Yahoo Lifestyle I Can't Stop Thinking About This Happiness Hack From Denmark
As a certified health coach and wellness journalist, I know all about the importance of self-care. I tell others to prioritize it, but lately, I’ve been finding it hard to practice myself. There’s just so much to do. This week, I found myself so overwhelmed with my to-do list that it almost made me wish for a sick day just so I could spend the whole day on the couch watching Netflix. Can you relate?
I realized that I didn’t need a fake sick day. What I really needed was more hygge in my life. In case you’ve never heard of it, “hygge” (pronounced hoo-ga) is a Danish practice and mindset of creating warmth and comfort from within to improve one’s well-being. Considering that Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world, it’s certainly a mindset worth paying attention to. To learn more about the connection between hygge and happiness, I talked with psychologists familiar with the practice as well as a coziness consultant.
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Why Hygge Is Connected to Happiness
Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Leslie Sanders, PsyD, says that there are several reasons why hygge—nurturing coziness and comfort—can support happiness. “One of the key characteristics of hygge is spending quality time with family and friends. Be it sharing a meal together, having a heart-to-heart talk or simply being with someone, these activities strengthen bonds and instill a sense of social identification. Relational research reinforces that social ties have an important bearing on emotional health, which adds to happiness and life satisfaction in the long run,” she says.
Dr. Sanders says that another aspect of hygge is paying attention to details in the present moment. She says that drinking a cup of tea, reading in candlelight or relaxing in a comfortable place are some examples of practicing hygge through purposeful activities meant to declutter the mind and focus on the present. She adds that this type of mindfulness practice has been associated with lower stress and enhanced emotional well-being, allowing people to connect with themselves and their environment.
“Appreciating life’s wonderful trivialities is at the core of the hygge concept and so is taking the time to relax,” Dr. Sanders says. She says that this can look like getting cozy under a warm blanket on a cold day or getting lost in a good book. “Letting oneself partake in these activities motivates appreciation and a good outlook on life,” she says.
Hygge is the antithesis to the busyness American culture thrives on. “Many people spend so much time chasing happiness, but hygge shows that it’s often found in the simplest things,” says therapist Michelle English, LCSW. “To practice it, you need to slow down, be present and really soak in the moment. This can contribute to happiness because it helps you feel relaxed, content and at peace without needing anything extravagant to get there,” she says.
Related: How to Be Happier in 31 Days, According to Mental Health Experts
How To Integrate Hygge Into Your Life
Amber Brandt is a coziness consultant. Her job is literally to help people integrate more coziness into their lives. Like English, she believes hygge is connected to happiness because it’s the opposite of hustling and being constantly busy. “Our society often rewards achievement, amassing wealth and hustling our way to the top. But countless studies have proven that acquiring more doesn’t provide greater joy or contentment. I think that’s why hygge is so grounding,” she says. “It’s counter-cultural because it gives our hearts what they truly want: a sense of connection with others, an escape from stress and plenty of rest, comfort and pleasure.”
Brandt says that one way to integrate hygge into your life is by making your home cozy and a place where connection is encouraged. “Find ways to incorporate pillows, throw blankets and plenty of comfortable seating. Feature beloved heirlooms, mementos, photos and artwork. Embrace soft lighting with candles, twinkle lights and lamps. Keep games and books you enjoy nearby; proximity makes it much easier to do the things you love, with the people you love,” she says.
While hygge often conjures up images of cozy living rooms or bedrooms, you don’t have to stay inside to practice hygge. “Embracing nature and simplicity is core to hygge. Bundle up for a walk in the woods or visit a nearby park in search of elements to display at home,” Brandt says. “The experience of getting fresh air and having something to adorn your table or mantel both add to the beauty.”
As Dr. Sanders highlighted, Brandt says that hygge is all about connection. With this in mind, she says to think about meaningful actions you can do for others, such as making them a card, bringing them something to eat or inviting them over for a cup of tea.
Instead of making big sweeping changes to your routine, Brandt says to think about small ways you can integrate hygge into your routine. “For instance, every morning I sit on the couch with a warm blanket and savor my cup of coffee before the day gets crazy, and at bedtime, each member of our family shares one thing they’re grateful for,” she says. “Anything you can schedule into your day, week or month will help to create moments of connection, peace or reflection, which can be very fulfilling…and very hygge.”
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Sources
Dr. Leslie Sanders, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist and Program Director of AToN Center
Michelle English, LCSW, executive clinical manager at Healthy Life Recovery
Amber Brandt, coziness consultant
