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The concept of “hygge” cannot be literally translated into Russian. The Danes have this peculiar combination of coziness, comfort and well-being. How to create it? We have collected 8 tips from the book “Hygge. The secret of Danish happiness.
According to opinion polls, Danes are among the happiest people in Europe. They regularly meet with friends and family and more often than others feel peace and tranquility.
It would seem that the Danes have no more, if not less, reasons for joy than other Europeans. The climate in Denmark is not heavenly, it gets dark early, prices are high, taxes are astronomical, you have to work a lot. However, the Danes have something that the inhabitants of other countries do not have: a philosophy of life called “hygge”, which fits into a few simple rules.
“Hygge” comes from a Norwegian word meaning well-being, well-being. Today, interest in it around the world is growing. Journalists travel around Denmark in search of it, a course in Danish hygge is being taught in a UK college, hygge-style bakeries, shops and cafes are springing up all over the world. But how to create it? There are not many secrets.
1. Make your home and office cozy
Danish design is considered minimalistic. In the interior, the Danes prefer light shades: white, gray, dusty blue. At the same time, they pay a lot of attention to soft lighting, often use candles (even during the day!) and love to decorate houses with cute details. Candles, lampshades, soft pillows and blankets, paintings on the walls, shelves with favorite books, ceramic dishes – these little things create coziness and comfort.
At the same time, decor elements should not be pretentious or luxurious. Rather, they should be pleasing to the eye, while remaining somewhat inconspicuous. Tactile sensations are also important.
The Danes prefer natural materials that are pleasant to touch – wood, wool, linen, clay. Try using simple tricks to make your home and office places where you want to come, and you will immediately feel happier. This is really worth the time and effort.
2. Invite guests
Communication with friends and family on social networks will never replace the real thing. Mike Viking found a simple explanation for this fact: “Someone puts a hand on your shoulder, kisses you or strokes your cheek, and you are immediately filled with calm joy. Touch releases oxytocin, which makes us feel happy and reduces feelings of stress, fear, and anxiety.”
Therefore, hygge can be fully felt only in the circle of close people with whom you can relax and be yourself. It is better to meet them at home, and not in a cafe or restaurant. Why not start a tradition of getting the whole family together for Sunday dinner or inviting friends to play board games on Saturday night? It is better to turn off phones and other gadgets at this time.
3. Learn to cook deliciously
This point follows from the previous one. Cozy home gatherings mean delicious treats. And it’s not defrosted pizza or sushi to order. To feel hygge, you need to learn how to bake delicious cinnamon pies, cook stews, spicy mulled wine and hot chocolate.
“The high consumption of meat, confectionery and coffee in Denmark is directly related to hygge,” writes Mike Wiking. “One of his prerequisites is to be kind to yourself, indulge yourself and give yourself and others the opportunity to briefly deviate from the principles of a healthy lifestyle. Sweets are hygge. Baking is hygge. Coffee and hot chocolate too. But carrot sticks – not so much anymore.
In addition, cooking in Danish means enjoying the slowness and all the stages of the process. Choose a recipe from a book, go to the market and buy the best ingredients, involve other family members in cooking, and then enjoy the amazing aroma coming from the oven together.
4. Get active
The Danes love to eat tasty and satisfying food, but only a small percentage of the population suffers from obesity. The secret lies in an active lifestyle. And it’s not grueling workouts in a fitness club. This is a movement that brings pleasure, mainly in the fresh air. Family walks in the mountains, Nordic walking, cycling trips.
By the way, most Danes prefer to get to work by bike. The climate in this country, like ours, is not the most favorable for this. But traffic jams and crowded public transport are stressful, and cycling is hygge. And everything else is a matter of the right equipment.
5. Wear comfortable clothes
Luckily, fashion designers, perhaps unwittingly, embraced hygge a few seasons ago. Sneakers and loafers instead of high heels, cozy oversized coats instead of short jackets, hoodies, warm sweaters, soft scarves, long cardigans, wide trousers, etc.
There is more hygge in a cup of tea than a glass of champagne, more board games than computer games
All, of course, from natural, pleasant to the touch fabrics. “Danish fashion is concise, elegant and effortless. It combines the best qualities of hygge and minimalist functional design,” Viking tries to explain the essence.
6. Enjoy the simple pleasures
The best things in life are given to us for free. The beauty of the surrounding world, the laughter of children, the smiles of loved ones, a quiet evening at home with a loved one or with a good book – these are the moments that make up the happiness of life. And you need to be able to appreciate them, not material goods.
“Simplicity and modesty are the main components of hygge. Spouting about your achievements and flashing your Rolex means not only demonstrating bad taste, but also spoiling hygge,” the author writes and continues: “There is more hygge in a cup of tea than in a glass of champagne, in board games more than in computer games. , in cooked food – more than in the purchased. Hygge may not be good for capitalism, but it is good for personal happiness.”
7. Get a hobby
Life cannot be limited only to work and family chores. It is very important that you have a creative activity that brings pleasure – origami, knitting, pottery, watercolor painting, flower arrangements. Bonus: While your hands are full, you can be alone with your thoughts.
8. Remember the sense of proportion
Hygge celebrates simple pleasures. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t limit yourself. 10 sweet cinnamon rolls is no longer hygge, but an eating disorder. After all, even after the fifth, the feeling of pleasure is lost. Therefore, the Danes set aside some time to savor what they like. For example, a day off. “The sweetness of the forbidden fruit is an integral part of the hygge ritual,” the author explains.
About the Author: Mike Viking is a writer and founder and director of the Danish Happiness Research Institute.