The Hygge lifestyle: how positivity leads to happiness

Hygge: the world’s happiest country hides many secrets

Hygge. An enigmatic word. A real treasure chest, buried on the edge of wild, snowy lands. Except for a few details, it’s like an episode of Game of Thrones. Except that it’s not an iron throne for which 7 families are fighting tooth and nail. The story of hygge, derived from an ancient dialect, begins in Norway.

In the 18th century, hygge crossed frontiers and established itself in the heart of Denmark. Comfort, warmth, security: it’s all about keeping hope alive in troubled political times. An Empire going up in smoke, the capital of Copenhagen being bombed by the British, long, cold winters that are reputed to be extreme (if not particularly atrocious). The perfect combo for brooding. Except that the Danes must have Viking in their blood. And they’ve decided to fight back, in their own way.

Hygge therefore implies a sense of well-being that is both personal and shared, a convivial atmosphere and a great deal of gentleness. This art of living has taken off everywhere else. And it’s no coincidence that Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world. Indeed, when you look at this Scandinavian case study, it’s easy to see why.

High incomes, work-life balance, free access to education including higher education, preventive mental health policies, bulletproof social security coverage… Solid foundations that lead straight to hygge (pronounced hoo-ga), a unique philosophy of life.

Netflix & Chill (& Hygge): yes, but much more than that!

Happiness lies in the simple things of everyday life: a lovely evening with family and friends. Plump, sweet cinnamon rolls with chicory hot chocolate. A trip to the forest. All these engaging invitations contribute to a 100% cosy lifestyle. However, clothes don’t make the man! No need to light (the fire) and thousands of candles.

(N.B.: Denmark is a heavyweight when it comes to wax consumption, consuming 6 kilos per person every year).

Atmosphere counts and is important. But the hygge mentality is the ability to slow down, to live in the moment. Especially when we’re running at 100 miles an hour, and our biological clocks are going haywire. Anything else? If you’re addicted to your phone, try giving it a break (remember, it’s not an extension of your hand).

Simply put, hygge thinking means indulging yourself. To live this enhanced form of positivity to the full, don’t force yourself to respect principles just to “clear your conscience” or try to “tick boxes”.

Deep down, when you’re experiencing a period of great calm, lucidity and peace, that’s hygge. When you decide to take care of yourself, accept who you are, or become the best version of yourself, you’re hygge from head to toe.

Hygge: pleasure is no longer a guilty pleasure

Wrongly rather than rightly, our (guilt-ridden) society preaches to the unwilling. Shame on anyone who tries to step out of line! Fortunately, this is where hygge comes in: a strong kick in the “don’t do this, don’t do that” ant-hill.

Remember cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate-chicorée? Hygge practice necessarily includes learning to enjoy food. Letting go. Don’t try to control everything. Savor the moment (without counting the calories). (We’re not advocating “30-packs-of-chips-per-day-sauced-with-chantilly”, but a virtuous lifestyle).

Beyond the culinary experience, when you sign the hygge peace agreement, it’s because you’ve decided to empathize with your deepest self.

● To keep your (often irrational) apprehensions and anxieties at bay, try putting into words what you’re feeling. It’s called social sharing of emotions, and believe us, it feels really good.

● Stop chasing lost time (he’s unbeatable at the 100-meter sprint). Try to welcome what comes, one thing at a time.

● Enjoy these suspended, fleeting yet precious moments. Write down in a notebook what made you smile during the day, what you’re grateful for.

Adopt the Hygge lifestyle, or the 4 seasons of the Far North

Nature, purity, benevolence and mindfulness: at the crossroads of worlds, hygge can permeate your life, if you give it permission. This DNA, made up of Danish fibers, becomes over time a state of mind. It’s a form of wisdom that belongs to you, impacting your decisions and your way of looking at things, to the rhythm of the seasons. To achieve this, imagine a whole new environment.

Our must-haves

Brighten up your home

Rain, snow or shine, light reigns in hygge hearts. To bring the sunshine into your home, opt for lighting in soft, warm tones.
Ever dreamed of being an artist? Now’s your chance to paint your walls white, blue-grey or steel blue, to emphasize these shades of light and shadow.

Exist, create the moment

Take some space. Give yourself the right to move, sing and dance (if there’s a shower coming, we’ll know why). And then, there’s bound to be a place where you feel particularly at home. By the window in your bedroom, at the foot of the sofa in the living room? It doesn’t matter. Choose a comfortable position, open your novel to page 192 and immerse yourself in Markus and Nathalie’s love story.

Try new recipes in the kitchen

Ah, here we are! Get together with friends and family over a tasty, easy-to-make meal. If you’re testing the comfort food trend, you might as well go all out. Serve generous plates of Danish pastry-cream brioche, bowls of creamy soup or Brunkager, those pretty cookies flavored with almond and citrus zest.

Say yes to Dolce Vita in your wardrobe

Getting dressed is often a real headache. The hygge wardrobe saves you a lot of hassle, since it’s made up entirely of comfortable clothes. So get out your slippers, your pilou pyjamas, and don’t forget the plaid for an outfit worthy of the greatest catwalks.

Rejuvenate away from the hustle and bustle

Want to get some fresh air and clear your head? Go for a bike ride, plan a hike or put on your sneakers for a few kilometers of jogging. The green spaces, calm and silence will soothe your senses. Alone or accompanied, you’ll enjoy a moment that’s all your own, far from the daily grind.

Happiness is impalpable and difficult to measure, since its representation varies from person to person. In the meanders of a rather vast and complex concept, we find the notion of pleasure and the short- or long-term goals we wish to achieve. Hygge. Isn’t it ultimately about welcoming certain changes in our lives, to achieve a state of well-being?