People living in Denmark are happier than in any other country, why?We can answer this question with one word: “Hygge. ” It’s a word that doesn’t translate into Portuguese, but Hygge relates to personal well-being, sharing moments with loved ones and enjoying his own home.
Who doesn’t like to stay home when it’s cold, share a coffee with your love or your children and read a book while holding a cup of hot cocoa? It would be monotonous if we did this every day, but repeating this act with a few Assiduity is certainly not monotonous, but it brings us great happiness.
- Even when it’s not cold.
- You can change the sofa cover for a balcony or a walk where words and company are worth more than steps.
- One way or another.
- You sure got the idea.
- Which came to you in different ways.
- And that you put that original Danish word in your life.
When we ask the people of Denmark about their own definition of Hygge (a local word that has no translation into another language), they say it’s about doing what makes them happy. Hygge is more of an attitude or lifestyle, he looks for the most welcoming place in the house, spending time with his loved ones and setting aside his obligations. This is the key to making this Scandinavian country the best place to live, even if it has such unfavorable and severe weather conditions in winter.
During the very cold months, the Danes spend most of the day at home (there are only 4 hours of light a day) and therefore give so much importance to the decoration of the house, the comfort of the furniture and the space of the houses. . Do you also pay special attention to the activities that can be done at home: reading, watching a movie, cooking, playing, learning, chatting?and above all, share family moments.
The minimalist décor style is not allowed in Denmark, it is not really much chosen because it reduces the feeling of comfort, to feel protected and warm, so warm colors such as orange and red are used for decoration, and thick ones are bought. wooden furniture and accessories and useful objects.
The privacy of spaces or environments is also linked to lighting, although it is at night most of the time, many hours of the day, people prefer to use candles or lamps of soft light, in addition to fire, to heat or illuminate the room. No white lamps and very powerful.
Another point that deserves attention are the fabrics that are chosen, not only for clothes but also for cushions, curtains and blankets for beds and sofas, are thick, earthy and comforting.
For Danes, all this is the definition of happiness, and isn’t it just staying home?, is enjoying the house when there’s no chance of going out on the street, or even when time allows!
This Danish model of happiness has already been exported to other parts of the world. Why? Because even in cities not too cold, they have already realized that spending time at home with family and friends, drinking coffee, beer or wine, or eating ice cream and doing what you love, will always be comforting.
One thing to keep in mind is that Hygge is not only winter-related, although in Denmark winter is very long, philosophy can also be implemented in the hot summer months around the world. Because it’s a way of living and feeling good, and it has nothing to do with the weather, even if it comes somehow.
Helen Russel’s book “The Year We Live like Danes” details the experience of a stranger making the most of Hygge. The author states that Hygge is all about being good to yourself, not denying yourself, not punishing you, looking for those moments of happiness in the little things: a piece of chocolate, a chapter of his favorite series, a book you love, a little music and the warmth of a hug.
If we stopped and thought about these facilities we would realize that these are the things that really make us feel good and happy, everything else is incidental, it is banal: the real feeling of well-being is not in a full closet or in a car of the latest model, but in a timeshare with those we love and in the activities that give us comfort. It’s Hygge alive!