As some of you might know, for straight 6 years I've lived in the happiest nation on the Earth, Denmark. The happiest nation on Earth have their own little secret, which is actually accessible for everybody despite their location nor nationality. It’s “hygge” – a concept, which means a cozy, relaxing and enjoyable way of life.



I know, and I am not even sorry – one of my favorite places on Earth is Denmark, and I cannot help but think of it every day I wake up if I am not there. I have fallen in love with Denmark many years ago, and its nature and culture have not been the only things I’ve fallen in love with – “hygge” was yet another one. “Hygge” takes a very big and important place in Danish lifestyle.

The concept “hygge” supports enjoyment of small things in one’s life, such as a warm tea and a cozy plaid during the grey and rainy day, a relaxing and sunshiny Saturday morning, fluffy socks that your friend has given you as a present for no significant reason or an interesting lifestyle magazine, which you’ve recently subscribed to.

Those are the little things that make our lives more interesting and worth to live for. We go through such little experiences without thinking too much of them, and that is exactly why Danes claim to be happier than the rest of people – simply because they know when to stop and enjoy those little everyday pleasures that we don’t pay too much attention to. Even if you think that you don’t do anything significant, you’re just having a Friday afternoon conversation with some mint tea with a friend – you’re actually doing “hygge”. Acknowledge this.

The central part of “hygge” is people, time, and the time you spend with the people you love.The central part of “hygge” is people, time, and the time you spend with the people you love. The author Helen Russell, which has recently published a book “The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering The Secrets of the World Happiest Country” claims that “hygge” effect is taking place everywhere in Denmark: Danes enjoy having a cozy dinner by aromatherapist candle light, the smell of freshly ground coffee beans, fluffy socks, giving small gifts to your friends and colleagues for no reason… Yet certainly, the most crucial of that is treating others with love and respect, which starts from love for yourself first. The author claims that living the “hygge” life does not really require any investments: one is not required to try too hard, or invest. All you need to do is to start enjoying the little things that are already happening in your life, and know when you should just stop, relax, and enjoy the moment.
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