more inclusive. It’s important to recognize that men, just like women, face unique challenges when it comes to their mental health.
“I wish you were around when I was growing up”
I’ve found myself saying this phrase a lot this year and interestingly, I’ve said it only to males. If I look back, navigating gender norms in a hybrid South Asian/White community was a massive conflict, and I remember seeking refuge in online chat forums back in the days of MSN (who remembers changing your status to some cryptic song lyrics and hoping you’re crush would know it was about them?! no? just me?). In such chat rooms, you could connect with other like-minded individuals who found safety online through sharing interests or conversations on topics that would deem you abnormal in the real world.
Hygge Homies is a small tribute to these safe spaces that I’ve found and curated later in life when I’m having to unlearn conditioning and re-learn new ways of what it means to be a man in a healthy way. While I didn’t have such safe spaces in my hour of need, I’m grateful that I didn’t become another male suicide statistic in my mid 20s, and perhaps the reason is because of this important work.
One powerful tool that has emerged to address these challenges is the creation of online safe spaces for men, rooted in positive psychology. This is why I created Hygge Homies-a 4 week Positive Psychology programme, giving them the tools they need for sustainable mental wealth.
Hygge (pronounced Hue-gah) is the Danish concept of creating a cosy and comforting atmosphere, both by curating your environment but also by savouring the smaller moments of joy in slow living. As the seasons change, and the trees show us the beauty of letting go, I was curious about the ways in which I could bring myself inwards like nature was teaching us to. So I figured what better way than to plan and deliver an online course for a community. It reminded me of the first semester of my MSc programme, at the brink of autumn, driving home in the late summer sunset, putting the kettle on and mentally priming myself for an evening of Positive Psychology learning. I had recently designed this programme for a woman’s programme for fitness and hormone health, leaving the examples and specific knowledge to the head coach who had hired me.
Full disclosure: I’m a huge advocate for women’s mental health and in the past, probably have screamed about it more than men’s. Now this isn’t a battle about who’s is more important but as I explore my own positionality and biases, I recognise that whilst I spent most of my years aiming to understand women’s issues and experiences, I often did this while negating the experiences of men, despite being a man myself.
As I’ve grown into and navigated the varying definitions of what it means to be a ‘man’, I treat this programme as not only an educational tool to impart what I’ve learned from gender studies and experiences, and positive psychology, but also so I can tackle the monolithic ideas of what it means to be a man or woman from my conditioning by learning about other experiences.
In this blog post, we'll explore why such spaces are crucial for men's mental health and wellbeing and how Hygge Homies can help.
Traditionally, societal expectations and stereotypes have often pressured men to suppress their emotions and refrain from seeking help. Online safe spaces designed for men using positive psychology methods can challenge these stereotypes and break the stigma surrounding mental health. We create an environment where men can openly discuss their feelings and experiences without fear of judgment. And if we want to get fully into hygge mode and wear fluffy socks, light a candle, and have a piping hot cup of cocoa while we do it, then so be it!
Positive psychology promotes emotional well-being and encourages individuals to acknowledge their emotions, both positive and negative. We do this through a carefully curated programme that allows men their instrumentality but with plenty of space for emotional expression!
Positive psychology focuses on building resilience and strengths rather than solely addressing weaknesses. Our carefully curated programme carries 4 main themes; each week builds upon the previous week’s theme. This growth orientated programme encourages the cultivation of coping strategies, goal visualisation, and mindset shifts, all topped with weekly assignments that consolidate the learning. (Don’t worry, the assignments aren’t cumbersome!)
Isolation is a common issue for individuals struggling with mental health concerns, especially men who aren’t necessarily taught the appropriate tools in building connections. Building supportive relationships in these spaces can be invaluable for improving mental well-being. We’ve always been commended on our ability to build communities (just check out some testimonials!) so you know we gotchu! Communities allow sharing of struggles, strengths and seeking advice from others who may have faced similar challenges. This emotional expression can lead to increased self-awareness and a healthier approach to managing emotions.
Many online safe spaces incorporate professional guidance from therapists, psychologists, or in this case, coaches trained in positive psychology. This allows men to receive expert support and evidence-based techniques to improve their mental health. It bridges the gap between online support networks and professional mental health services.
By embracing these safe spaces, men can embark on a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and improved mental well-being. It’s a step towards breaking down the barriers that have long prevented men from seeking the help and support they deserve.
So, light those scented candles, boil the kettle, whip on your favourite PJs, and grab your pen and journal, because Homie, Sunday nights are about to be all about you and your mental wealth. Let’s build it together and flourish bro!