The Danish Have Discovered the Key to Happiness and Wellbeing During the Winter Months

With the seasonal changes and the pandemic still looming, we find ourselves with an urge to put on the heating, curl up with a warm blanket, cushions and hibernate. During this difficult period, we all need a little ‘ hygge’ (pronounced ‘hoo ga’) in our lives.

The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, helped me through the winter lockdown of 2020. This year I am re-reading the book, applying its teachings, and highly recommend it as a winter read!

Hygge is a word borrowed from the Old Norse and originally meant “protected from the outside world.” Today this word describes the Danish key to happiness and wellbeing. The closest word we have in English would be ‘cosiness’. This word is associated with feelings of wellness and contentment. It’s something that’s felt internally and not necessarily defined. Despite the long, cold, dark nights and wet climate that lasts for long parts of the year, The World Happiness Report (2020) has shown that the Danish are one of the happiest populations on the planet!

As some of us start to dread spending more time indoors again, the Danish celebrate and have gratitude for this period. It’s a great time to slow down, disconnect from our technology and appreciate togetherness, but how exactly do you ‘hygge’?

How to Hygge?

“Hygge is about giving your responsible, stressed-out achiever adult a break. Relax.” — Miek Wiking

In a nutshell, Wiking recommends that you create a comfy space (hyggekrog), get some cushions and blankets. Dim those lights and have a hot beverage. In my case, this is coffee, and grab a great book, start journaling, colouring or meditate. Most importantly, don’t forget those comfy socks!

Creating a ‘Hyggekrog’

A hyggekrog is simply a warm, safe space where you can curl up with a blanket, cushions, a good book, and a warm drink. Dim down those lights and turn on the heating. Often the more rustic and straightforward the space, the higher the hygge factor. For me, I have created a reading nook in my cabin. Somewhere I can go to recharge after a long day.

A hot drink and warm snacks

A hygge food experience should always be warm, rustic, and enjoyed slowly. From soup to hearty stew, warm cheese on toast or some baked goods. Homestyle cooking is much more Hygge than store-bought premade foods!

Hygge drinks are those that are best served hot. From hot chocolate to mulled wine to coffee and tea, all have high hygge factors. According to The Little Book of Hygge, the Danes are the fourth-biggest coffee drinkers in the world!

Disconnect from technology

You cannot achieve a true hygge state whilst checking social media on your phone or reading emails. Hygge is all about disconnecting from technology and the hustle of life and simply enjoying the present moment. The book taught me the importance of logging off to recharge my batteries.

Getting back to nature

It’s a myth that you can only hygge in a home. Experiencing hygge can also mean connecting with others in nature. Be it looking up at the stairs, telling ghost stories around a campfire, or walking through nature with your nearest and dearest. Hygge is all about the feeling of togetherness, peace, and a sense of warmth,

Celebrating the seasons

Christmas and Halloween are the embodiments of Hygge. Spending time with loved ones in PJs, with decorations, good food, snuggling up to watch movies, or even reading books.

In Reflection: Hygge

“All books are hyggelig, but classics written by authors such as Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Leo Tolstoy, and Charles Dickens have a special place on the bookshelf. At the right age, your kids may also love to cuddle up with you in the hyggekrog and have you read to them. “ — Meik Wiking

During a difficult couple of years and in this fast-paced life we could all do with a little more hygge in our life. Learning to disconnect from technology and reconnect with our loved ones, taking time to slow down, and allowing ourselves to feel warm, snug and creating that safe space aka a little reading nook. This book has reminded me of the simple things in life that I often take for granted and the need to slow down and switch off — I am basically a battery that needs to recharge.