Hygge: the Danish secret of happiness that you can bring to your home

For the Danes, both the word hygge like all derivatives they are part of your daily vocabulary. It’s almost an obsession. Healthy, yes. Well, actually, very healthy. And it has a lot to do with what your country is the second happiest in the world, according to the World Happiness Report (preceded by Finland).

What is hygge?

Hygge It does not have a literal translation, but it would be something like achieving a feeling of well-being and absolute comfort.. If we asked a Dane what he understood by hygge, his explanation would probably involve telling us about a Sunday afternoon, sheltered in front of the fireplace with a steaming hot chocolate. And he does have a lot to do with that, but also with create warm, welcoming atmospheres that invite relaxation and in which worries are left outside, without disturbing those moments of peace and relaxation. You can also enjoy the hygge when it’s not winter. It is about finding happiness at home, but also comfort and moments with family or friends that invite relaxation.

How to incorporate Hygge into your life

Hygge is very subjective: while for one it is about finding moments to share with other people, for others it is something that can be done alone. In the same way, it is not related to the weather either, although it is in autumn and winter when these warm and cozy atmospheres at home occur more naturally.

To find that secret of happiness, the key is to start with find moments for yourself, take care of yourself and relax apart from daily obligations. Start by finding those small moments of well-being for you. Yes, you can be efficient throughout the day, but take some time to treat yourself and feel good.

Another key to this special movement is the bSearch for moments to share with friends and family. The Danes like to get together at home, whether for a barbecue, to enjoy a movie or to have a good time with friends. Now, don’t turn it into a party with all your friends. The important thing is to create intimate meetings in which conversations do not step on each other and in which everyone is a participant.

Likewise, it is important avoid conversations that could break that state of relaxation. So it is better to avoid controversial conversations or talk about politics. Talking about work, daily stress or rush is also out. Another recommendation? During those times when you’re reaching for those happy pills, it’s best to unplug from technology. So turn off your cell phone, tablet, TV…

Remember that the hygge It’s about slowing down and enjoying the happiness that is hidden in the little things.

The hygge philosophy also develops in the kitchen. If you have guests at home, let them help you prepare the menu. The best moments usually occur in this room, when we are relaxed and enjoying the best company and a good wine. And, of course, in the living room. A board game, games with the little ones… The key is to relax and enjoy the moment with the ones you love most.

How to practice the Hygge philosophy in your home?

In addition to everything we have already told you, you can adapt your home for these hygge moments, whether alone or in company.

A corner where comfort prevails: you have to find your place more hyggekrog (see below in the lexicon box hygge). It can be the sofa with some comfortable cushions and a blanket, your favorite armchair with a footrest or even that little corner by the window in the kitchen or living room.Recover that old crockery or tea set from your grandmother and use it in your daily life or when your friends come over to have a coffee. EITHER recreate some family tradition. These feelings are what are called hyggeligand they will help you maintain that connection with your past and awaken that sweet nostalgia.Lighting, key in the environments hygge: If the house is the epicenter of the movement hygge, lighting is essential to achieve that comfort. The Danes spend many hours there (and their days have fewer hours of daylight than we have here) so this is where they create their relaxing atmospheres. The candles cannot be missing, of course, they have to be natural, without aromas. Instead of a general light, to achieve atmospheres hygge You have to place several points of dim light (the lower the light temperature, the better).

The warmth of the fire: In the vast majority of Danish houses there is a fireplace or a wood stove. And not because of a lack of heating system, but because they love the sound of crackling wood, the light of the fire and, above all, the warmth it gives off. If you don’t have one at home, you can create a similar atmosphere with a bioethanol fireplace that requires no installation.Take care of textiles: he hygge pampers all the senses, including touch. Choose cozy and fluffy textiles such as fur blankets, ribbed or braided wool cushions, knitted or fleece fabric. Although plain ones never fail, prints are also allowed, such as traditional checks or tartan that convey that feeling of a little cabin in the mountains.
Create your own urban jungle: Although in Denmark in winter nature practically disappears under the blanket of snow, the Danes need to have the natural touch close by. That’s why green plants cannot be missing at home, a lot of green!Add warmth with wood: Include it in furniture, ornaments and all types of decoration, but in its purest state. Natural materials are great allies to create the best interiors hygge.

Finally, don’t forget to recognize these moments hygge so special. For example, an afternoon with your friends on the porch of your house, relaxing and laughing is a moment hygge. And yes, maybe it has something mindfulnessand of slowliving, but above all it is about enjoying those small moments of happiness, enjoying the here and now. And be aware of them.

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