Hygge (pronounced hue-gah) has many definitions. A lot of people say it's 'cosiness' but it loses a lot if you simply translate it that way. We don't really have a word for it, though it associated with happiness. Explaining what exactly Hygge is, is difficult. Like happiness, it is different for different people but it is associated with being comfortable and content, either with loved ones or alone.
It can be called the ultimate 'me time' (although ideally it involves 'we' time). Cutting yourself off from the world for a while and just being content. The abscence of anoyyance, cosy togetherness and the favourite of Meik Wiking (author of 'The Little Book Of Hygge') cocoa by candlelight. Hygge is about atmosphere and experience.
Denmark is, reportedly, the happiest country in the world. It is also the country where the Happiness Research Institute is based. Lots are confused as to why, it rains 179 days of the year, summers are short and the citizens are subject to some of the highest tax rates in the world.
Like lots of things, and in a great part happiness, it is a question of perspective. the Danes see taxes as investing in ther society, there is great support for the Welfare State as they believe, rightly in my opinion, that the welfare model turns their collective wealth into well-being.
So, why are the Danes so happy? Why is Denmark the happiest country in the world while other countries seem to be full of unhappy, unfufilled people? Is it all just persepective? Well to answer that last question, perhaps it is, in part. But happiness is not a switch you can flick on and off. It's not something you can sustain by taking 15 minutes out of your day to drink a cup of tea whilst staring at a candle. So, let us learn from the Danes and learn about Hygge and how to achieve it.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated in any way with The Insitute of Happiness, Copenhagen or it's employees, Meik Wiking, The Times, Penguin Books or Printer Trento. Any misinformation or opinions posted on this site are those of the author only. Copyright infringement of any kind is unintended.
