LIFESTYLE
A hygge home
The Danish Happiness Formula
By SPREADABLE MAGAZINE
Hygge is a philosophy of life that we can all practice at home. In this note we tell you some of the secrets of the Danes to achieve happiness indoors.
In 2017, the hygge (pronounced ju-ga) lifestyle became internationally known thanks to the book Hygge, happiness in the little things, by Meik Wiking. This book, which became a best-seller according to the New York Times in the United States and the Sunday Times in the United Kingdom, was published a year after the United Nations declared Denmark the happiest country in the world. of the world.
Hygge is not a fashion: it is a philosophy of life. Hygge is the feeling of well-being that we can find in everyday and simple things, such as having a cup of hot tea, chatting quietly with a friend, reading a book in the armchair and enjoying warm lighting by candlelight. According to the official Oxford dictionary, hygge is the feeling of warmth and comfort that generates a feeling of happiness in people.
This lifestyle was born in Denmark. In this Nordic country, winters are long, cold and dark: only four hours of sunshine a day, with average temperatures of 0 °C. Although the climate is generally mild, it rains for 170 days a year. Thus, homes are the epicenters of social life.
For this reason, Danish society has created its own strategies for indoor enjoyment. In the words of Meik Wiking, “(…) hygge has reached a high level of refinement in Denmark and is considered part of the national identity and culture. Hygge is the antidote to cold winter, rainy days and the cloak of darkness. So while hygge can be enjoyed year-round, it's during the winter that it becomes not just a necessity, but a survival strategy."
However, hygge is practiced all year round (not only in winter), since it consists of throbbing that "feeling of home" in any place. Being with the people we love, walking in a park, or simply being alone and in peace enjoying a movie, in a pleasant and welcoming environment. The art of cooking and eating slowly is also part of this philosophy: the conscious enjoyment of small everyday pleasures.
Although there are certain characteristic elements of this culture, such as the use of candles, blankets, lamps, wooden objects and books, hygge is based more on experiences than on the consumption of certain objects or "things". In this sense, it is a simple lifestyle to practice. It is based on another way of understanding life.
In times when we are confined at home, putting this Danish philosophy into practice can be key to our well-being "indoors". We can turn our house into a refuge, a place of calm, peace and security, enjoying the here and now. It is enough to turn off the lights, light some candles, and drink that hot tea or a good mate.
We all want to be happy. Denmark's high quality of life as a country and its hygge culture can serve as a source of inspiration in the pursuit of happiness.
YOUR HYGGEKROG CORNER
We can create spaces to read, meditate, watch movies or listen to music. The hyggekrog are personal corners where we can relax and disconnect from everyday stress. To build these "home temples", hygge has its decoration secrets.
The lighting. Lighting a candle at home, while watching a movie or reading a book, is key to achieving a sense of well-being and finding happiness at home. In Danish, levende lys (living lights) are the fastest way to enter a hygge state.
For this reason, candles are the star element in “hyggelig” lighting. Some electric lamps are also added, as long as they incorporate warm and dim lights.
textiles. Nordic blankets and cushions are ideal for relaxing and snuggling up on the couch.
Wool, cotton, linen or synthetic leather textiles that we can put on stools, beds or armchairs awaken our sense of touch and help us find those little everyday pleasures.
A few years ago the rage exploded in our country for Nordic fabrics and, in particular, for extra-large, braided and super fluffy blankets. These blankets are used as a coat, but also as decorative objects. To weave them, needles are not used, but the arms and hands.
Among the most chosen materials for Nordic blankets is fleece wool. “The fleece I use comes from Patagonia. It is not a synthetic material. It comes from the sheep. I choose raw, natural colors or mink, because they go with everything”, tells us Romina Oliva, founder of the brand Quiero mi manta XXL. In addition, Romina gives Nordic weaving workshops, now at a distance. From her workshop in El Palomar (Zona Oeste), she affirms that the feeling of weaving provides absolute peace. The act of weaving has sedative properties, it helps to cultivate calm and patience.
The cups. Touching the texture of a hot porcelain cup, to drink tea or coffee, gives us an immediate feeling of well-being.
The books. They are indispensable elements of this philosophy. We can build stacks on tables or shelves in your relaxation spaces. Placing art or literary books in different hyggekrog corners of the house invites us to take a break and treat ourselves to a coffee table moment to be calm and awaken the imagination.
Colors. In the Nordic culture, white is predominant, and beige, pastel and gray tones are added to illuminate the space and create a pleasant atmosphere.
The heating. Being near a heat source completes the scenario. In the Nordic countries, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and salamanders are used, but it is also worth electric heating that we can adapt to our lifestyle in the city.
Free spaces. In hygge culture, “less is more”. Let's avoid overloading environments, let's keep free spaces.
We can all find pleasure in the smallest things in life, and make the everyday feel extraordinary. We can take advantage of this time of being #home to cultivate a healthier and happier life. We will meet again with our friends and family: let's prepare a cozy atmosphere, to share a good chat and a snack.
