The way to happiness? Hygge, of course
Finding comfort and joy in life’s simple pleasures is a universal human experience. Petting a furry friend, a walk in the woods, quiet moments staring up at the sky, conversation and coffee. Getting lost in a book. In those moments one can find peace, tapping into a relaxing stillness within.
Make such moments a ritual or routine and, as I recently learned, you’re practicing “hygge.”
Hygge (pronounced “hoo-guh”) is a Scandinavian word for cozy, comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment. Part of both Danish and Norwegian cultures, the word hygge originated in the Norwegian language and essentially means well-being. It entered Danish language in the 1800s, becoming central to Danish culture and an increasingly popular concept around the world.
As described at Visitdenmark.com:
“Hygge is as Danish as ableskiver … In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. The warm glow of candlelight is hygge. Cozying up with a loved one for a movie — that’s hygge, too. And there's nothing more hygge than sitting around with friends and family, discussing the big and small things in life. Perhaps hygge explains why the Danes are some of the happiest people in the world.”
That last bit about happiness isn’t a mere marketing claim. Worldwide studies such as the annual World Happiness Report, using self-reported and objective measures (e.g., health, crime, and substance abuse), repeatedly rank Nordic and Scandinavian countries as having the happiest people on the planet. Denmark is often ranked No. 1.
Picnics, park walks, bike rides, a candle-lit winter room. Ten minutes or two hours. All hygge.
“To stand at our window, wrapped in the half-dark and watch the day disappear… is a moment of hygge.” – Louisa Thomsen Brits, “The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Contentment, Comfort, and Connection”
Really whatever is simple and brings you comfort and good feelings, with others or alone, practiced with focus and intention, is hygge. (Just keep it old school – hygge and high-tech aren’t compatible and hygge is about enjoying more with less.) Practice enough hygge and more happiness results.
It seems hygge is as much mindset as habit, finding contentment in moments, needing less, appreciating moments more. But it helps to create a hygge environment. The Danes use a lot of candles. A lot. And cozy blankets. At home, lose the tight clothing and uncomfortable shoes; this is loungewear time. Comfort foods enjoyed at a slow pace. In essence, this is self-care either alone or with a friend, because hygge is also about connections, even brief ones.
Make time for hygge. Look forward to hygge. Make it a daily practice or family routine as important as scheduling a meal, and respect hygge for others. That’s how it works.
“Most transformations come about from the hundreds of tiny, almost imperceptible steps we take along the way.” – Author and therapist Lori Gottlieb
Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network whose favorite new word is hygge. Email Sholeh@cdapress.com.