Can you hygge yourself happy?
I’m intrigued with the concept of hygge and wanted to find out more. Did you know that Denmark is deemed to be the second happiest place to live in the world? Finland is supposed to be the happiest country, with Denmark coming a close second. I wonder why that is? What are they doing to promote a sense of well-being and contentment? More importantly, what are they doing better than us in the UK? Has hygge got anything to do with it?
What does hygge mean?
I think it’s their long, hard winters that have really got me thinking… Despite all that snow, ice and darkness, Denmark is still a really happy place. I wonder if it’s got anything to do with their cosy, comforting lifestyle choices? I’m sure you’ve all heard of the lifestyle movement, Hygge (pronounced ‘hue-gah’, which rhymes with ‘cougar’). Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, explains in his book ‘The Little Book of Hygge’ that Hygge in Denmark is “a defining feature of our cultural identity and an integral part of the national DNA”. In fact, Hygge – i.e. all things warm and homely – has been an important part of Danish culture ever since the early 1800s. According to ‘Country Living’ magazine, this is when the word first appeared in writing, derived from a Norwegian word for ‘well-being’. This calming lifestyle trend really hit the UK in 2016.
So what does Hygge comprise? Well, it’s about having a calm, comfortable time with people you love. It’s more of an atmosphere than a list of things. A complete absense of frustration or anything overwhelming. Often enjoyed with good food and drinks, warm blankets and candlelight. It makes me think of: comfy clothes, woolly socks, warm drinks, scented candles, baggy jumpers, log fires, pine walls and ceilings, blankets, throws and, of course, sheepskin… Lots of sheepskin! This lifestyle is also about living in the moment – enjoying every sip of that hot chocolate, every crackle of that open fire, and every toe-tickling snuggle of that sheepskin rug.
1: Tastes like Hygge
Hygge demands something comforting, sweet and familiar. If you have a sweet tooth try hot chocolate with whipped cream and mini marshmallows. If you prefer more savoury foods then how about butternut squash soup with toasted pine nuts and freshly baked bread.
2: Sounds like Hygge
3: Smells like Hygge
Most of us have a smell that will transport us back to our childhood for example; Nanna’s roses or Mum’s Sunday roast. These smells make us feel safe, nostalgic and warm. All very Hygge. Seek out or recreate that smell and surround yourself with it when you need that security blanket. Enjoy the feelings it creates and snuggle into the memories.
4: Feels like Hygge
Natural textures of wood, leather and wool feel comforting and warm. A cup of tea is somehow more delicious sipped from a well loved ceramic mug while cocooned in a soft sheepskin lined chair. Furniture with pattern, curves and smooth edges invites you to tough and stroke.
5: Looks like Hygge
Light is an extremely important element of hygge and should be soft and thoughtful. Use lamps instead of central pendants to softly diffuse light. Surround yourself with colours dark, natural and earthy colours adding tactile textures with throws and sheepskin rugs.
