All you need to know about hyugge - the art of being happy

What does the word "hyugge"?

first word hygge It appeared in written Danish at the beginning of the XIX century. And it comes from the Norse 'welfare, well-being. " It involves a special atmosphere and feelings associated with happiness. Detail about it in his book "Hygge. Danish The Secret of Happiness"Founder and director of the Danish Institute for the Study of happiness Mike Viking (Meik Wiking).

The Danish word "hyugge" can be a verb, and an adjective (hyggelig (t) - possessing properties hyugge). Danes say, 'How hyggeligt will come together "," What hyggelig Party! "," It was so hyggeligt meet you! "," I want to spend time with you hyggelig».

Hyugge also can be added to almost any Danish word. For example, Friday night - time familiehyggeAnd cozy woolen socks - hyggesokker. Thus, hyugge - a word which, by definition, Mike Viking "is not written, and feel."

instagram viewer

Why happiness is investigating the Danes?

Denmark leads the list of the most prosperous countries in the world. Numerous opinion polls and studies have shown that the Danes are considered the happiest people in Europe. So wanting to unravel the phenomenon hyugge becomes more and more.

In Denmark there is a special hyugge tours through the parks, coffee shops, squares and streets, where you can feel happy. In many countries, there are cafes and shops in hyugge style, and one of Britain's colleges even taught a course Danish hyugge.

How exactly feel hyugge?

Mike Viking writes that hyugge lies not so much in things as in the atmosphere and feelings - a sense house close loved ones, peace and serenity, where we feel protected and can to relax.

Hyugge - the ability to appreciate the ordinary pleasures of life and enjoy the moment. In this case, your budget may (or even should) be very modest. The relationship is the opposite: the more brilliance and luxury, the less hyugge.

In Denmark, the popular songs of Benny Andersson, member of the famous Swedish group ABBA, «Happy day Svante." It just describes the ability to enjoy the simple things:

You see that in the morning!

Sun red and round.

Shower Nina sings loudly,

I eat a sandwich with cheese.

Life diamonds shining drops.

BUT! That kettle whistles!

How to still be happy?

Light the candles and dim the lights

The most important component of all prescriptions hyugge - burning candles. Not for nothing in the translation from the Danish people, spoiling all the fun - is "the one who blows out the candles." According to the Danes, the easiest way to quickly create hyugge - light some "real fires". 28% of those surveyed by the Institute of research of happiness people in the country are doing this every day. A third of Danes prefer to light once more than five candles.

Another way - to create a pleasant lighting. Around half of the year in Denmark the rain. In order to create a sense of comfort and warmth, the people of the country to equip houses islands of light. Lamps thus should ideally radiate a warm amber light.

Create a hiding place

Hyggekrog - a secluded place in the kitchen or living room, where you can comfortably spend time, have the majority of the Danes. Some realtors even suggest it as an advantage when selling the apartment.

To create such a place is perfect wide window sill, where you can put a lot of soft pillows and blankets. Here you can drink a delicious tea in the evening, watch the falling snowflakes, reading a book.

Meet up with friends

Recipe for happiness in Danish is quite simple: you have to try to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.

Time spent with other people - an important part of hyugge. This is one of the most important ingredients of happiness in general.

Mike Viking

78% of Danes at least once a week to meet friends, family or colleagues outside of work. Almost 60% of Danes think that the best company for hyugge - three or four people.

Meetings with friends are filled with mutual care and calmness. This is the realm of equality: no one pulls the attention of not trying to become a principal. Guests help the owner prepare meals, set the table, and then bring everything back in order. You can relax and be in such a relaxed atmosphere. It is a great comfort zone, where all is well.

In order to get closer, you can create shared memories and traditions that unify the company. For example, to gather every first Sunday of the month table games or the first day of summer, be sure to go on a picnic to the beach.

tasty eat

Hyugge and strict diets are not compatible. You need to pamper yourself, and this is sometimes necessary to deviate from the principles of a healthy lifestyle. Sweets, coffee, hot chocolate, thick cocoa with marshmallows, fragrant fresh pastries and jam - it hyugge. But cabbage salad - not very.

The whole essence - in the sweetness of the forbidden fruit. But it should not be expensive and pretentious. Popcorn and self-cooked stew - more hyugge than foie gras or dinner at an expensive restaurant.

Happiness can not be bought, but you can buy a cake, which is almost the same. At least, so says our brains.

Mike Viking

But keep in mind: to overeat heaviness in the abdomen - this is not hyugge.

Preparation hyugge-food - is a delight deliberation process. What is done with their own hands, especially appreciated. Bank with homemade strawberry jam you will return in the summer when you boiled the collected berries and tasted the hot foam.

If desired, you can combine two components hyugge and arrange for friends culinary club. You choose a recipe together and distribute what everyone brings. Then, for the pleasant conversations and jokes going on joint preparation and eating of meals.

Dress casually

The Danes have the talent to dress stylishly and naturally. And it is also hyugge.

How to achieve this? Buy a large scarf (this is true for everyone at any time of the year), pick up a voluminous top (sweater or cardigan thick hand-knitted) make careless hairstyle, practice layering (in Denmark this is true, because the weather can change over day several time).

There is no bad weather, there are inappropriate clothes.

Popular in Europe, saying

A tie or even order a sweater Sarah Lund - perhaps the most recognizable Danish article of clothing, made famous by the TV series "Murder". Its main character is played by Sophie Grobol. Sweater actress chose itself.

Buy plaid porcelain cup or an old chair

Seven out of ten Danes believe that hyugge most likely to occur at home. But you need to create comfort. In addition to the nook, hyugge creates a fireplace, wooden and vintage items, books, blankets and pillows, all things are pleasant to the touch (eg, a soft blanket), ceramic and porcelain.

Mike advises Viking assemble set for 'emergency hyugge-aid "that will help to relax and regain composure. This spark, a little delicious high-quality chocolate, favorite tea, a book, a film or TV series, jam, a couple warm wool socks, sweaters, beautiful notebook, a cozy blanket, music, photo album that you love flipping.