{"id":417,"date":"2019-09-05T01:31:59","date_gmt":"2019-09-05T01:31:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wellbeing.com.au\/curious\/?p=417"},"modified":"2019-09-05T01:36:33","modified_gmt":"2019-09-05T01:36:33","slug":"cocoa-by-candlelight-step-into-the-world-of-hygge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wellbeing.com.au\/curious\/cocoa-by-candlelight-step-into-the-world-of-hygge","title":{"rendered":"Cocoa by candlelight: step into the cosy world of hygge"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Denmark is continually rated as one of the happiest and most contented societies in the world, so it\u2019s no wonder we\u2019re fascinated with their secrets to happy living. A big part of the Danish way of life is experiencing hygge<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You have probably already experienced some of the hygge \u201ctrend\u201d that has been rippling across the world. Chances are you are attracted to the cosiness and closeness that\u2019s central to this Danish-born philosophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While hygge is not new to Scandinavians, this way of living could not have been shared with the rest of the world at a better time \u2014 when we are all living such fast-paced and technology-overloaded lives. Hygge offers us respite from the modern problems of exhaustion, adrenal fatigue and disconnection; from ourselves, our communities and where we live. It seems that hygge encompasses all the things that our minds, bodies and souls are craving. Hallelujah!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meik Wiking, author of The Little Book of Hygge<\/em> and CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, has spent years studying the magic of Danish life. Meik writes that hygge has no direct translation and has been called everything from \u201ccosiness of the soul\u201d to \u201cthe absence of annoyance\u201d and, his personal favourite, \u201ccocoa by candlelight\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hygge is a term that names our desire for comfort, simplicity and peacefulness. It\u2019s not a concept that only the Danish have a monopoly over, but its power comes from them consciously choosing to weave it into their everyday lives<\/a> to such an extent that it\u2019s described as a part of their DNA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hygge is essentially a philosophy for living that encompasses warmth, togetherness, safety, familiarity, peacefulness, simplicity and contentment. It\u2019s no wonder the global awareness of this concept has taken off as so many of us are yearning to slow down and create more joyful, fulfilling and sustainable lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what does hygge feel like and what can we learn from Denmark in terms of hygge, happiness and health?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Time with your tribe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are countless studies that show how important social connection is to our health and wellbeing. Without it, our health declines at a greater rate than from the effects of obesity, smoking and high blood pressure. With it, strong social connections increase our immune system function, lower our anxiety and boost our self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hygge is about experiencing meaningful, sincere and loving connections with others. It is usually described as a shared sense of \u201cthis is my tribe\u201d where there is a genuine connection, care and contentment between friends and family. It\u2019s similar to the Buddhist concept of loving-kindness and realising that we are all vulnerable, precious and connected to each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In all of Meik\u2019s years of research at the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, he says, \u201cThis is the point I am surest about: the best predictor of whether we are happy or not is our social relationships.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In your relationship with your family and friends, it\u2019s about enjoying their company without being controlling, competitive or jealous. Make time to be with them to share stories, feelings and enjoyable experiences to embrace this feeling of being meaningfully connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sharing fun, uplifting stories from your past is a great way to connect with family and friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consciously cosy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The decision to incorporate hygge into your life needs to be a conscious one \u2014 not only from the onset but every day as you weave it into your life. It\u2019s essential that the homely cosiness that is hygge is created consciously to ensure it\u2019s fully embraced, enjoyed and savoured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A family meal is hygge when all your family members actively make the decision to be present when sharing a meal. Start by choosing to turn off all electronic devices to eliminate distractions, sit together at the table and listen to each other\u2019s stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hygge is an experience that\u2019s all about feeling at home, which really refers to where you feel safe to be yourself. It\u2019s not exclusively felt at home or with family. It\u2019s about feeling safe, secure, content and present with the ones we love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our need for shelter and safety is at our core, but hygge highlights the importance that this comes from a desire for comfort and not from a desire to rise above each other. Consider ways you can create a sense of warmth and security within all areas of your life without needing to compare and compete with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Harmonious lighting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lighting is one the most significant element of hygge. No recipe for hygge would be complete without considering lighting to maintain a softness, as with candles. The Danes burn more candles per head than any other group in Europe. Meik says, \u201cThe Danish obsession with lighting comes from their lack of contact with it in the natural world from October to March.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s the light that candles create that\u2019s important. It\u2019s warm and soft, and creates a greater depth of atmosphere. The aim is to turn our living spaces into homely sanctuaries with small caves of light around the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Danes prefer natural and organic candles and consider scented candles artificial. Candles can be found burning in classrooms and boardrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being, not having<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Simplicity is at the heart of hygge. It is about being, not having, and celebrating life\u2019s simple pleasures. \u201cHygge happens when we commit to the pleasure of the present moment in its simplicity,\u201d says Louisa Thomsen Brits in The Book of Hygge<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtually anything can be hyggelig<\/em>, although the Danes do have lists of things that qualify. It\u2019s less about choosing the right activity and following rules and more about knowing what makes you feel peaceful, content and secure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hygge cannot be bought or sold. It is a philosophy for living that allows you to fully embrace experiences with your mind, body and soul. Many cultures have an equivalent of \u201csitting down to have a nice cup of tea\u201d, but in the Danish philosophy it\u2019s about experiencing this ritual fully and in a way that is similar to the mindful awareness practices of Buddhist teachings and yoga practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The key is to embrace the experiences you love, fully and completely. These experiences can be shared, solo, at home or work-based \u2014 it doesn\u2019t matter. Allow yourself to live them in the moment and appreciate how they nourish your spirit as well as their other tangible benefits, like nourishing your body with a good meal or soaking in warm bath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charlotte Abrahams, the writer behind Hygge, a Celebration of Simple Pleasures. Living theDanish Way<\/em><\/a>, writes,\u201cIt is about taking a break from the rush of life and really noticing that break. I think the distinctive thing about hygge is the fact that it gives those moments of downtime a name and that means we are more likely to make time for them and regard them as important.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indulge happily <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hygge is all about taking a break from eating healthy and giving yourself an opportunity to enjoy sweet and indulgent treats. \u201cSweets are hyggelige. Cake is hyggeligt. Coffee or hot chocolate are hyggeligt, too. Carrot sticks, not so much,\u201d Meik says. Meik believes the high level of meat, confectionary and coffee consumption in Denmark links directly to hygge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the Danish burn more candles per capita than any other nation in the world and enjoy sweet and indulgent treats, they are not known for type 2 diabetes and fire hazards; they are known for happiness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHygge is about being kind to yourself \u2014 giving yourself a treat and giving yourself, and each other, a break from the demands of healthy living,\u201d Meik says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to hygge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if you don’t live in Denmark, here are some easy ways you can incorporate more hygge into your life. It doesn\u2019t need to be a cold winter\u2019s day to be inspired to embrace the cosiness of hygge. Its essence can be embraced in any climate and celebrates the season you are experiencing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Five quick tips for bringing more hygge into your life:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n