Hygge: The Danish Happiness Secret

Isn't it enough just to be Danish to be happy? Fun: The Danes' Secret to HappinessThis is exactly what I had in mind when I first saw the book. Friend, you are one of the most prosperous countries in the world, you are Danish and you are happy, it's that simple. You don't have a livelihood, you don't have to worry about which school to send the child to, you don't have to worry about security, you're Danish and you're happy. When I couldn't travel during the corona period, I bought the book Hygge long after it was released, with the words of Ferhan Şensoy, “out of curiosity”, thinking that I would at least read books about the cultures of the countries I could not go to. In this article, it is described at length in the book of Hygge. Hygge philosophy, considered the Danish secret of happinessI will talk about my journey of happiness and what I have done in my own happiness journey, my intersection points with Hygge. I hope you will reach your destination in your pursuit of happiness.

Hygge: The Danish Book of Happiness

Denmark is among the countries where the happiest people in the world live in many studies. If you ask the Danes the secret of this happiness, the answer is: Hygge. The Danes' Secret to Happiness is a guide for those who are looking for ways to be as happy as a Dane. Before getting into the content of the book, let me give you a brief overview of Hygge: The Danes' Secret to Happiness.

• Author of Hygge: Meik Wiking, president of the world-renowned Happiness Research Institute.
• Among the best sellers: Published in 2016, the book entered the international bestseller list.
• Publisher of Hygge book: The publisher of the book in Turkey is Pegasus Publications, and the first publication date in Turkey is 2017.

About Meik Wiking, Author of Hygge

*Photo courtesy of Monte Cristo Magazine.

Author of Hygge Weik Vikingis a Dane who managed to enter the bestseller lists with 3 books he wrote on happiness. Wiking, who defines himself as someone who seeks happiness, well-being and quality of life, is the CEO of The Happiness Research Institute International.

Our writer is referred to by The Times magazine as The Indiana Jones of Smiles (Indiana Jones of the smile) and The World´s happiest man (the happiest man in the world).

Published books by Weik Wiking;

• The Art of Making Memories
• The Little Book of Lykke – Secrets of the Happiest People in the World
• The Little Book of Hygge – The Danish Happiness Secret

What Does Hygge Mean?

After getting some idea about the author, publisher and general content of the Hygge book, let's take a look at the word Hygge. I hope that learning the source of the word without learning its philosophy will make some things easier to understand.

The origin of the word, which has a pronunciation such as huga, hoga, Hüge, is Norwegian. Until 1814, Denmark and Norway were one kingdom. Therefore, their languages ​​are very close to each other and they have many common words. The Norwegian word hygge means "well-being". Another theory is that the word may have been derived from the word HUG, which means to hug, to embrace. There are similar words used in different languages ​​such as English and Germanic. The common point of all of them is that they are words that describe the philosophy of hygge, such as relaxation, hugs and well-being.

What is the Hygge Philosophy?

Hygee philosophy can be defined as the art of creating a friendly atmosphere, enjoying the presence of things that bring happiness, spending time with the people you love, feeling safe, not letting your guard down, staying away from annoying issues, that is, having a peaceful and happy time. Remember the moment you drank hot chocolate under a blanket on a cold winter night, a meal you ate with your family or close friends, here is exactly that moment Hygge tells you and recommends you to replicate such moments in your life.

At the beginning of the article, I mentioned that I will also tell you what I have done in my own life. Many things that I did without knowing it were already among the happiness secrets of the Danes. In fact, I have become someone who tries to build my life entirely on happiness. I know it sounds very ambitious, but I want to talk about what I have done to help you find your own identity and to inspire you. First of all, I started to stay away from work, people and places that made me unhappy in my life and completely removed them from my life whenever I had the opportunity. This was one of the reasons why I left my 19-year corporate life: Doing the job I love, being with the people I love, in the places I love. Check out the video where I tell my story.

Although I'm usually a very active person, I wouldn't trade the pleasure of watching a TV series or movie I love with my husband at home, with my blanket on me, my favorite coffee in my hand, for nothing.

I know many people, but I have few close friends. And I love to eat meals with them where our laughter doesn't stop. Even though I'm not very meticulous, I love to prepare meals for my friends and set the table. Because doing something for the people I care about makes me extra happy.

All these things I've told were daily activities for the Danes, but I didn't know until I read this book.

Feeling Huge while watching travel movie recommendations take a look at my post.

Hygge Dictionary

Let's take a look at some words that will help us to integrate the concept of hygge more into our lives.

• hyggelig: In the Hüge style, it means being comfortable together. You can use Hügelik in a sentence like a dinner.
• Fredagshygge or Sondagshygge: It is the day that happens on Friday and Sunday. In those days, activities such as watching TV together with the family and taking a short walk together are called.
• Hyggebukser: Those sweatpants with knees that we don't wear outside but don't take off at home, that's the hyggebukser.
• Hyggehjornet: It is used to mean to be in a hygge mood.
• Cozy corner: The place where you can spend Hygge time in a corner of the house is the corner. We will go into this subject in a little more detail.
• Hyggeonkel: It is said to soft-hearted people who like to spend time with children.
• hyggesnak: Pleasant conversation, deep conversation.
• Hyggestund: It is called a one-minute summary. It's like stopping and finding a moment of peace.
• Uhyggelight: It is used to mean non-humorous, creepy or scary.

Hygge Manifesto

Hüge has a 10-item manifesto that is simple and easy to implement. Let's take a look at the items on the list, shall we?

1. Environment: Dim lights, lamps that do not give light directly, or candlelight are indispensable for Hügen. In our house the lights are always dim. We like to turn off the lights and light the candles while my wife and I have something to eat.
2. Mind: The Danes solved the problem of staying in the moment, which we used to hear so often lately, years ago. Being here in the present is the condition of being a Hügelig. I've been trying to spend the last few years living completely in the moment. I am much happier without dealing with the past, without making solid plans for the future.
3. Pleasure: Coffee, chocolate, cake, confectionery Huge foods for Danes. Chocolate and coffee are my favourites. I wouldn't say no to dark, orange and pistachio chocolate.
4. Equality: We instead of me both reduces your responsibilities and enables you to be more sharing. If you're preparing the table, let your guests do something for you (this is my favorite part).
5. Gratitude: Be grateful for what you have, what you experience, what you feel. There are so many people in the world who are not as lucky as you, that alone is enough to keep you grateful.
6. Be in tune: It is important to accept that life is not a competition, but a part of it. I think this is one of the hardest items. Because many people are constantly wasting time and energy to prove themselves. However, if we can accept that nature is a part of the universe, we will be both more harmonious and happier. I am still working on this item.
7. Comfort: Very easy to say, very difficult to implement. If you leave yourself alone, everything will be easier and better. My late great-grandmother Selver used to say that "everything goes wrong with a bad man". Do not be reversed, be harmonious and comfortable so that your work and life will be comfortable.
8. Truce: Drama or political debates don't help anyone. Instead of arguing with people with differing views, choose to sign a truce and compromise. If everyone could do this, the world would be a different place. This is one of the subjects that I am still not very good at. I still can't manage to contain myself.
9. togetherness: Establish good relations and share good moments with your family, friends, loved ones. Let your eyes shine when you remember those moments. Remember that spending quality time is valuable, not spending a lot of time.
10. Shelter: Let your house be your castle. Your home should be the place where you feel peaceful and safe, and where you feel happy. Create spaces at home where you will feel good and make you feel happy. A furry, soft, calm space will do the trick.

How to Make Hygge Decoration?

Hüge lifestyle is also reflected in the decoration. When you think of Scandinavian countries, a certain style and color immediately comes to mind, right? Frankly, it's mine. Unknowingly, I said “How Scandinavian are the colors of Jotun sizes”, and I learned that it is a Norwegian brand. Let me not go further, calm colors, understated and natural products are enough to summarize the huge style decoration. Materials that are far from ostentatious, where comfort is at the forefront and that will keep you warm and peaceful are Hügelik. Then let me explain what we can do for hygge style decoration in order:

One of the main elements of creating an intimate and warm atmosphere is lighting. Candles, dim lights, yellow and non-sharp lighting are the first things that come to mind when Hygge is mentioned. Even the famous Danish lamp brands reflect this style. If possible, fireplace would be great. Most of the Danes have fireplaces in their homes, it's a bit difficult for us to apply, maybe something that looks like a fireplace would also work.

Since hygge cares about being natural and intertwined with nature, wooden tables, animal skins (I do not support this, prefer imitation instead of original animal skin), natural colors are indispensable in decoration.

Knitted blankets, soft poufs, knitted baskets made of natural materials will provide the simple elegance you are looking for. Again, large flowers that will increase the emphasis on nature will decorate your home and balance the negative energy in the house, so it will be a complete element of humour.

Above all, decorating your home with materials that will make you feel good. It will make you feel good if the home decoration is heartwarming and simple and evokes nature. Let's start removing the things that seem too much to you in your home now, the parts that are too much for you can bring happiness to those who need it. This will make you feel much happier.

If you've read the article so far, I think you've learned a lot about hygge, that is, huge, and you understand how easy it can be to be happy. The simplest is always the hardest to do, but start somewhere and give yourself a shot.

Stay happy!