HYGGE- A Happy Way Of Living

The Danish people are known to be the happiest people in the world. And it certainly isn’t because they live in a climate with great weather. There are many factors that go into their high quality of life but one overarching value that the Danes have is *HYGGE.* Their culture revolves around this concept of cosiness, not just at home but in restaurants, at work, in school, etc.

You may have heard about Hygge

(ˈh(j)uːɡə,ˈhʊɡə)

WHAT IS HYGGE?

“Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world and allow ourselves to let our guard down. You may be having an endless conversation about the small or big things in life – or just be comfortable in each other’s silent company – or simply just be by yourself enjoying a cup of tea.” – The Little Book Of Hygge, Meik Wiking.

I don’t know about you, but I want to learn from the happiest people in the world, and adopt some of their cultural values. Some simple and practical ways you can have a hygge home today!

HOW CAN YOU ACHIEVE A HYGGE HOME?

1- CANDLE LIGHT

This might seem obvious, but it’s actually one of the most important pieces of a Hygge home.

Denmark is the leading consumers of candles in Europe, each person burning 6 kilos of candle wax per year! Nearly any Dane will tell you that you CANNOT hygge without candles. You can add different varieties of candles in your room.

2- AMBIENT LIGHT

Dreamy, warm lighting such as twinkle lights or lamps help to create a Hygge atmosphere. You can buy this beautiful light and arrange it in your room.

3- FOODS FROM HEART

True Hygge food is food that has been carefully prepared. It’s not about eating a store bought foods, but instead about creating and appreciating the foods.

Picking out your own ingredients at the Farmer’s Market, growing them in your garden greatly increase how Hygge they are.

Enjoying the food that you’ve prepared with a good friend is the ultimate Hygge activity.

4- WARM DRINKS

Warm drinks are nearly as important to a Hygge home as candles.

But not in the way that people drink a Starbucks coffee while in their car, rushing off to the next place.

Instead, slowly enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning. Or sipping on a cup of tea in the afternoon while curled up on the couch with a blanket and a good book. Or sitting at a coffee shop with a friend and talking about life.

Also, your tea can TOTALLY tastes better when you drink it out of an adorable mug.

5- JUST DO NOTHING

Our culture is obsessed with being busy and productive 24/7. But to enjoy Hygge you need to stop the obsession with always needing to get something done.

The task at hand is to just sit, sip on a coffee and enjoy the silence. Maybe read a book, work on a puzzle or have a conversation. But be ok with not being “productive” for a little bit.

There’s no multi-tasking in Hygge, you need to be present in the moment. You can sit in the garden, and do nothing just living in the present.

6- UNPLUG

Turn away your cell-phone, or put it in a different room entirely.

Unplug from the world, from your work or whatever expectations you may have. Enjoy the moment, take some time to rest your mind and recharge.

I hope you apply some of these tips to your home this year!

Vivek

Infinite love

Infinite wisdom