The Little Book of Hygge
The Little Book of Hygge, Danish Secrets to Happy Living
by Meik Wiking, CEO of Happiness Research Institute, Copenhagen
Hygge (hooga)
"You don't spell it, you feel it."
~Winnie the Pooh
Think cocoa by candlelight on a cold evening, sitting by a crackling fire and you will understand the Danish concept of Hygge. The Danes are the happiest people in Europe and are at the top of the happy living scale for the globe. Embrace the art of Hygge and you will understand how to live well.
Hygge is one of those rare words that you know when you feel it, but is hard to describe. The word hug comes from its Norwegian origins. I like this description:
"Hygge is like a hug without touching"
Read to Discover:
How to speak all things Hygge
The Hygge Manifesto
Hygge Recipes and Lifestyle
The Five Dimensions of Hygge
Hygge and Happiness
Speaking Hygge
Here are a few words to speak all things hygge.
Fedagshygge/Sondagshygge (Fredashooga/Sundashooga) - The hygge you have on relaxing weekend after a long hard week.
Hyggebukser (hoogabucksr) - The pants with a high comfy factor that you would never wear in public.
Hyggehjornet (hoogajornet) - In the mood for hygge.
Hyggekrog (hoogacrow) - A quiet spot for sitting and reflecting.
Hyggestund (hoogastun) - A moment of savoring quiet, with a good cup of tea or coffee to up the hygge factor!
Uhyggeligt (uh-hoogalit) - The opposite of hygge - "creepy or scary".
The Hygge Manifesto
Hygge Recipes and Lifestyle
From the right candles and other lighting, clothes, recipes, vacations to home life, The Little Book of Hygge has suggestions for everything you need to live a hygge life.
Why is this important?
"According to the World Happiness Report commissioned by the United Nations, While basic living standards are essential for happiness, after the baseline has been met, happiness varies more with quality of human relationships than income".
The Five Dimensions of Hygge
Taste - Unchallenging, sweet; think cake.
Sounds - Crackling, burning wood.
Smell - One that brings good memories. It's different for each person.
Feel - Textured, pottery, wood.
Sight - Light is everything, accentuated by slow moments like falling snow.
Sixth Sense - Feeling safe.
Hygge and Happiness
A poignant quote by Robert Kennedy sums up why we should pay attention to the level of happiness in our lives and the lives of others.
"The gross national product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their educaiton or the joy of their play. It does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials . . . it measures everything, in short, except that which makes life worthwhile."