Hygge, the Danish lifestyle that makes you happier and fitter

Hygge, pronounced hooga, is as Danish (people of Denmark), as pork roast and it goes far in illuminating the Danish soul.

In essence, hygge means creating a warm positive atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people.

The warm glow of a candlelight is hygge.

A friend emanating positive vibes is hygge.

Friends and family is hygge too.

Discussing the big and small things in life is hygge.

The Danish have hygge in their daily routine – reason enough to be ranked as amongst the happiest people in the world!

Hygge is all about finding a deeper meaning and establishing a mindful connection with the world.

You don’t need to live luxuriously or look for grand gestures; you just have to enjoy the smaller joys with your favourite people.

Hygge makes you feel good – and that is not just great for your mental well-being, but physical fitness too.

TIPS TO BE HYGGE HAPPY:

Taking time off
As suggested by many studies, taking time off all by yourself in a park, forest or natural environment lowers stress levels, increases energy, boosts self-esteem and makes you less angry. In Scandinavia, people take time off to go hunting as sometimes even hunting requires people to wait for an entire day in the forest and they use this time to sit alone and concentrate. Though not so easy, yet this leads to the feeling of being content.

Sing a song
The Danish people or Danes, as they are called, like to sing in a group – whether it is birthdays, anniversaries or festivals. Research says that singing in groups not only makes people happier, but it has benefits similar to yoga. The heartbeats and breathing synchronise, which help lung and heart health – according to a study. Singing together also releases the ‘happy’ hormone oxytocin, which lowers stress and increases feelings of trust and bonding.

Skip the gym
On your journey to achieve Hygge, sometimes, it’s okay to go easy on strict fitness regime. The Danes love nature and believe that exercising outdoors is preferable to the gym. Instead of doing cardio exercises (treadmill, cross-trainer, etc.) in the gym go out for a jog or a long walk in a garden. Working out in a park or garden is more likely to help you keep a consistent routine.

Coffee break
Fika, which is a Swedish tradition, is simply taking a break to sit down and enjoy a food, snack or drink of your liking. This simple activity in your busy work schedule will make your day.

Family meals
Next time you plan to meet up with your grandparents or cousins, plan a dinner at home instead of going to a restaurant. And involve your family members, to zero down on the menu and prepare the meal together. And give everyone a role — cooking, setting the table, serving food, cleaning the dishes after the meal etc. This is a bonding exercise. And don’t forget to throw in some board games or play a round of dumb charades!

Feel the joy of working out
For many, exercising indoors is boring while the joy of working out is not – the Danes view both as an enjoyable activity and not a manic obsession. So if gym doesn’t suit your way of life try a more holistic approach to fitness, maybe, a dance classes or aqua aerobics!

Create your own little world
Intentionally idle or day dream once in a while – do not see it as a waste of time – it is not. Set aside a time in the day and create a space where your spirit can catch up with your mind. Do things that you want to – bathe in a tub, drink a glass of wine as you mingle with your inner thoughts, or switch off your phone and sit quietly and allow your mind to wander off. In short, catch up with yourself.

Occasionally binge on favourite foods
If you follow a strict regulated life, do not feel guilty if you have to indulge under pressure from family or friends. Hygge means enjoying the good things in life, especially those that make you happy, even if it means having your favourite fatty foods too! Have your cheat day once a week like the Scandinavians, who do it since childhood. In fact, there are studies that show that a treat, every now and then, can make a person more likely to stick to a diet.

If you want to live happier and fitter, hygge is the new word!