This art will give us the answer to the question "Why are Scandinavians happy"
A peaceful weekend at home. What's the first thing that pops into your mind? A lit fireplace? Sunshine through the bedroom window? The smell of fresh coffee and pancakes? It all has one name, and it's hygge. Translated from Danish, it means being cosy and comfortable.
In fact, hygge (pronounced "huge") is one of the Oxford Dictionary's 2016 Word of the Year favourites. The word derives from the 16th century Norwegian term "hygga", which means "to comfort" or "to soothe" and is related to the English word "hug", meaning embrace.
Hygge is mostly understood as a sense of comfort, peace and gratitude, and has long been associated with the character of the Danes.
Danes, like other Scandinavians, have topped the charts for the happiest nations in the world for years. The three countries of Denmark, Norway and Sweden take turns for this prize.
In our desire to discover the reasons for this happiness, our path will pass through the basic principles they observe, principles from which there is much to learn.
Humility and respect for others
The Scandinavian countries observe the Law of Jante, which states:
Don't think you are something special!
Don't think you're as good as us!
Don't think you're smarter than us!
Don't convince yourself that you are better than us!
Don't think you know more than us!
Don't think you are more important than us!
Don't think you're good at anything!
Don't mock us!
Don't think anyone cares about you!
Don't think you can teach us anything!
Scandinavians actually joke about this law, but it helps build an atmosphere of friendship and mutual aid. Respect for other people and modesty are put on a pedestal, and this law is meant to discourage people from behaving arrogantly and haughtily.
Realistic expectations
One of the most important things for a happy life, as Malene Rydal says in her book Happy as a Dane, is the ability to form realistic expectations, but don't stop dreaming and pursuing your goals.
Another important secret to happiness is not to compare yourself to others. We often do, especially with our friends and what they share on social media, and it makes us feel rather depressed and unhappy.
The perfect balance between work and family
Scandinavians know how important it is to devote time to their family. Most companies in Denmark end the working day at 5 pm, and Danes never work overtime. And in Sweden, there are companies that have even switched to a 6-hour day to increase productivity and happiness for their employees. Families there often travel together, go to the park and play.
Family get-togethers and a quiet life
This is where hygge comes in.
One of the best definitions of this word is given in an article by The Guardian:
"...it's all about family. Being together. It's not about being sophisticated, eating dessert from the 'right place'. A dessert you baked yourself. It is a feeling. It's something that has meaning in and of itself; it's not about becoming a better person, like exercise, for example. I associate it with when I was a kid, with the aroma that wafted from the kitchen when Mom was cooking... The scent of the Christmas tree."
It's a ritual through which to enjoy life's small pleasures. Friends. Family. Gratitude. Contentment. A warm glow. The aromas often associated with hygge are: freshly brewed coffee, warm bread, vanilla, clean laundry, fresh mountain air, wood burning in the fireplace...
Without a doubt, winter is the most hygge season. Sitting by the fireplace on a cold evening, wearing a warm sweater, drinking wine and eating delicious food surrounded by candles. It's something everyone can and should experience and enjoy. It is the feeling of solidarity, comfort, support and attention from the people closest to you and dearest to you. Even Danish doctors prescribe 'tea and hygge' as a cure for colds. You can enjoy this feeling alone, wrapped under a soft blanket or with your closest people in a relaxed atmosphere.
One of the most amazing things about hygge is that people who experience it take prosperity for granted. They are people who have enough money and enough free time. But it is an art that is completely embedded in the Danish way of life. It is in Scandinavian crafts, in the tea and coffee cups, in the picnic tables, in the bicycles with wooden shopping baskets and the seats for children, in everything authentic but also modern, in everything simple and refined at the same time.
There are no hygge classes offered yet, but if we can sum up the Scandinavian principles - slow down, take care of your body and spend enough time outside. Even when it's very cold. What do the Scandinavians say "There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing".
So, all you need to get through the bad weather and bad periods arehygge and a cozy home.