HYGGE: THE LIFESTYLE THAT LEADS TO HAPPINESS - LOVE-E-PSYCHOLOGY

Hygge: the Northern way of life that leads to happiness

Everyone talks about it, but few really know what it is: Hygge, the lifestyle born in Denmark, consists in the pursuit of happiness that is not temporary, but daily. A being happy that lasts over time because it is supported by the way of life itself. There are no fixed and rigid rules, but only to adopt habits that seem to have been lost with the frenzy of the modern age.

However, what does the term "Hygge "? And how can this Danish philosophy of life be applied in Italy, a country, in many respects so different, from the native one of the happiest people in the world? Let's start by saying that the hygge atmosphere is now spreading all over the world, so much so that it has almost become a fashion. The bestsellers of the Danish writers Marie Tourell Soderberg and Louisa Thomsen Brits, who have told about this widespread art of living, are also complicit in this success. in Denmark, fascinating even people from overseas.

Before discovering all the secrets of Hygge and the steps to follow to achieve that sense of fulfillment and daily well-being, we want to wake you up 6 simple tricks to start your day on the right foot and in a good mood:

The origin and meaning of the term Hygge

Pronounced "hüghe", as is often the case for words relating to a particularly abstract lifestyle or feeling, also the term "Hygge " it is of uncertain origin and its meaning has no direct correspondence in other languages. According to some, it would have the root of the English word hug, or "hug" and "hug", but the most accredited hypothesis is that Hygge derives from a dialect of Norway, with the meaning of "feel good", but also of "intimacy" and "comfort". Ultimately, Hygge would coincide with that feeling of well-being and inner serenity that one feels in an intimate and private place and atmosphere. Being comfortable with oneself is the first basis to be placed in order to be happy.

The hygge atmosphere

A very important component of this lifestyle is to create the right atmosphere inside your home. In fact, the domestic space represents that intimate and private place that the Danes see as their refuge. At home, we take refuge from the winter cold and frost - which in Denmark take up many months of the year - and we dedicate ourselves to personal well-being and happiness. Creating the perfect atmosphere involves starting from the light: the Danish people are used to a long winter, where sunlight is very scarce. To reproduce it, they mainly choose sources of warm light, in shades of dark yellow and orange, in such a way as to have a welcoming and "warm" atmosphere, at least visually. What absolutely cannot be missing is a fireplace: the crackling of the fire in contact with wood, the warm tones of the flame and its continuous slow movement give that unique and special touch to the atmosphere of the house.

If the living room is the privileged part of the house, with an inevitable blanket waiting for us on the sofa, the other rooms are also not to be underestimated. To keep the whole home environment in style and atmosphere hygge, the other spaces must also have the walls of a warm color, as well as the lights. Furthermore, an important material is wood which diffuses heat inside the rooms. The objects that cannot be missing are candles, books, pillows, blankets and porcelain objects.

An evening with friends

If you want to embrace this lifestyle for happiness, a chaotic night at the club or in a crowded club where loud music makes any kind of communication impossible they are no longer for you. A quiet evening at home with friends, on the other hand, is a perfect time. In the living room, with something to eat, music soft background (possibly choosing one of the many playlists hygge existing!), wearing a comfortable sweater in full comfort, a few lit candles and, perhaps, the flame of the fireplace to further heat the environment: here, this is the ideal climate to talk to the people we care about. there are two others leitmotiv by Hygge. Travel, books, food, passions and family: any topic that maintains a calm and relaxed atmosphere will be perfect.

Turn off the phone

This "precept" hygge connects directly to the evening with friends. Definitely useful in working life, cell phones are a constant distraction from what is around us, from those close to us and also from ourselves. A key word of Hygge is, in fact, "presence": to be here and now, to fully appreciate every moment and the people who share it with us. For this reason it is suggested to turn off the phone outside office hours and take your mind off the virtual world at least for the evening and night.

Read a book

Being comfortable with yourself: this is what the term "Hygge" essentially means. To do this, you need to take time for yourself and one of the best ways to do this is, of course, by immersing yourself in reading a book. During a gloomy or even snowy day, there is nothing better than getting lost in the story of a novel, sinking into the comfort of your armchair or sofa, with warm socks on your feet and a blanket against the cold. No worries in the world. , just fantasy, calm and tranquility: sometimes, it is not that difficult to be happy.

Sip a hot drink

Hot food and drinks are key to the Danes and to anyone who has chosen to embrace the lifestyle hygge. As for food, they are certainly not the healthiest around, because, even for food, the focus is always on conviviality with family and friends and the rediscovery of traditional flavors. In Denmark there are many recipes that are cooked at least once a week to bring philosophy hygge even on your table: from pork cheek stewed in beer to meatballs, up to delicious homemade cakes.

However, after a stressful day at work, to rediscover the right relaxation and serenity, the ideal is to sip a hot drink on the sofa, perhaps reading a book: hot chocolate is the host, but also coffee, tea and the infusions with different fragrances. Happiness is assured.

Love for Christmas

The most Hygge-style period of the year is Christmas. Copenhagen and all the other Danish towns live the entire month of December - and even a few weeks before - in view of this holiday, which fits perfectly with the precepts. hygge. Every place in Denmark is decorated with typical wooden decorations, candles and a myriad of lights, which create an extraordinary atmosphere. Perhaps the Tivoli park, in the center of Copenhagen, is the best place to fully experience a Christmas. hygge.

Danes spend their days of rest at home, with family and friends, preparing the famous traditional dishes, talking and being together with simplicity. Both adults and children have fun making their own decorations, strictly in wood and depicting the most varied elements: from the classic shepherds for the nativity scene to Santa Claus with reindeer, up to the elves and dwarfs that populate the legends of Scandinavia .

Rediscover nature

So far, it would seem that the road to happiness consists only in being at home, in company or alone. In fact, Hygge promotes contact with nature through long walks. To maintain the right atmosphere, just do not go anywhere too crowded with traffic noises and prefer a walk in a park or directly outside the city, perhaps in the snow or at sunset.

Hygge in summer

Although in this way of living to be happy there are many elements that recall the "winter", the atmosphere hygge it does not disappear in the summer months, on the contrary! It is enough simply to embrace his habits and bring them back, transforming them, in summer: the evening at home with friends will become a cheerful barbecue, a walk in the snow will be a walk in a meadow under the sun or a bike ride. The important thing is to keep Hygge's main message: to feel good about yourself and others in an authentic way, appreciating the little things. This is true happiness.

The keywords of the Hygge philosophy

If you want to have a reminder of the step to be happy with the Hygge method, we suggest you follow these keywords and put them into practice daily:

1. Atmosphere: dim the lights, choose warm colors, light a candle.
2. Refuge: a place of serenity and safety.
3. Equality: the "we" must prevail over the "me".
4. Presence: being here and now, turning off phones.
5. Gratitude: appreciating what there is and what one has.
6. Harmony: no competition or rivalry.
7. Pleasure: indulge in coffee, chocolate, biscuits, a piece of cake.
8. Comfort: take breaks and days of relaxation.
9. Truce: disconnect from everyday life, bring back the focus on who and on what is important to you.
10. Spirit of sharing: talk to others, share stories and memories.

Have a good trip hygge towards happiness!