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Hygge: the perfect life philosophy for winter
Hygge: the perfect life philosophy for winter
POSTED NOV 12, 2019
Scandinavian nations consistently rank among the happiest on the planet - this, in spite of a tough climate and incredibly short winter days. The peoples of these countries have evolved life philosophies that help in the attainment of happiness. One of these seems particularly well-suited for the coming winter months - the Danish philosophy of hygge (pronounced HYOO-guh).
Scandinavian nations consistently rank among the happiest on the planet - this, in spite of a tough climate and incredibly short winter days. The peoples of these countries have evolved life philosophies that help in the attainment of happiness. One of these seems particularly well-suited for the coming winter months - the Danish philosophy of hygge (pronounced HYOO-guh).
An interesting explanation of how this philosophy originated from hyggehouse.com: "Danes created hygge because they were trying to survive boredom, cold, dark and sameness. The undefinable feeling of hygge was a way for them to find moments to celebrate, acknowledge and break up the mundane or harsh. With so many cold, dark, days, the simple act of a lighting a candle and enjoying a cup of coffee could make a huge difference to one’s spirit."
An interesting explanation of how this philosophy originated from hyggehouse.com: "Danes created hygge because they were trying to survive boredom, cold, dark and sameness. The undefinable feeling of hygge was a way for them to find moments to celebrate, acknowledge and break up the mundane or harsh. With so many cold, dark, days, the simple act of a lighting a candle and enjoying a cup of coffee could make a huge difference to one’s spirit."
Hygge literally means “to give courage, comfort, joy”. It’s about "giving your responsible, stressed-out self a break to live in the moment and enjoy your immediate environment." (medium.com) The concept became internationally popular a few years ago with the publication of an avalanche of books - so many that The New Yorker dubbed 2016 to be the year of hygge.
Hygge literally means “to give courage, comfort, joy”. It’s about "giving your responsible, stressed-out self a break to live in the moment and enjoy your immediate environment." (medium.com) The concept became internationally popular a few years ago with the publication of an avalanche of books - so many that The New Yorker dubbed 2016 to be the year of hygge.
Sometimes hygge is reduced by writers to "getting cozy", but it is a bit more than that. One of more succinct descriptions: "It literally only requires consciousness, a certain slowness, and the ability to not just be present – but recognize and enjoy the present...[and] an art of creating intimacy either with yourself, friends and your home." - hyggehouse.com
Sometimes hygge is reduced by writers to "getting cozy", but it is a bit more than that. One of more succinct descriptions: "It literally only requires consciousness, a certain slowness, and the ability to not just be present – but recognize and enjoy the present...[and] an art of creating intimacy either with yourself, friends and your home." - hyggehouse.com
Here are a couple of others:
Here are a couple of others:
“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,” - Meik Wiking, “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets To Happy Living”.
“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,” - Meik Wiking, “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets To Happy Living”.
“It is about enjoying life with friends and family, cherishing the moments. It is about grabbing hold of these moments and making them special. Not rushing through an activity so to move on to the next, it is about taking your time and enjoying what is before you now and not what is to come.” - Sofie Pedersen, in her book, Keep Calm & Hygge: A Guide to The Danish Art of Simple & Cosy Living.
“It is about enjoying life with friends and family, cherishing the moments. It is about grabbing hold of these moments and making them special. Not rushing through an activity so to move on to the next, it is about taking your time and enjoying what is before you now and not what is to come.” - Sofie Pedersen, in her book, Keep Calm & Hygge: A Guide to The Danish Art of Simple & Cosy Living.
The Danes practice hygge routinely in their daily lives. It's part of a work-life balance -Danes "value their family and spare time highly. This, coupled with it getting dark around 4pm in the winter, means they love nothing more than finishing work on time and heading home to spend time with their loved ones." (elle)
The Danes practice hygge routinely in their daily lives. It's part of a work-life balance -Danes "value their family and spare time highly. This, coupled with it getting dark around 4pm in the winter, means they love nothing more than finishing work on time and heading home to spend time with their loved ones." (elle)
As to how to begin practicing it, Thomas Oppong at medium. com writes: "Hygge is a feeling closely tied to being relaxed, happy, content and at peace with oneself. It is the absence of all pretence and worry. If you take time to lose yourself in a book, take a walk, ride a bike, share a meal, enjoy your favourite TV show with friends and family, or play board games, you are already practising hygge!"
As to how to begin practicing it, Thomas Oppong at medium. com writes: "Hygge is a feeling closely tied to being relaxed, happy, content and at peace with oneself. It is the absence of all pretence and worry. If you take time to lose yourself in a book, take a walk, ride a bike, share a meal, enjoy your favourite TV show with friends and family, or play board games, you are already practising hygge!"
World Happiness Report
World Happiness Report
2019 rankings have the Finland at #1, Denmark #2, Norway #3, Iceland #4 and Sweden #7.
The report distinguishes six elements that are thought to be determinative for happiness: economic, health, social support, personal freedom, generosity, and perception of corruption.
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