HAPPY HYGEE

I want to move to Denmark!  Know why??  Because it is considered one of the two happiest countries in the world😊 (The other is Norway.)  Want to know what makes all those Danish people so happy?  Well, at least one of the main things is that they practice HYGGE (pronounced as I’m told as “hoo-ga”).  I have recently read a few articles explaining HYGGE, and I must say I am very intrigued.  British journalist Helen Russell wrote about HYGGE in her 2015 book The Year of Living Danishly.  She defines HYGEE as “taking pleasure in the presence of gentle, soothing things.”  I like the sound of that!  In a publication put out by an insurance company HYGEE was referred to as The Cozy Craze.  Cozy….one of my favorite words!  And one of my favorite ways to spend my time. 

So how does a person practice HYGGE?  Well, here are a few examples:

*grab a blanket, a good book, & a cup of hot chocolate and just chill out😊

                                                                     

                                                           

*have an intimate dinner for two….or enjoy a night out with friends

*go for a leisurely stroll in the woods or the park 

*turn out the lights, light some candles, & cozy up in front of the fireplace

(I read somewhere that Denmark burns more candles per capita than any other country!)

*pack some wine and cheese and go on a picnic….alone or with someone special

                                                                 

 

                                                    

*sit in the porch swing with your child or grandchild and just talk (no cell phones allowed!)

*have a Pajama Day and binge on old movies

*soak awhile in a hot bubble bath with your favorite music playing in the background                                       

                                                                   

 

                     

HYGGE can be thought of as anything that brings you “coziness” and “calm” whether with family, friends, or just yourself.  Doesn’t that sound positively wonderful?  With all the stress many/most of us face these days, I think we should all follow the example of the Danes and HYGGE as much as possible!

I’m off to pour a glass of wine, grab some oldie but goldies, and soak awhile in a nice hot bubble bath!  How about you???  What is your HYGGE?