The country of Denmark consistently ranks for hosting the world’s happiest people. While their free university, healthcare, extended maternity leave, and overall support of their citizens (yes, they pay a lot in taxes) probably have a lot to do with it, they also do some other things right.
The Danish winters are extremely long, cold, and dark, yet they’re able to make the most of it and find pure joy in that time of year. While hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) doesn’t have a direct English translation, the closest word to compare would be cozy.
It’s more of a feeling than a tangible thing. They’ve perfected the cozy and warm vibe where togetherness and community is key. Whether that’s the feeling they get from home decor or spending a night in with loved ones. Meik Wiking author of “The Little Book Of Hygge”, came to some interesting conclusions after working at Copenhagen’s Happiness Research Institute.
Modest & Simple-
In many other countries, it’s common to try to keep up with the Joneses. You might flash luxury items and signs of wealth — even if you can’t afford it. The Nordic countries seem to not get as caught up in that rat race.
Instead of driving expensive cars to work, most Danes bike. They search for their internal happiness and what brings them joy instead of trying to impress other people who are also focused on trying to impress other people.
By using these ideas to implement elements of hygge into your lifestyle, hopefully, you can begin to indulge in life’s simple pleasures and discover what brings you peace and bliss. When you discover that, you can forget about the Joneses and live an undoubtedly authentic life.
When people spend time filling their cups, it seems to work out for the overall greater good of all citizens. Did you know that Danes will leave their sleeping babies in a stroller while they head inside a coffee shop to enjoy a coffee break? Without worrying about any potential threats to the baby, they can relax while their child takes a nap. North America and many other countries in the world could never. A country where people are committed to their happiness seems to be working out for the greater good of all.
Healthy Hedonism-
Hygge is considered to be a healthy hedonism. The pursuit of pleasure and self-indulgence but in a non-destructive way. Savouring the everyday moments of life and making the mundane magical.
Capitalist culture has programmed us into thinking that we need to work hard during the week to enjoy the weekend or spend our entire life grinding so that one day when we’re older we can enjoy the fruits of our labour. Okay, but what about the rest of our lives?
We spend so much of our time thinking that we’ll enjoy something after X happens or we won’t be happy until X happens. Working hard and planning for the future is important but what is life for if we’re not enjoying ourselves along the way? Hygge proposes that we find the small moments in our daily lives to rejoice in.
Social-
Hygge is typically best surrounded by others. Board games, eating, drinking, and being merry. Community and togetherness is an integral part of living a hygge lifestyle. If you don’t feel like you have a tribe or community, consider your interests and if you can surround yourself with like-minded individuals.
Or if you’re not in the mood to be social or leave your house, a hygge night in is okay too. “So, to all you introverts out there, do not feel embarrassed or boring for being a person who prefers things that are hygge.” ― The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living
Screen time-
Hygge isn’t scrolling through your phone or answering work emails. Hygge is soaking up real-life moments and connections. Unless you’re cozied up watching movies with your loved ones with popcorn and snacks — which is very hygge.
When others surround you, put your screens down to be fully present with your company. Fostering your close and intimate relationships is what hygge is all about. Making memories with others doesn’t often involve being buried in your screens but face to face.
Gratitude-
An important component of hygge is gratitude. Gratitude for the little things and the big things. Take a few moments when you wake up or before you drift off to sleep to think of or write down 5 things you’re grateful for. By attempting to turn this into a habit you’ll either start or end your night off in a better headspace.
Hygge is appreciating all of life’s small and simple pleasures. Practicing gratitude no matter how small, will help to shift your mindset into valuing all of the blessings in your life.
Hygge Home-
A major component of incorporating hygge into your life is how you keep your home. Especially in winter when you’ll spend the bulk of your time indoors. You’ll want to keep the environment clean and decluttered to promote a peaceful atmosphere.
Minimalist and neutral tones are encouraged to keep the space light and fresh. Feel free to experiment with texture with throw pillows and blankets to add some depth.
If you don’t have a fireplace, find a fireplace stream to add an artificial warm vibe to your home. Incorporating wood elements and plants can also add a hygge feel to your space. Aim to keep everything natural, light, warm, and earthy.
Hygge Light-
The Danes love candles so much that on average, in each household they burn around 13 pounds of candle wax each year. Especially in the winter, candles are a nice way to add warmth and light during days of minimal sunlight.
Opt for unscented or light vanilla scents to not overwhelm the space. Buy a stash of cheap tea lights and holders to have on hand to last throughout the winter. Avoid bright fluorescent overhead lighting. Instead, select many small sources of dim lighting or fairy string lights to create a more cozy atmosphere. Hygge is all about the mood so set it to appear warm and comforting.
Winter Hygge-
Even though the winters up north are long, dark, and cold, the citizens still embrace it with open arms. Winter isn’t something to pass by but to find the beauty in. The Danes say that there’s no such thing as bad weather — just improper clothes.
Regardless of the temperature outside, dress accordingly and spend as much time outside as possible. Don’t wait for cabin fever to strike, get in nature as much as you can to positively benefit your overall health and wellness.
Summer Hygge-
While hygge is more associated with the comfort and coziness of winter, hygge can be done all year long. Summer picnics, camping, beach days, BBQs, bonfires, picnics, and hikes, are all considered hygge activities.
Hygge Menu-
Homemade, warming comfort meals are the epitome of hygge. Cinnamon buns, freshly baked bread, baked desserts, stews, pot roasts, oatmeal, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and cider are what you should incorporate into your Nordic-inspired diet.
Keep in mind, hygge meals typically aren’t low in fat or carb, sugar, gluten or dairy free. Unless you have allergies or other health reasons to stay away from certain ingredients, let yourself enjoy treats once in a while without guilt.
Hygge Principles-
Although hygge may be having a moment that tends to lead to tangible products that follow in our capitalistic society, you don’t need to buy your way or spend a lot of money to implement hygge into your lifestyle.
Think of your oldest and comfiest pair of sweatpants or woolen socks, those are extremely hygge. Hygge can’t be bought. Hygge isn’t a thing, it’s a feeling after all. If you want to live a more hygge lifestyle it takes just a few simple tweaks to your inner and outer world.
Create a cozy and welcoming home by minimizing clutter and keeping things tidy. Incorporate calming elements like neutral tones, textured fabrics, wood, and earthy decor. Light all the candles you can find (if it’s safe to do so) and keep light fixtures dimly light and moody. Avoid harsh overhead and fluorescent lighting which can make a space feel cold and uninviting.
Don’t shy away from indulging in life’s simple pleasures, that’s what it’s all about. Forget keeping up with the Joneses and chase more of what truly brings you bliss. Practice daily gratitude to help fill your mind with thoughts of abundance and reframe your mind to help you see what brings you happiness.
Aim to reduce your screen time so that you can focus more on fostering your relationships. Hygge is better surrounded by those you love after all.
Whether it’s winter and you’re looking for moments of hygge to help you through the long, cold, and dark season, or if it’s summer and you’re looking to soak up every moment, remember that hygge can be practiced any time of the year. Hopefully, you’ll use these ideas to help you find magic in the everyday.
Conclusion-
What’s the point of this life if not to be enjoyed? Since the Danish consistently rank at the top of the world’s happiest countries, living a hygge lifestyle must be doing something right. In whatever big or small way, hopefully, you can find ways to incorporate hygge into your daily life for more overall joy, peace, and happiness.