10 Ways to “Hygge” the Danish way
#7: Get comfy. Take a break, it’s all about relaxation.
What is “Hygge”?
If you happen to travel in the Scandinavian countries and stay long enough, you will notice the common use of words like “hygge” and “kose”. Beautiful expressions I love. It defines everything around coziness and quality time alone or with the ones we love. Used in other contexts it also means “how nice”!, “how cool!” as a reaction : “så koselig”!, “så hyggelig!”
There is also this dimension to hygge that symbolizes everything around “simple and slow”. Simplicity and modesty are central to “hygge”: the more bling the less hygge.
Background
Nordics countries are very much into wellness and have a close relationship with nature. In Finland homes have in average one sauna per household. In Norway they practice what is called “gå på tur” (do a promenade) almost every day, oftentimes in the woods during all weather types: rain, snow — because as Norwegians say: “there is no bad weather only inappropriate clothes”.
Nature here is accessible and close to cities. For illustration: in my case I live 20mn walk to the closest forest and 20mn in subway to the city center of Oslo (capital of Norway).
In Denmark I only read about their practices: among others, they are well known for bicycle lifestyle and the hygge manifesto.
So when not in the woods, people in the Nordic countries enjoy having it nice and cozy inside. With extreme weather conditions in winter, inside is a place where we spend a lot of time with the ones we love and care about.
The Danish hygge manifesto
The hygge manifesto was invented by Meik Wiking, founder of the Happiness Research Institude in Copenhagen.
This is what it will take to have a cozy time the Danish (Scandinavian) way:
#1: Atmosphere
Turn down the light and burn up some candles
#2: Presence
Turn off the phones and be in the moment. Enjoying those you are with at that exact moment.
#3: Pleasure
Tea, coffea, hot chocolate, cookies, chocolate, cake, candies. Find your favorite/s, rejump in childhood and enjoy the moment eating what pleases you. All that without bad conscience of course. It is fully allowed to have a sweet moment from time to time.
#4: Equality
“We” over “me”. Gather with some real friends, share the moment but also the tasks. Each one will contribute in the making of the moment.
#5: Gratitude
Take a breath in and out, notice that you are alive. Have moments of silence to deeply feel that and allow it to inhabit you and fill you with a sense of gratitude. Take the moment in.
#6: Harmony
There is no competition. The ones you are with already like you for the being who you are. No need to brag about your achievements.
#7: Comfort
Get comfy, take a break, it’s all about relaxation. For this, in winter: find your favorite spot in the house/apartment, a blanket, some wool socks and chill. In summer, sit at the terrasse or véranda sipping your favorite drinks and admire the view (or your neighborhood).
#8: Truce
No drama, let’s discuss politics another day. Choose topics that unite, make laugh and nurture each other.
#9: Togetherness
Build relationships and narratives as: “do you remember the time we”…
#10: Shelter
This is your tribe, this is a place of peace and security. Enjoy the moment, let down your defence and fully lay back.
How is it in the country you live in: do you have some wellness manifesto or practices? I would love to read about it in comment section.
Until next time, take gorgeous care of yourself, be and stay safe.
One love 💜
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Source of inspiration: The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking