IN THIS EPISODE OF EMPOWERED TALKS

Let’s discuss the meaning of hygge & how the Danes practice it. Let’s learn from them and pick the things that we can apply in our daily lives. 

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

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SHOW NOTES:

• The Little Book of Hygge : The Danish Way to Live Well by Meik Wiking
• The Little Book of Lykke: The Danish Search for the World’s Happiest People by Meik Wiking

The Happiest Nation in the World

Denmark holds on to its longstanding position as one of the happiest nations in the world in 2019 edition of the World Happiness Report. While we can proudly say that Filipinos always put a smile, even though we’re in the middle of a catastrophe, but being jolly is entirely different from being happy because the overall happiness has something to do with the overall quality of life.

The Happiness Institute conducts research and according to their website – they “combine qualitative and quantitative methods to provide insights on the level of well-being, happiness and quality of life.” of a country.

They measure the quality of life by examining different dimensions such as the cognitive, the affective and the eudaimonic dimension.

• Cognitive Dimension – the overall life satisfaction
• Affective Dimension – refers to the kind of emotions (positive & negative) that the people experience everyday
• The Eudaimonic dimension – the purpose and meaning of life.

And because the Danes are the Happiest People, it’s very interesting to take a look on how they do things and what makes them the happiest?

Are they earning more?
Do they have better bosses?

The Concept of HYGGE

There is no direct English translation for hygge. Meik Wiking explained that hygge is all about an atmosphere, an experience and not the amount spent. It’s not necessary to spend a lot.

For example, a staycation in a hotel may be a form of relaxation but it’s not hygge. Or a relaxing time at the spa – it can be a form of self-care but again, not hygge. It can be as simple as being comfortable with each other’s silent company or enjoying your own cup of hot tea.

Hygge is all about the feeling of familiarity and being with the people we love. That feeling of being at home where you can let your guard down.

Basic Elements of Hygge

#1: LIGHT

Hygge is not complete if you don’t have candles because light is one of the basic elements of hygge. According to Wiking, from October to March it is dark in Denmark and so it can also be gloomy and the weather can affect your mood. The author even used Game of Thrones as a reference because the weather is almost like Winterfell – short summer, cold and dark winter and 179 days of rain per year. 

Hygge is the antidote to the cold winter, the rainy days and the duvet of darkness.

– MEIK WIKING

So in Denmark, they got candles in almost every room And they prefer the natural & organic candles.

Another source of light is of course LAMPS & the Danes would place the lamps strategically to create soothing lights. The lower the light, the more hygge.

#2: TOGETHERNESS

A. PRESENCE

It’s more than just being physically present. It means you’re truly being in that moment; Mindfully & wholeheartedly. 

B. HARMONY & EQUALITY

“The art of Hygge is also the art of expanding your comfort zone to include other people.” You can hygge all by your self but it’s also done with a small group of people who are dear to you. No one takes center stage because equality is an important element of Hygge. and how to make it even more hygge? help the host in the kitchen. 😄

#3: FOOD & DRINKS

Food and drinks will always be part of any culture! Eating is a basic human function and of course, it’s best when what you eat is pleasurable or it makes you relaxed and happier.

Hygge is about being kind to yourself – giving yourself a treat, and giving yourself and each other, a break from the demands of healthy living. On a regular basis, they still practice healthy living but they take a break every once in a while. So don’t use hygge as an excuse to devour the desserts without control. Plus, the Danes are very active. They walk and bike a lot rather than drive so they burn a lot of calories, too.

Something sinful is an integral component of the hygge ritual. But it shouldn’t be fancy or extravagant.

– MEIK WIKING

But the hygge ritual is not just eating & drinking. In fact, the food preparation is included too! Like when you bake a bread and the entire house is filled with the freshly-baked smell.

Hygge Spot

The author advised that every house should have a nook or a space where you can relax. This is the part where the concept of minimalism comes. Ideally, a hyggekrog or your nook is the place where you have a blanket, some pillows and it’s where you read a book while enjoying a cup of hot beverage. Again, the concept of Hygge is all about giving your responsible, stressed-out adult life a break. 😄  And isn’t it neat to have that spot in your home where you know when you go there, you are leaving your shits behind and just relax.

Wiking mentioned in his book that Hygge is humble and slow. It means it’s choosing rustic or old over new and shiny things. Simple over posh and ambience over excitement. He also said that simplicity & modesty are the central of hygge and at the same time, it’s part of the Danes’ culture and design. Simplicity & functionality. or in other words, MORE BLING, less HYGGE.To recap the things that I mentioned,here are the

5 Dimensions of HYGGE

1. Taste of Hygge – its familiar, sweet & comforting
   • For example:
     • Tea – Add honey
     • Cake – add the icing
       
2. Sound of Hygge – in Denmark or perhaps the western culture, it’s the crackling sound of the burning wood but the sound of hygge is any sound of a safe environment.
   
3. Smell of Hygge – it’s the smell that takes you to a particular moment, time & place as long as it’s safe, comforting & cared for. It’s the smell that tells you to put your guards down completely.
   
4. Feeling of Hygge – the organic feel & texture of something that’s imperfect. 
   • That warm ceramic cup where you drink your coffee/tea.
     
5. Seeing Hygge – all about lights but not too bright. While the movements, it’s slow & organic movements & of course, dark, natural colours. Examples of these are:
   • burning wood
   • snow fall 
   • rain

Factors contributing to the overall
happiness of the Danes

Surveys named Denmark as the happiest country in the world and while practicing hygge is a factor contributing to the overall happiness of the Danes, but that’s on a personal level. Wiking admitted that one of the main reasons why Denmark is doing well when it comes to International happiness surveys is because of the welfare state.

The Welfare State

A welfare state is a system whereby the state undertakes to protect the health and well-being of its citizens, especially those in financial or social need, by means of grants, pensions, and other benefits.

The government cares about the well being of the population. In Denmark, They are paying high taxes but the people see it as investing on their society. It’s purchasing quality of life where the state reduces the risk, uncertainty and anxiety of its citizens and in return, it prevents unhappiness. Not just for those who can afford, but for everyone.

They got Universal & Free Health Care, Free University education and relatively generous unemployment benefits and these are very important for those who are not well-off. While Hygge is unique to the Danes, the welfare state is common with other Nordic countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland. And that’s why if you’ll notice, the top ten countries on the happiness ranking are Nordic countries.

High Level of Trust

In Meik Wiking’ 2nd book – The Little Book of Lykke, he mentioned that it’s common in Denmark to see strollers (with sleeping kids) parked outside coffee shops. The parents are confident enough to leave their kids outside while they grab some coffee. Which is one of the things that I am confident to say on this episode. we don’t have that in the Philippines. We don’t have that high level of trust when it comes to other people (at least in the Philippines, Manila to be exact).

In fact, we’re very suspicious because if you’re naive, you can easily be a victim of a crime. The fear of texting/calling in a public transport is real because someone might snatch your phone. Even if you are in a relatively safe place, but a taxi driver can swindle you any time of the day.

Social Support

The strong link between happiness and relationship was discussed in his book. Studies suggest that having high levels of happiness leads to better social relationships. For the Danes, it’s important for them to have time with the family and friends. That’s also why they strongly practice work-life balance.

In most offices in Denmark, the employees leave early because they are picking up their kids from school so to see employees leave at 4PM is normal. In my opinion, the Danes spend less time on their screens and more time with real people. 

If I were to sum up the The Essence of the Little Book of Lykke (and how the Danes are considered the Happiest People in the world.)I say that:

1. They believe that more money does not mean you are happier.
2. Less social media, more time on real connection and relationships.
3. Less ambitions on materialistic stuff.
   • Stop spending money on stuff that you don’t need to impress people.
4. Buy memories, not things.
5. Move more and make it part of your daily routine.
   • You can eat the sweets, but be sure to sweat it off later. Danes are not gym rats but on average, they are active for at least 5 hours per week. And majority of the population are biking!

We sit still at work, we stand still on the escalator, we walk through the doors that open automatically, we take the lift we drive to the gym to go to the train on the Stairmaster for an hour.

– MEIK WIKING

CONCLUSION

Is it possible to do what the Danes are doing? The simple answer is yes. It is possible.

Start by practicing hygge because that’s something that you can control. It’s possible to practice gratitude, focus on the good things and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. We don’t need autumn or winter season.

So here’s my challenge for you. Starting this weekend, start spending more time with your family and friends, be gadget-free and just enjoy the moment. Light that candle, settle down on your fave spot and just admire nature. Think of the things to be thankful for than focusing on the things that’s frustrating you. Be thankful for a change. Or maybe start listing 3 good things that happened to you every day and see how it changes your overall feeling.

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Empowered Talks is a podcast show that empowers people to find their voice through self-discovery.